Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, better known as Virginia Tech, is a public university that provides a strong education rooted in research. The school offers hands-on learning opportunities, which allows students to engage in the classroom, while developing analytical and innovative thinking. The <a href=\"https://cnre.vt.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">College of Natural Resources and Environment</a> houses multiple departments that expose students to specializations in fish and wildlife conservation, forest resources and environmental conversation, sustainable biomaterials and geography.
Due to its exceptional education, <a href=\"http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university/paying-for-college/net-price/?_ga=1.72029267.1577033659.1403541571\" target=\"_blank\">affordable</a> price and <a href=\"http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university/academic-life/academic-majors/?_ga=1.72029267.1577033659.1403541571#ProgramListing\" target=\"_blank\">high earnings boost</a>, a degree from Virginia Tech is a great choice for any student interested in this field. (Photo by: Casey Templeton, USA TODAY)
<p>Texas A&M is a large public university located in a small city located within a couple hours drive from Austin and Houston. The <a href="http://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/academics/undergraduate/undergraduate-table/">College of Agriculture and Life Sciences</a> includes a <a href="http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/texas-a-and-m-university-college-station/academic-life/academic-majors/natural-resources-conservation/">variety of majors</a> for students interested in natural resources, wildlife management. The school is a great value, especially for in-state students and has a low student loan default rate.</p>
Founded in 1868, Oregon State University has a long tradition of providing an excellent education. The <a href=\"http://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences</a> combines natural and social science classes to teach students about the planet and how to develop sustainable lifestyles. Programs focus on preserving environments through biodiversity, wildlife management and conservation. The <a href=\"http://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">College of Forestry</a> helps students understand resource management and develop renewable resources. No matter what discipline of natural resources and conservation you re interested in, Oregon State has a specialization for you. (Photo: Theresa Hogue)
<p>The University of Florida is a large public university known for providing students with a comprehensive education. The school offers a variety of programs for students interested in natural resources and conservation. The <a href=\"http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">School of Forest Resources and Conservation</a> offers programs that focus on resource management, while the Department of <a href=\"http://www.wec.ufl.edu/about/\" target=\"_blank\">Wildlife Ecology and Conservation</a> has programs that teach students about habitat maintenance. UF boasts a <a href=\"http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-florida/academic-life/graduation-and-retention/?_ga=1.63078383.1577033659.1403541571#GraduationRate\" target=\"_blank\">high graduation rate</a> and <a href=\"http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-florida/academic-life/faculty-composition/?_ga=1.63078383.1577033659.1403541571#FullTimeTeachers\" target=\"_blank\">impressive percentage of full-time teachers</a>. (Photo by: <a href=\"www.TrimarkProperties.com\" target=\"_blank\">Gainesville Apartments</a></p>
<p>Established in 1855, Michigan State University is a public university with many research opportunities in the field of <a href=\"http://www.canr.msu.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">agriculture and natural resources</a>. Students have the ability to work along side professors performing research and gaining hands-on experience in their field. With numerous programs in natural resources and conservation, students with a passion for the environment are sure to find the specialization for them. Classes examine natural science, environmental policy and other factors that play a role in conservation to help students grasp a firm understanding of what effects resources and the environment and how they can be managed. </p>
<p>The University of Idaho is a large public school located in a rural area that offers lots of opportunities for students to learn about the environment through their <a href="http://www.uidaho.edu/cnr">College of Natural Resources</a>. Some of the <a href="http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-idaho/academic-life/academic-majors/natural-resources-conservation/">majors offered</a> include natural resource conservation, wildlife resources and fishery science. UIdaho has a higher than average freshman retention rate, and 75% of its teachers are full time!</p>
<p>North Carolina State is large public school located in the large city of Raleigh. The school has a high freshman retention rate, and is a great value for in-state students. The <a href="https://cnr.ncsu.edu/future/undergraduate_degrees/">College of Natural Resources</a> is a great place for students with an interest in the environment to learn about sustainability and renewable resources. Some of the <a href="http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/north-carolina-state-university-at-raleigh/academic-life/academic-majors/natural-resources-conservation/">majors offered</a> include forest management, fishery science, and natural resources policy among others.</p>
<p>Colorado State is a large public school in a vibrant city atmosphere. The Warner College of Natural Resources offers numerous opportunities to study conservation, sustainability and environmental science. Colorado State University was involved in a recent <a href="http://source.colostate.edu/science-and-ceremony-herald-the-return-of-bison-to-northern-colorado-grasslands/">release of bison with heirloom genetics</a> into public grasslands near the Wyoming border.</p>
<p>The University of Wisconsin Madison is a public research university known for offering challenging degree programs. Some of the best natural resources and conservation programs can be found here. The <a href=\"http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies</a> houses four research centers that help students explore the various human and natural challenges the environment faces. Students gain interdisciplinary skills that shape them into future leaders. Natural resource and conservation students also have the option to focus on one of the many programs in the <a href=\"http://www.cals.wisc.edu/departments/\" target=\"_blank\">College of Agricultural and Life Sciences</a>, including forest and wildlife ecology, entomology and plant pathology.(AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, Steve Apps)</p>
<p>Berkeley is the flagship campus of the University of California system. Despite the large student body, the school has small class sizes due to a <a href=\"http://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley/academic-life/faculty-composition/?_ga=1.139624307.1577033659.1403541571#StudentFacultyRatio\" target=\"_blank\">good student to faculty ratio</a>, ensuring students have the opportunity to work closely with their professors both in the classroom and on research projects. For students looking for a comprehensive education in natural resources and conservation, look no further than the <a href=\"http://nature.berkeley.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">College of Natural Resources</a>. Programs in areas such as environmental science, energy and resources and plant and microbiology teach students about our planet and what types of policies are necessary to ensure its survival. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)</p>
Dig deeper into College Factual’s conservation rankings with this interactive tool
Conserving natural resources has been a topic of intense interest for many years. People have realized the importance of preserving the world we live in and maintaining it for future generations. If you have a passion for the environment, then a degree in natural resources and conservation might be for you.
Natural resources and conversation is a broad topic and opens up many possibilities for students. Some may focus on ecology or environmental sciences, while others pursue natural resource conservation and research. These schools are ranked the highest for the field of Natural Resources and Conservation. This means the colleges may have one or several majors that fall into this category that produce successful graduates. To learn more about how College Factual ranks schools by field of study, see this article.
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Filed under: COLLEGE CHOICE, THE LOWDOWN FROM COLLEGE FACTUAL Tagged: College Factual, college rankings, Colorado State University, Michigan State University, north carolina state university, Oregon State University, texas a&m university, University of California Berkeley, University of Florida, University of Idaho, University of Wisconsin, Virginia Tech University