Curriculum

This section is meant to explain the parts of a degree in Natural Resources. It also contains information about the Natural Resourcs Minor and advising guides.

Natural Resources Degree

The Natural Resources program curriculum consists of four distinct parts:

Each part is explained briefly below. Follow the corresponding links to see more information, including the official coursework requirements in the OSU General Catalog and descriptions for each specialty option.

OSU Baccalaureate Core (51 credit hours)

The Baccalaureate Core (Bacc Core) Curriculum represents what the OSU faculty believes is the foundation for students' further understanding of the modern world. Informed by natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities, the Bacc Core requires students to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize ideas and information when evaluating major societal issues. Importantly, the Bacc Core promotes understanding of interrelationships among disciplines in order to increase students' capacities as ethical citizens of an ever-changing world.

Students must complete a total of 48 credits plus a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) of at least 3 credits.

Natural Resources Core (46 credit hours)

The Natural Resources Core provides a common educational background for NR majors. These include basic courses in mathematics, statistics, biology, and ecology. Courses in water, earth, and atmospheric sciences, and resource economics and policy broaden the NR curriculum base. We also offer specially designed seminars and a capstone course in natural resource decision making that round out the academic program.

Natural Resources Breadth (21 credit hours)

Breadth requirements are designed to broaden the student's learning base. Students choose one course from each of seven natural resource areas. Students must identify and comply with course prerequisites for all classes. Courses may count in only one breadth area.

Natural Resources Specialty Option (50 hours)

Incorporated in a student’s course of study is the Specialty Option – 50 credits supporting an academic theme related to natural resources. It is in the specialty option that the student develops depth and a particular focus on natural resources. Provided on the link above are details about the specialty options available.

Natural Resources Minor

Students majoring in other programs at OSU can choose a minor in Natural Resources. The minor is intended to provide a broad exposure to the natural resources field. It offers coursework in seven areas that integrate a number of natural resource disciplines.

Sustainable Natural Resources Graduate Certificate

Please note: This program is not offered through the Natural Resources program. You can find information about this program on the Ecampus Sustainable Natural Resources webpage.