Program Overview
Natural Resources
Program Overview
If you want to work hands-on outdoors, our natural resource programs provide a variety of field skills for successful technician careers. Graduates become natural resource technicians with a science-based approach and an understanding of social, economic, and environmental issues. Depending on the degree and campus, students can pursue certificates or degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Land Surveying, Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Ecology, and Wildland Firefighting.
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Reasons to Attend Minnesota North
SAF accredited program.
Society of American Foresters (SAF) independently accredits the natural resource programs at each campus. SAF is responsible for the accreditation of postsecondary degree-granting programs in forestry, urban forestry, natural resources and ecosystem management, and forest technology. Many academic programs across the country offer a diversity of options or curriculum choices within a degree program – not all are accredited.
Thorough career prep.
Faculty members have degrees in natural resources and extensive field experience. The program has an excellent reputation among natural resource technician employers. It offers National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) certified fire training courses. There is also career planning and placement assistance available. The program holds SAF accreditations, and SAF independently accredits both locations.
Robust student experience.
The program emphasizes field trips and field experiences, incorporating summer work experience into its curriculum. It includes cooperative field projects and offers involvement in Natural Resources, Forestry, Wildlife Clubs, and SAF student chapters. Students can access the 560-acre Vermilion Forest near campus and the 325-acre Itasca on-campus forest.
North American Wildlife Technology Association accreditation.
A combination of the Wildlife Ecology certificate with either the Fisheries and Wildlife Management AS or Natural Resource Technology- Forestry Wildlife Degree are accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA).
