Major

three people hiking on a grassy mountain

People. Nature. Leadership.

We offer an innovative, social science-based curriculum focused on sustainable conservation and environmental stewardship in the face of human-accelerated climate change.

Through degree-related opportunities such as experiential education, interdisciplinary instruction, and project-based learning, you are equipped to support biodiversity conservation and empowered to pursue roles that address complex challenges sustainably while fostering meaningful relationships between humans and nature.

Being a Human Dimensions of Natural Resources student means you’ll be a part of a tight-knit community committed to making a positive difference for the planet.

Resources to Learn More

Explore Our Major

For your information, we are no longer admitting into the following programs:

If you are interested in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, take a look at our new Major in Conservation and Environmental Leadership!

Conservation and Environmental Leadership

This Bachelor of Science degree program prepares you to lead solutions to complex environmental challenges by understanding the connections between people, communities, and nature. Our major combines conservation, leadership, outdoor recreation, and applied social science in one degree. You’ll develop skills in systems thinking, planning, communication, collaboration, and governance while gaining hands-on experience working with people, communities, and organizations to create solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Concentrations

Conservation and Society

Focuses on preparing students with the skills and knowledge to conserve biodiversity through a nuanced understanding of the relationship between people and nature.

Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management

Focuses on preparing students with the skills and knowledge to improve the well-being and environmental stewardship of society through outdoor experiences.

Minor

Conservation and Society

Build expertise in the social dimensions of conservation and natural resource management. You’ll build skills in systems thinking, leadership, conservation planning, communication and stakeholder engagement, conservation governance and policy processes, and collaborative approaches to conservation. By learning how people, communities, and institutions shape biodiversity conservation, you’ll develop the skills needed for creating more effective conservation solutions.

Our Alumni

Jaida Spendelow

HDNR ’22
Macroalgae Technician
Hawai’i Ocean Science and Technology Park
Symbrosia
Peggy M.

HDNR ’22
Yosemite National Park
NatureBridge
Cavan McCabe

NRT ’23
Shelter Island, N.Y.
The Nature Conservancy

Simon Wakely

HDNR ’24
GIS Technician I
MISTRAS Group, Inc.
Ginger Clark

NRT Online ’23
Manager of the Great Miami Riverway
Miami Conservancy District
Cole Kramer

NRT ’13
Associate Land Agent
City of Loveland

Where Will You Go?

Our alumni work across the globe addressing complex conservation and environmental challenges. The B.S. in Conservation and Environmental Leadership prepares students to turn their passion into impact, building the knowledge, skills, and leadership experience needed for careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Potential Careers: