Program Overview
The Natural Resource Management (NRM) BA program at Western Washington University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to manage natural resources and protect the environment. Students can choose an emphasis area to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals, such as Climate/Energy, Land Use, or Food Security. The program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates social sciences, natural sciences, policy, and ethics, and emphasizes community engagement and global perspectives.
Program Outline
Objectives
- To prepare graduates to address environmental and climate change challenges through effective policies and practices.
- To promote sustainable resource management and environmental protection across diverse landscapes and cultures.
- To foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills for analyzing and managing complex natural resource issues.
- To cultivate a sense of social responsibility and ethical leadership in environmental stewardship.
Program Description
The NRM program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates social sciences, natural sciences, policy, and ethics. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Understanding resource systems and their interactions
- Analyzing environmental impacts and vulnerabilities
- Developing and implementing sustainable resource management plans
- Promoting collaborative decision-making and stakeholder engagement
- Addressing issues of equity and justice in resource access and management
Emphasis Areas
Students can choose an emphasis area to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals:
- Climate/Energy: Focuses on mitigating climate change and managing energy resources sustainably.
- Land Use: Examines land use planning and management strategies to promote sustainable development.
- Food Security: Addresses challenges related to food production, distribution, and access for a growing population.
Community Partnerships
The NRM program emphasizes community engagement and has established strong partnerships with local, regional, and international organizations. Students have opportunities to apply their learning in real-world settings and contribute to sustainable solutions for communities around the world.
Outline:
Program Content
The NRM program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Environmental Policy and Law
- Natural Resource Economics
- Ecology and Conservation Biology
- Resource Management Planning
- Climate Change and Sustainability
- Social Justice and Environmental Equity
- Community-Based Natural Resource Management
Structure
The program typically requires completion of 180 quarter credits, including:
- General Education requirements
- Core NRM courses
- Emphasis area coursework
- Electives
- Capstone project
Course Schedule
Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including traditional lecture courses, seminars, online courses, and field-based experiences. The program offers flexibility for students to complete their degree on a full-time or part-time basis.
Individual Modules
The program consists of various modules that focus on specific areas of natural resource management. Some key modules include:
- Environmental Policy and Governance: This module explores the legal and policy frameworks that shape environmental protection and resource management.
- Ecological Foundations of Natural Resource Management: This module examines the ecological principles underlying sustainable resource use and conservation.
- Resource Economics and Valuation: This module investigates the economic aspects of natural resource management, including cost-benefit analysis and valuation techniques.
- Land Use Planning and Management: This module explores strategies for planning and managing land use in a sustainable manner.
- Social Dimensions of Natural Resource Management: This module focuses on the social and ethical considerations involved in resource management, including stakeholder engagement and equity issues.
- Climate Change and Adaptation: This module examines the impacts of climate change on natural resources and explores adaptation strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods
The NRM program utilizes diverse assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Examinations: Midterm and final exams assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
- Assignments: Regular assignments, such as essays, research papers, and case studies, require students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Presentations: Students may be required to present their work in class or at conferences, developing communication and presentation skills.
- Fieldwork: Fieldwork experiences offer opportunities for hands-on learning and data collection, contributing to research projects or community initiatives.
- Capstone Project: The culminating project requires students to integrate their knowledge and skills in a comprehensive research project or applied project related to a specific resource management issue.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment method, but generally focus on:
- Knowledge and understanding of course concepts
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and writing skills
- Research and analytical abilities
- Application of knowledge to real-world situations
- Ethical reasoning and decision-making
Teaching:
Teaching Methods
The NRM program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to various learning styles and promote active engagement. Some common methods include:
- Interactive lectures: Encourage discussion and active participation.
- Seminars: Facilitate in-depth discussions of complex topics and promote student-led learning.
- Field-based learning: Provide hands-on experience with resource management practices and data collection.
- Case studies: Offer real-world examples for analyzing and problem-solving.
- Guest speakers: Invite experts from various sectors to share their perspectives and experiences.
- Technology-enhanced learning: Utilize online tools and resources to support learning and research.
Faculty
The NRM program features a dedicated and experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of natural resource management, policy, and related fields. The faculty actively engage in research and professional practice, bringing real-world insights into the classroom.
Unique Approaches
The NRM program fosters a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The program also promotes active community engagement and global perspectives through international partnerships and study abroad opportunities.
Careers:
Career Paths
The NRM program prepares graduates for diverse careers in various sectors, including:
- Government agencies (federal, state, local)
- Environmental consulting firms
- Non-profit organizations
- Research institutions
- International development agencies
- Education
Opportunities
Graduates are equipped to pursue various roles such as:
- Natural Resources Manager
- Land Use Planner
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Climate Change Specialist
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Researcher
- Educator
Outcomes
The NRM program emphasizes career preparedness by providing students with:
- Internship and professional development opportunities
- Career advising and guidance
- Networking connections with alumni and industry professionals
Additional Notes
Graduates of the NRM program have been successful in securing employment with organizations such as:
- The US Forest Service
- The US Environmental Protection Agency
- The National Park Service
- The Nature Conservancy
- Environmental consulting firms
- International organizations like the United Nations
Other:
Sustainability Focus
The NRM program emphasizes sustainability throughout its curriculum and operations. The program actively engages in promoting sustainable practices on campus and in the community through partnerships and initiatives.
Global Engagement
The NRM program recognizes the importance of international perspectives and collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. It offers study abroad opportunities and international partnerships for students to gain insights into resource management practices and diverse cultural contexts around the world.
Community Engagement
The NRM program emphasizes community involvement and collaboration. Students have opportunities to participate in community-based projects, internships, and service-learning initiatives, contributing to sustainable solutions for local communities.
