Natural Resource Policy/Social Science Option
The Natural Resource Policy/Social Science option focuses upon the societal and/or economic factors of paramount importance in governing how natural resources are viewed, valued, utilized, and/or managed as well as the complex political context within which natural resource science and management are practiced, and policies are promulgated and enforced. This option included opportunities for obtaining a Minor in Sociology or a Minor in Political Science and/or preparatory course work for careers in natural resource law, law enforcement or the political arena.
Required Courses
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/Social Science option involves at least 15 elective credits (five 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.
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
| Soc 424 | Sociology and Public Policy | 3 |
| ES/RP 335 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| ES/RP 444 | Environmental Assessment | 4 |
| Pol S 101 | American National Government | 3 |
| Pol S 340 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 |
| Pol S 418 | Human Issues in International Development | 3 |
| Pol S 420 | Political Parties and Interest Groups | 3 |
| Pol S 430 | Politics in Natural Resource and Environmental Policy | 3 |
| Pol S 446 | Public Budgeting | 3 |
| Pol S 448 | Urban Politics and Policy | 3 |
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.
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
| NATRS 419 | Topics in Natural Resource Sciences | 3 |
| NATRS 438 | Natural Resource Economics and Policy | 3 |
| CRS 391 | Rural Sociology | 3 |
| Pol S 340 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 |
| Soc 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Soc 321/421 | Quantitative Techniques in Sociology I and II | 3 |
| Soc 331 | Population, Resources, and the Future | 3 |
| Soc 332 | Society and Environment | 3 |
| Soc 375 | Aspects of Sustainable Development | 3 |
| Soc 415 | Globalization | 3 |
| Soc 424 | Sociology and Public Policy | 3 |
| Soc 430 | Society and Technology | 3 |
Careers
You can find rewarding employment in a variety of areas:
- Private consulting firms
- County and state government and various non-governmental organizations
- Federal land management agencies, such as the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and Army Corps of Engineers
- Natural resource law, law enforcement, or the political arena
Course Planning
Students should consult the Natural Resource Major course sheet for option course lists and course planning.
General Catalog
Students should consult the General Catalog for course descriptions and must meet course requirements as outlined in the catalog to graduate.