Natural resources are the fundamental basis for the economic activity and quality of life in the state of Washington and in the world. Highly trained and motivated resource managers and scientists are needed to meet today's and tomorrow's demands for the conservation of biological diversity and the management of productive and natural landscapes on a sustainable basis. The Department of Natural Resource Sciences prepares students in professional areas such as Forestry, Wildlife Ecology , and related specialty areas (e.g., Conservation Biology; Landscape & Restoration Ecology).  

We provide students interested in natural resource policy or environmental law with a curriculum which integrates the natural resource and social sciences, and we provide specialized curricula for students interested in natural resource sciences with an emphasis in plant resources, fire ecology & management, wetland & aquatic resources or landscape & restoration ecology.

For students interested in Veterinary Medicine, the Wildlife Ecology Major provides a pre-vet option that allows students to prepare for Vet school while pursuing their interest in wildlife science. In each of the curricula, our objective is not only to provide a solid scientific background, but also to kindle a holistic perspective on natural resource ecology and environmental management and an ability to conduct sound research to increase our basic knowledge of biological diversity, natural resources, and ecosystem ecology and management.

Student chapters of professional societies (Society of American Foresters, Society for Range Management, and The Wildlife Society) provide additional opportunities for students to interact with the faculty and other professionals. Faculty contacts with many of the employing organizations and interaction with Career Services on campus help students obtain summer and permanent employment as well as internship and cooperative education opportunities in their chosen field.

Explore these pages to learn more about the undergraduate programs at Washington State University and the Department of Natural Resource Sciences. Follow the links below to complete University Admissions and the supplemental Departmental Admissions form.

If you have questions concerning the Bachelors program at the Department of Natural Resources go here.