Natural Resource Policy/Pre-law
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Specialization track in Natural Resource Sciences
Overview
This option within the natural resource sciences major focuses on the social, economic, and political factors that influence how natural resources are viewed, valued, utilized, and managed. By choosing certain courses within this option, you can get a minor in sociology or political science. This option also can be ideal for pre-law preparation.
The natural resources major at WSU gives you a strong grounding in the science, technology, and law that underpins the management of natural landscapes and wildlife for conservation and sustainable, responsible use.
In the integrated curriculum of the Department of Natural Resource Sciences, you learn to understand and use the latest science and technology in managing land use and conservation. The combination of flexibility, in-depth knowledge, and broad understanding helps you fully understand the many factors that affect the use and management of land.
[+] Careers in natural resource science policy
aquatic ecologists, cultural resource educators, educators, environmental consultants, environmental educators, environmental lawyers, hydrologists, information specialist/communicators, land restoration specialists, land-use specialists, resource planners, landscape ecologists, lobbyists, museum curators, natural resource managers, naturalists, Peace Corps workers, professors, range conservationists, researchers, resource policy advisors/analysts, restoration ecologists, scientists, social and environmental impact analysts, watershed managers, wetland ecologists, wildlife biologists, wildlife managers, wildlife refuge managers, animal damage specialists, aquatic ecologists, cultural resource educators, educators, scientists, environmental consultants, environmental educators, environmental lawyers, social and environmental impact analysts, game wardens, information specialist/communicators, land restoration specialists, land-use specialists, landscape ecologists, lobbyists, museum curators, natural resource managers, naturalists, nature center interpreters, Peace Corps workers, professors, range conservationists, researchers, resource planners, resource policy advisors/analysts, restoration ecologists, watershed managers, wildlife biologists, wildlife ecologists, wildlife educators, wildlife managers, wildlife refuge managers
[+] Requirements and core courses
--Bachelor of science in natural resources with an option in policy/pre-law
POLICY/PRE-LAW OPTION
At the end of your sophomore year or beginning of your junior year, you select your option/specialty area. You can choose to further specialize your degree by pursuing an emphasis in political science or sociology, or choose courses from either track that fit your interests (be aware, however, that many of the sociology and political science courses listed below will require prerequisites in that area). The natural resources policy/pre-law option involves at least 15 elective credits (5 courses or more) from among the following:
Political science emphasis
By choosing at least 18 hours of political science courses (including PolSci 101, 102, and 103), you may qualify for a minor in political science in addition to your natural resources major and option in policy.
- Topics in Natural Resource Sciences
- Sociology and Public Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Assessment
- American National Government
- American Public Policy
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Human Issues in International Development
- Political Parties and Interest Groups
- Politics of Natural Resource and Environmental Policy
- Administrative Jurisprudence
- Public Budgeting
- Urban Politics and Policy
Sociology emphasis
By choosing at least 18 hours of sociology courses (including Soc 101 and 320), you may qualify for a minor in sociology in addition to your major in natural resource sciences and option in policy.
- Topics in Natural Resource Sciences
- Natural Resource Economics and Policy
- Introduction to Sociology
- Rural Sociology
- Introduction to Social Research
- Quantitative Techniques in Sociology I and II
- Population, Resources, and the Future
- Society and Environment
- Sociology and Public Policy
- Aspects of Sustainable Development
- Globalization
- Sociological Methods and Techniques
- Society and Technology
NATURAL RESOURCES MAJOR
You begin your studies with the University's General Education requirements and a select curriculum of additional math and science courses that help prepare you for the natural resources core curriculum. These courses provide a strong base for the in-depth, focused knowledge you will develop as you complete your major.
Natural resource science core courses
Students in all natural resource science majors share these core courses. You take most of these courses in your sophomore through senior years.
- Introduction to Natural Resources Management
- Introduction to Measurements and Computers
- Introduction to Wildlife Management
- Natural Resource Ecology
- Natural Resources and Society
- Forest Plants and Ecosystems
- Arid Land Plants and Ecosystems
- Natural Resource Economics
- Conservation Biology
- Restoration Ecology
- Natural Resource and Environmental Policy and Law
Note: See the WSU Catalog (http://www.catalog.wsu.edu/Pullman) for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
[+] Scholarships and financial aid
For students in natural resource sciences
The Department of Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences award thousands of dollars to qualified students each year.
The department administers a number of scholarships for undergraduate students, including the E.H. Steffen, Frank and Ethel Lenzie, Elmer Kegel Memorial, Keith Henrickson Memorial, Norman and Linda Baer, Wildlife Conservation Conclave, and Safari Club International scholarships. Additional scholarships are available from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
For all students
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and needed-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.
[+] Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation
Students who become natural resource science majors and choose the option in policy/pre-law often enjoy:
• Working with people and exploring the social and political aspects of human interaction
• The outdoors and working outside
• Science, especially biology/life sciences
• Hands-on learning
• Applying analytical techniques to solving problems
• Finding practical solutions to problems
• Making a difference in the real world
High school preparation should emphasize biological/physical sciences, mathematics, communication, reading/reasoning, and computer literacy.
If you plan to transfer from another college, completion of pre-calculus mathematics, one semester of general chemistry, one semester of microeconomics, and one year of general biology and English/communication is recommended; this preparation will greatly expedite fulfillment of the natural resource curriculum at WSU.