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Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

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What is Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences?

This program provides an active, scientific education. Students will learn to address critical environmental issues facing the world. Our interdisciplinary major brings biological, physical, and social science together. With this degree, students can improve the sustainability of ecosystems on both a local and global scale. First, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of ecosystem processes and human interactions. Then, you'll build your expertise in one of the following concentrations:

  • Ecosystem Stewardship and Restoration Ecology
  • Environmental Science and Management
  • Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
  • Human Dimensions of the Environment

You’ll also take at least two field courses. Field courses build important research and management skills through hands-on experience.

Career Options

  • Conservation
  • Ecology
  • Education
  • Government
  • Law
  • Management
  • Research
  • Restoration

Post-Graduation Success1

82% employed or continuing education

59% employed after graduation

22% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$32,944 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Natural History Survey, AmeriCorps, Argonne National Laboratory View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Purdue University, New York Law School View All

Program Resources

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong science and math coursework and performance
  • Experiences related to the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

93% first-year retention rate

67% four-year graduation rate

83% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $14,008
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $37,158

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,128
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $56,618

International

  • Tuition: $34,076
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,566

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1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the My Next Move website.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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