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Minors

Coastal Management

coastal management class

Coastal lands and resources are under increasing pressure due to a variety of environmental and societal issues. Sea level rise, urbanization, energy production, tropical storms, and habitat loss are just some of the pressing issues facing coastal areas. There is an increasing need for professionals trained to manage natural resources in these areas. Through coursework in the Coastal Zone Management minor, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the coastal environment and how management and policy are applied to natural resources. To complete this minor, students will be required to attend Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory (DISL) for one summer.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that graduates may pursue during their careers include:

  • Regulatory specialist
  • Environmental protection specialist
  • Coastal management project manager
  • Educational program manager
  • Risk assessor
  • Coastal zone manager
  • Coastal planning project manager

Environmental Law

Woman speaking at conference table, man seated beside her

This minor will prepare students with knowledge of issues related to the current laws governing environmental protection, natural resource management, sustainable development, and land-use planning. Graduates who pursue an environment law degree may represent the public’s interest in environmental cases or work in private practice or as in-house counsel for corporations. Fifteen hours are required to complete the minor.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

 

Some professional positions graduates may pursue during their careers include:

  • Regulatory specialist
  • Environmental protection specialist
  • Coastal management project manager
  • Community planner
  • Environmental lawyer (with a law degree)

Forest Health

faculty and students examine pine boughs for evidence of disease

Healthy forests are a critical part of our nation’s landscape. Our forests provide humans with several benefits, including shelter, water, and food, as well as wood for construction, furnishings, and other necessities. Through coursework in the Forest Health minor, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of insect and disease management to maintain a sustainable forest.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

 

Some professional positions that graduates may pursue include:

  • Forest health specialist
  • Forest manager
  • Land manager

Forest Seedling Nursery Management

collecting data from pine seedlings

This minor prepares students with the knowledge to successfully operate a forest seedling nursery to provide favorable conditions for seedling growth. Successful nurseries depend on optimal site selection, adequate planning, strategic cultivation, and sufficient disease and pest control. Graduates will work in state, private, and federal forest seedling nurseries to produce conifer and hardwood bare-root and container seedlings used in reforestation programs throughout North America.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students with this minor may pursue include:

  • Forest seedling nursery manager
  • Nursery specialist

 

Nature-based Recreation

Students in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment embark on a study abroad program in South Africa in the Summer of 2023, led by Dr. Stephen Ditchkoff.

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and has grown significantly over the last half-century. One of the fastest-growing segments of the industry, ecotourism, is anchored in nature-based experiences. Nature-based recreation activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, bird watching, sightseeing, and hunting benefit society in various ways. Benefits include much-needed escape from everyday life, healthy exercise, excitement and adventure, and even economic benefits to local towns and companies.  Students in this minor will learn the theory, principles and values, business and management, communication skills, and conservation foci of nature-based recreation and ecotourism. The minor is designed for students interested in careers in government, private business, and non-profit companies that offer outdoor recreation opportunities.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students may pursue include:

  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Park Ranger
  • Tourism Consultant
  • Interpretive Ranger
  • Community Recreation Director
  • Tour Coordinator/Ecotourism Operator
  • Forest Protection Officer
  • Education and Operations Director

Natural Resources Ecology

man performing vegetation transects in a meadow
Natural resources ecology is a broad and rapidly evolving field that includes landscape, plant, animal, and abiotic systems.   A minor in Natural Resources Ecology provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge about a wide range of ecological concepts by taking core courses in landscape, wetland, and forest ecology.  Students then select additional courses that focus on the system that interests them most.  This minor is designed for students who would like to pursue careers in areas such as plant or restoration ecology, conservation biology, natural resource education, or fish or wildlife law enforcement.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students with this minor may pursue include:

  • Natural resource technician
  • Conservation biologist
  • Extension professional
  • Natural resource educator

Urban Forestry

aerial view of urban forests

Urban forests create a more pleasant and livable environment within our cities. They beautify our landscapes, reduce energy consumption within our buildings, filter air and water, provide shade and wildlife habitat, and help to control stormwater.  This minor will prepare students to help cities meet the unique challenges of managing trees and forests within urban environments.  Urban forestry specialists will be involved in storm flow analysis, tree planting and care, grant proposals, and supervision of municipal employees.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that graduates may pursue include:

  • Urban forester
  • City arborist
  • Tree planting coordinator
  • Urban natural resource or land use planner
  • Urban forestry and beautification manager or supervisor
  • Urban and community forestry program manager
  • Forestry technician
  • Forest protection officer

Watershed Sciences

Freshwater is an essential resource but is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. Watershed science and management is an expanding field that involves managing the availability, quantity, and quality of water. Professionals in this field must have a firm understanding of the various natural processes and human activities that affect water.  The Watershed Sciences minor is intended to provide background courses in natural and physical sciences along with upper-level courses on watershed management, wetland ecology, soil conservation, and electives that match student interests. This minor is for students seeking a career in watershed science, soil conservation, water management, or wetland ecology.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students with this minor may pursue include:

  • Watershed scientist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Water quality regulator
  • Municipal water planner
  • Wetland ecologist

If you would like to declare or change your minor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, please complete the Change of Minor Form.  A member of the student services team will contact you to discuss the required curriculum.