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Curriculum and classes

Three students stand together outside and look at an iPad and phone to work on their data collection for a class.

Learning through experience

Our students learn by combining classroom instruction with fieldwork, laboratory experiences, and applied problem-solving. Courses build a strong foundation in biological, physical, and social sciences before moving into hands-on training in ecosystem management, restoration, conservation, policy, GIS and geospatial technologies, field measurements, and natural resource decision-making.

In addition to developing technical expertise, students gain communication, leadership, and collaboration skills while working in Colorado’s forests, grasslands, watersheds, and other diverse landscapes.

A curriculum that grows with you

What to expect…

Three women sit at lab tables looking into microscopes.

Year one

Build a scientific foundation
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Mathematics
  • Communication
  • Introduction to natural resources
Two women and one older man in a green hat look at a clipboard together in a wooded area.

Year three

Apply your knowledge
  • Land and resource management
  • Restoration
  • Fire
  • Field techniques
  • Data analysis

Year two

Develop technical skills
  • Plant identification
  • Soils
  • Measurements
  • GIS
  • Statistics
  • Resource inventory
Seedlings with green leaves and red stems grow out of yellow containers in a tree nursery.

Year four

Solve real-world challenges
  • Advanced electives
  • Research
  • Capstone experiences
  • Professional communication
  • Career preparation
View our Curriculum

Summer field courses

Natural Resource Ecology and Measurements
(NR 220)

A four-week natural resources ecology and measurements field experience at the CSU Mountain Campus that all students in Warner College of Natural Resources take. Online alternative offered.

Forestry Field Measurements
(F 230)

A two-week forestry field measurements class at the CSU Mountain Campus. Forestry students develop field skills using maps, compasses, and aerial photos; tree and stand measurements; and stand volume and value estimates.

Course insights

  • A group of college students learn in a brightly lit classroom taught by a college professor.

    NR 193 Course Description

    First Semester Seminar

    Students are given an introductory overview of their field of study, while being introduced to departmental policies and processes, and university resources. Features guest speakers and discussions around possible career paths in their field with current professionals.

  • Three pinecones and a piece of bark sit on a black tabletop.

    F 209 Course Description

    Introduction to Forest and Rangeland Ecology

    Ecological concepts of natural resources and the management of forests and rangelands. Analysis of species, population, and community interactions within an applied framework.

  • Aspen leaves are bright yellow in autumn.

    F/RS 313 Course Description

    Dendrology and Herbaceous Plant ID

    Identification, classification, nomenclature, morphology, phenology, ecology, geographic ranges, and natural history of trees, herbaceous plants, plant associations, and habitat typing. Explore the historical and current importance of key trees and herbaceous plants to society. Within the context of plant associations and indicator species, course content will focus on major forest, rangeland, and urban ecosystems and will highlight exotic tree and herbaceous plant species of North America.

Electives

Tailor your electives around your interests.

CSU CNR VBL Icons Green LL Tree RGB

forestry

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restoration ecology

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wildfire science

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forest health

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GIS and remote sensing

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natural resource policy

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economics

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watershed management

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conservation biology

Field learning

Study and work in…

  • Pine trees and aspens stand in front of CSU Mountain Campus with mountains in the distance.

    mountain forest systems

  • A student wearing a brimmed hat holds a magnifying glass to his eye to observe a piece of grass.

    grasslands

  • A field of purple wildflowers grows in front of a fence and cabin in the Colorado mountains.

    CSU Mountain Campus

  • rivers and watersheds

  • A group of people hike up a path on a hill.

    restoration sites