Southwestern's Natural Resources program provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to natural resource policy and management. Students can prepare for careers in natural resource planning, management, conservation and education roles with government agencies, non-governmental organizations and in educational settings.

The program guide lists the required courses for the AS degree. The program guide also lists recommended electives appropriate for the field. For more info, view the Southwestern's Forestry/Natural Resources webpage.

Southwestern has a formal articulation agreement with Oregon State University (OSU) aligning this AS Natural Resources degree with OSU's Natural Resources Bachelor of Science degree, Watershed Management option. Students that complete the AS degree with Natural Resources emphasis at Southwestern will satisfy most lower division courses required for the bachelor's in Natural Resources, Watershed Management option.

Following completion of the AS Natural Resources degree, students may transfer to OSU with 90 or more credit hours (up to 124 can be transferred). Southwestern courses in the AS Natural Resources are listed in the articulation agreement. AS Natural Resources graduates transferring to OSU have junior standing with only (a) upper division Synthesis and WIC requirements of the Baccalaureate Core to be completed, and (b) upper division courses associated with the Natural Resources degree program.  For specific details on the articulation of these degrees see the University Center staff.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 104 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.

Courses that are developmental in nature, (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses), are not applicable to this degree.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Integrate technical “field” skills with analytical skills to identify important natural resources problems and begin to identify effective solutions for these problems.
• Acquire knowledge regarding a range of natural resources current issues, social and political components of resource management.
• Work with experts in a variety of natural resource fields.
• Apply watershed management principles and practices to actual natural resources issues and problems to develop plans and solutions.

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

Program Guide

The following course combinations are recommended, but are not part of the degree.