Degree Programs

This degree is designed for students preparing for a professional career in the restoration or reclamation of degraded or severely damaged lands. Job opportunities are available with environmental consulting companies, governmental and non-governmental land management organizations, regulatory agencies and private individuals. This curriculum provides a solid foundation for students planning to pursue an advanced degree in restoration ecology, disturbed land reclamation or natural resources management.

Forestry (Forest Resource Management) (FORS MGT)

Forest Resource Management is designed to both educate and train professionals to manage forests and conduct forest research. Whether the primary goal of forest management is timber, water, wildlife, or recreation, students graduating from this option will be well-equipped to provide the forest values which society demands.

Forestry (Urban Forest Management) (FORS URF)

Urban Forest Management deals with the ways in which plants and trees improve the quality of the urban environment. Urban Forestry is a specialized discipline that incorporates elements from forestry and horticulture as well as municipal management and planning. This discipline seeks to maximize the benefits and minimize the cost of urban forests to make our cities more livable.

Renewable Natural Resources (RENR)

The Renewable and Natural Resources degree is for students with a broad interest in natural resources and ecology, including forestry and associated values such as range and wildland, wildlife, recreation, water, and other environmental sciences. Students may design degree plans emphasizing natural resource management, social and public policy, or biophysical sciences.

Rangeland Ecology and Management (Ranch Management Option) (RLEM RMO)

Students majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Management are taught to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on conservation and maintenance of biological diversity in wet to arid environments. This degree is designed for students preparing for careers in ranch management and agribusiness. This option emphasizes management and utilization of rangeland for livestock and wildlife production. It provides excellent preparation for students desiring to obtain a Master of Agriculture degree in ranch management. Employment opportunities are available on private ranches, businesses, and industries supporting ranches and with state and federal agencies.

Rangeland Ecology and Management (Ranch Recourses Option) (RLEM RRO)

Students majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Management are taught to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on conservation and maintenance of biological diversity in wet to arid environments. This degree is designed for students preparing for careers in the private, state and federal sectors in the area of natural resources conservation and management. It also provides good preparation for graduate study leading to positions in extension, teaching, research and consulting. It allows maximum flexibility to orient a degree program towards specific career interests. Students are encouraged to develop an emphasis area by selecting 24 hours of directed elective courses in related disciplines. Several suggested emphasis areas for the Rangeland Resources Option follow.

Spatial Sciences (SPSA)

This degree gives students the knowledge and skills to use computer-based technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing. These technologies help natural and environmental resource managers in mapping geographical features, patterns, changes, and conditions for environmental decision-making, planning, and problem solving. Texas A&M University, through the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (Spatial Sciences Laboratory) and the Department of Geography, offers a degree in spatial sciences that combines a solid background in spatial science and environmental studies. This degree provides students with an advanced knowledge of the spatial sciences, experience in interpretation of aerial photographs and satellite images, as well as a broad understanding of computer applications and database management.

Through core coursework in spatial sciences and supporting courses students will learn to utilize the full potential of the spatial sciences in real-world problem solving. From real-time wildfire risk assessment, to crime analysis, the spatial sciences are fast becoming an integral part of modern resource management.

For more information, visit the Spatial Sciences Degree Program site.