The source of many challenges in natural resources involves human behavior, and solutions to those challenges requires innovative problem-solving, a deep understanding of complex issues, and collective action. This major is focused on understanding the social aspects of natural resources, and developing the skills to assess, plan and implement strategies that lead to successful conservation. Curriculum for this major trains students in the areas of communication, leadership, systems thinking, collaboration, conflict management, decision-making, social science research in conservation, and conservation planning and management.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Comprehend the institutions, policies and actors that influence conservation outcomes and historical perspectives
• Understand the role of social science in achieving conservation outcomes
• Recognize and articulate the interdependencies and linkages within social-ecological systems, and how these linkages assist in understanding the drivers, processes and outcomes of environmental issues
• Gain appreciation for the value and benefit in addressing environmental issues through inclusive processes that invite a diversity of perspectives, world views and ways of knowing
• Acquire skills to critically analyze social science research, and examine the role between human dimensions research and environmental decision-making
• Gain skills to effectively engage stakeholders in conservation action, and recognize their personal strengths and limits in influencing others to achieve positive conservation outcomes
• Acquire skills to effectively plan, design and deliver communication campaigns to achieve environmental outcomes
• Comprehend and critically analyze the policies, institutions and actors that influence environmental decision-making at different scales
• Gain the skills to effectively address conservation problems through application of theory, inquiry, planning and related techniques

Potential Occupations

Students are prepared for various positions with local, state and federal land management and natural resource agencies in the United States. Opportunities are also available both domestically and abroad with non-governmental, and nonprofit conservation and development organizations as well as private foundations. Examples of the types of positions include conservation planner/administrator, environmental communication specialist, conservation/environmental educator, nature center coordinator, visitor services manager, public outreach coordinator, public information officer, protected area manager, park/wilderness ranger, communication coordinator, policy liaison, environmental analyst and others.