2025-2026 General Catalog
School of Renewable Natural Resources
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For information regarding the GRADUATE PROGRAM, click here.
CURRICULA:
- Natural Resource Ecology & Management
The School of Renewable Natural Resources offers undergraduate and graduate education to students who wish to discover the natural environment and learn the principles and techniques that guide the management and conservation of wildlife, fisheries, wetlands, and forests, protect biodiversity, and promote the conservation of diverse ecosystems. The B.S. curriculum in RNR consists of a set of core courses all students take to develop a broad understanding of all aspects of renewable resource conservation, including ecology, sustainability, policy, and management. In addition, students take courses in specific concentrations that target professional specialties yet allow individual flexibility in course selection. Our curriculum is designed to be highly applicable to real-world situations, emphasizing hands-on problem-based learning, critical thinking, communication skills, and multidisciplinary team activities. This approach ensures students are well-prepared and confident for successful careers in positions with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry.
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Ecology & Management
This degree program teaches students about the ecology and natural history of plant and animal populations and communities, specifically wildlife, wild and propagated fish (aquaculture), forests, watersheds, and wetlands in their natural environments, to enable enhanced management and conservation of biotic resources based on the latest developments in research and management practices. Students receive broad-based training in identification, natural history, population ecology, conservation biology, and policy and regulatory issues affecting living natural resources. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers as professionals in a broad range of natural resource management disciplines. Students in natural resource ecology and management tailor their coursework to their career goals by choosing one of the nine areas of concentration: conservation biology, ecological restoration, fisheries and aquaculture, forest resource management, wetland science, wildlife ecology, wildlife habitat conservation and management, and pre-veterinary medicine wildlife and fisheries.
Graduates of our natural resource ecology and management curriculum have a wide range of career opportunities. They can work in state and federal agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations, private environmental consulting firms, forest and other natural resource industries, environmental law, or academic careers. Many students choose to further their education by pursuing advanced degrees in the sciences, veterinary school, or law school before entering their career positions.
The conservation biology area of concentration is designed to educate students concerning ways to protect biodiversity, enhance the conservation of rare, endangered, or other species of ecological concern, and improve the prospects for species considered threatened and endangered. This includes a broad base of training in ecology, taxonomy, the genetics of small populations, human dimensions of resource management, and the principles of population biology. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses require extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Many students in this area of concentration will pursue advanced degrees before employment. The Society of American Foresters accredits the conservation biology area of concentration.
The ecological restoration area of concentration builds on this foundation for students planning a career with state, federal, or private entities in environmental and ecological monitoring, ecological restoration, or remediation work. Interest in restoring ecosystems disturbed by anthropogenic and natural causes is increasing. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses have required extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Coursework follows recommendations of the Society for Ecological Restoration, including knowledge of plant and animal taxonomy, geographic information systems, and wetlands. Many students in this area of concentration will pursue advanced degrees before employment. The Society of American Foresters accredits the ecological restoration area of concentration.
The fisheries and aquaculture area of concentration focuses on the ecology and management of aquatic resources in freshwater and marine ecosystems and the production of economically and ecologically important species under controlled conditions. With numerous opportunities to gain research experience, students are well prepared to pursue graduate studies or careers in aquatic resource management in private industry, agencies, consulting firms, and aquatic resource advocacy groups. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses have required extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Coursework follows guidelines for professional certification by the American Fisheries Society upon graduation. Many students in this area of concentration will pursue advanced degrees before employment.
The forest resource management area of concentration is intended for students primarily interested in managing forests as a sustainable natural resource. It is designed to provide students with an appreciation of numerous aspects of forest resource management, including timber and non-timber resources, and prepare them for employment with public or private entities in forest resource management. Students will take off-campus courses at Lee Memorial Forest through this area of concentration. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses have required extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Coursework follows guidelines for professional certification by the Society of American Foresters upon graduation. The Society of American Foresters accredits the forest resource management area of concentration.
The pre-veterinary wildlife and fisheries area of concentration is for students interested in applying to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine before their 4th year and in careers focusing on exotic animals and wildlife rather than the more traditional small and large animal practices. Health issues continue to be problems for state and federal resource agencies, and zoos and animal parks constantly deal with veterinary issues; these problems require people with both veterinary skills and a familiarity with the diversity of wildlife and the habitats that support them. Students may pursue a 3+1 program, in which the 4th year of the B.S. is completed during the 1st year of veterinary school. Students who do not enter veterinary school after their 3rd year will graduate in another area of concentration within the School. Students may apply again to veterinary school following graduation. The pre-veterinary wildlife and fisheries area of concentration is designed for students who begin their academic careers at LSU and are eligible to enroll in BIOL 1201 (ACT composite minimum of 23) during their first semester. Students not meeting these criteria are strongly encouraged to select another concentration, specifically wildlife ecology, to prepare for application to the study of veterinary medicine after graduation. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses require extended single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Students transferring from other institutions should contact the School of Renewable Natural Resources Undergraduate Coordinator before selecting this concentration.
The wetland science area of concentration is designed for students who wish to specialize in wetlands, valued as wildlife and fish habitats, to maintain water quality, contribute to wildlife and fisheries productivity in marine and freshwaters, and other recreational, economic, and ecosystem benefits. Students in this concentration will learn about halting wetland loss and restoring wetlands. Graduates can anticipate working for private or government agencies that manage, restore, and/or regulate wetlands, for businesses that delineate wetlands, plan and manage mitigation banks, or plan and construct restoration projects. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses have required extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Coursework follows guidelines for professional certification by the Society of Wetland Scientists upon graduation. Many students in this area of concentration will pursue advanced degrees before employment, including veterinary medicine. The Society of American Foresters accredits the wetland science area of concentration.
The wildlife ecology area of concentration covers traditional management that focuses on wildlife populations, especially recreationally important game animals and socio-culturally important charismatic species of concern to the public. Recreational hunting is an important social and economic driver in Louisiana and throughout the United States. Scientifically -based and principled management of wildlife on public and private lands continues to be a need. Students study the principles of population growth, theory, and practices concerning population exploitation, habitat requirements and methods of management, and the way that public policy influences wildlife resources. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses have required extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Coursework follows guidelines for professional certification by The Wildlife Society upon graduation. Many students in this area of concentration will pursue advanced degrees before employment.
The wildlife habitat conservation and management area of concentration is designed for students interested in conserving, managing, and restoring habitats to promote wildlife, fish, and habitat enhancement and increase biodiversity. Students will receive additional exposure to the theories and practices of forest land use and wetland classification and learn more about habitat manipulation and conservation strategies than in other areas of concentration in natural resource ecology and management. Students will take off-campus courses at Lee Memorial Forest through this area of concentration. Students in wildlife habitat conservation and management may anticipate employment with state or federal agencies that regulate and/or directly manage land and land uses, governmental agencies involved in restoration, and private environmental consulting firms that provide technical assistance to public and private landowners. Most RNR courses at the 2000 level in this concentration have a pre-requisite of a “C” or higher in RNR 1010 and a “C” or higher in BIOL 1202 . Specific courses have required extended-length single-day field trips and multiple-day, overnight field trips. Depending on coursework choices, students may qualify for professional certification by the Wildlife Society or the Society of American Foresters. Many students in this area of concentration will pursue advanced degrees before employment. The Society of American Foresters accredits the wildlife habitat conservation and management area of concentration.
The university provides transportation for field trips, but students finance it. Field fees vary in amount based on the cost of transportation and are paid at the time of other university fees through the advanced billing system.
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