Undergraduate

Environmental Conservation and Sustainability

Combine hands-on field experiences with research opportunities, developing expertise in environmental protection and sustainable practices.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

26*

Credit

128 hrs.*

Full-time

4 yrs.

Part-time

Varies

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Natural Resources and the Environment

The Environmental Conservation and Sustainability major at UNH equips you to solve today’s most urgent ecological challenges. Through hands-on fieldwork and research, you’ll gain practical experience in protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable practices.

The curriculum blends experiential learning with interdisciplinary study, building both deep knowledge and real-world skills to prepare you to lead conservation and sustainability efforts.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Richard Smith

Professor

Richard.Smith@unh.edu

James Hall, Room 264, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-2724

What is environmental conservation and sustainability?

Students study environmental conservation and sustainability because they share a vision of a future where people live with respect for the Earth’s natural systems and each other. This program provides a solid foundation in environmental science, ecology, economics, policy, and communications. Students examine the impacts of human activity on the environment, learn the principles of sustainability, and gain a deep understanding of the complex relationships in the natural environment. As students progress through their studies, they develop a customized focus area tied to an environmental issue, ecological system or natural resource.

Why study environmental conservation and sustainability at UNH?

Our graduates are sustainability advocates and leaders for constructive change. They have the knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems while working collaboratively with diverse interest groups. They become facilitators of change toward a sustainable future. Many students pursue international experiences,such as UNH’s EcoQuest program in New Zealand, add a minor, or pursue research opportunities with our faculty or through UNH's undergraduate research programs.

Potential careers

Advocacy and regulatory affairs
Conservation management
Land-use analysis
Natural resources management
Environmental education and outreach
Environmental consulting
Sustainability management

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The ECS major curriculum is comprised of core requirements providing integrative courses in both environmental conservation and sustainability, along with a foundation in biology, ecology, physical and social science, and the basic tools and skills applied to problem solving. These core requirements are typically fulfilled in the first two years. Beginning in their junior year, ECS students, in consultation with their advisers, create a course focus area based on an ecological system or natural resource of their choosing. The focus area provides advanced study in ecology and natural resources; social sciences; tools, skills, and/or natural history and should reflect the student's interests and future goals. Additionally, each ECS student completes a practicum experience and a capstone option.

The ECS major provides the opportunity for students to gain a common foundation of knowledge and skills emphasizing integration and critical thinking, while allowing for sufficient flexibility to pursue their interests and passions within a large and complex field of study. The design of the curriculum will allow each student at least four, and as many as six, free electives, which they may fulfill as they choose. Many students pursue international experiences, such as the UNH EcoQuest program in New Zealand, add a minor or dual degree (such as the dual degree in global studies), and/or pursue research opportunities with our faculty or through another of UNH's undergraduate research opportunity programs.

Degree Plan

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology (Inquiry, Disc BS)	4
NR 435	Contemporary Conservation Issues and Environmental Awareness (Disc ETS)	4
NR 411	Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives (or Discovery Course, not SS or ETS)	4
ENGL 401 or Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
NR 437	Principles of Sustainability	4
NR 439	Environmental Biology	4
NR 411	Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives (or Discovery Course, not SS or ETS)	4
ENGL 401 or Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
NR 415	Natural Resources Field Methods	2
Ecological Principles ¹		4
Physical Science (Disc PS) ²		4
Presentation Skills (possible Disc FPA) ²		4
Practicum ³		0
Elective		4
	Credits	18
Spring
Statistics (Disc QR) ²		4
Writing Skills (Univ. writing req.) ²		4
NR 658	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	4
NR 602 or Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
NR 602 or Discovery Course		4
Ethics/Values Requirement		4
Focus Area Courses		8
OR Electives
OR any remaining Discovery or WI requirement
OR Capstone ⁴
	Credits	16
Spring
Focus Area Courses ⁵		16
OR Electives
OR any remaining Discovery or WI requirements
OR Capstone ⁴
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
Capstone Requirement ⁵		2-4
Focus Area Courses		12
OR Electives
OR any remaining Discovery of WI requirements
	Credits	14-16
Spring
Capstone Requirement ⁵		2-4
Focus Area Courses		12
OR Electives
OR any remaining Discovery of WI requirements
	Credits	14-16
	Total Credits	126-130

¹: All choices for the Ecological Principles requirement except for AGFS 502 are fall courses.
²: The Statistics, Physical Science, Writing Skills and Presentation Skills requirements may be taken in either the Fall or Spring Semester of the second year.
³: Work experience, internship, etc may be scheduled any time beginning in the second year.
⁴: One of the 2 credit capstone seminars may be taken in either the fall or spring of the junior year.
⁵: One 2 credit seminar may be taken in each of the Fall and Spring semesters of the Senior Year OR NR 786 may be taken in the Fall semester of the Senior Year.

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements

Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in coursework for the major.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
Foundational Courses:
NR 435	Contemporary Conservation Issues and Environmental Awareness	4
NR 437	Principles of Sustainability	4
Natural Science:
Biology:
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology
NR 439	Environmental Biology
Ecological Principles: Select one of the following		4
BIOL 541W	Ecology
NR 527	Forest Ecology
AGFS 502	Agroecology
Physical Science: Select one of the following		4
NR 403	Introduction to Environmental Science
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I
CHBE 410	Energy and Environment
ESCI 409	Geology and the Environment
CEE 520	Environmental Pollution and Protection: A Global Context
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I
Social Science:
Resource Economics:
NR 411	Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives
Environmental Ethics and Values: Select one of the following		4
NR 784	Sustainable Living - Global Perspectives
SOC 565	Environment and Society
Natural Resources Policy: Select one of the following		4
NR 602	Natural Resources and Environmental Policy
NR 662	Environmental Policy, Planning and Sustainability in New Zealand
Essential Tools and Skills:
Field Methods:
NR 415	Natural Resources Field Methods
Statistics: Select one of the following		4
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I
NR 525	Statistical Methods and Applications
Geospatial Analysis:
NR 658	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Writing Skills: Select one of the following		4
ENGL 502	Professional and Technical Writing
ENGL 503	Persuasive Writing
Presentation Skills: Select one of the following		4
NR 508	Communicating Science
CMN 500	Public Speaking
THDA 522	Storytelling, Story Theatre, and Involvement Dramatics
THDA 583	Introduction to Puppetry
THDA 624	Theatre for Young Audiences
Focus Area
Select seven total courses to create a focus area addressing an environmental issue, ecological system, or natural resource (see below) ¹		28
Ecology and Natural Resources:
Select one to four courses: no more than one course may be at the 400 or 500 level. Additional courses must be at the 600 or 700 levels.
ESCI 405	Global Environmental Change
NR 433	Wildlife Ecology
NR 501	Studio Soils
NR 504	Freshwater Resources
NR 640	Wildlife Population Ecology
NR 642	Introduction to Biogeography
NR 650	Principles of Conservation Biology
NR 660	Ecology and Biogeography of New Zealand
NR 661	Restoration Ecology and Ecosystem Management in New Zealand
NR 663	Applied Directed Research in New Zealand
NR 664	Conservation Genetics and Applied Evolution
AGFS 671	Agroecology and Sustainable Land Management in Aotearoa New Zealand
MEFB 628	Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology
MEFB 674	Ecology and Marine Environment
AGFS 760W	Integrated Pest Management
MEFB 702	Sustainable Marine Fisheries
MEFB 747	Aquatic Plants in Restoration/Management
MEFB 755	Biological Oceanography
MEFB 772	Fisheries Biology: Conservation and Management
NR 706	Soil Ecology
NR 730	Terrestrial Ecosystems
NR 734	Tropical Ecology
NR 743	Addressing Arctic Challenges
NR 744	Biogeochemistry
NR 751	Aquatic Ecosystems
NR 761	Environmental Soil Chemistry
NR 765	Community Ecology
NR 782	Forest Health in a Changing World
ZOOL 708	Stream Ecology
ZOOL 726	Conservation Behavior
Social Sciences
Select two to five courses: no more than one course may be at the 400 or 500 level. Additional courses must be at the 600 or 700 levels.
CEP 415	Community Development Perspectives
TOUR 400	Introduction to Tourism
CEP 508	Applied Community Development
NR 507	Introduction to our Energy System and Sustainable Energy
NR 572	Introduction to Natural Resource Economics
AGFS 672	Pathways to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in Aotearoa New Zealand
AGFS 673	Agricultural Production and Business Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
AGFS 690	Agricultural and Food Policy
CEP 614	Fundamentals of Planning
CEP 627	Community Economics
CEP 673	Green Real Estate
ECON 605	Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis
ECON 645	International Economics
HIST 618	American Environmental History
GEOG 673	Political Ecology
NR 606	International Energy Topics
NR 607	Land Economics Perspectives: Uses, Policies, and Taxes
NR 608	Economics of Sustainability
NR 643	Economics of Forestry
NR 662	Environmental Policy, Planning and Sustainability in New Zealand
SOC 665	Environmental Sociology
ECON 706	Economics of Climate Change
MARI 705	Introduction to Marine Policy: Understanding US Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Policy
NR 708W	Environmental Economics
NR 724	Resolving Environmental Conflicts
NR 756W	Rural and Regional Economic Development
NR 720	International Environmental Politics and Policies for the 21st Century
NR 784	Sustainable Living - Global Perspectives
NR 787	Advanced Topics in Sustainable Energy
SOC 730	Communities and the Environment
Advanced Tools & Skills and Natural History
Select at least one course
AGFS 670	Systems Thinking: Land Use Capability and Sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand
BIOL 752	New England Mushrooms: a Field and Lab Exploration
CEP 777	Topics in Community Planning
NR 425	Field Dendrology
NR 703	Watershed Water Quality Management
NR 707	Environmental Modeling
NR 712	Mammalogy
NR 713	Quantitative Ecology
NR 729	Silviculture
NR 745	Forest Management
NR 749	Forest Inventory and Modeling
NR 757	Remote Sensing of the Environment
NR 759	Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources
NR 760	Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources
NR 785	Systems Thinking for Sustainable Solutions
NR 767W	Social Impact Assessment
SOC 601	Methods of Social Research
ZOOL 542	Ornithology
Senior Capstone Options
The ECS major capstone experience may be filled by any one (1) of the following options:		4
Option 1:
NR 786	Leadership for Sustainability
Option 2: Both seminars must be scheduled. At least one must be taken in the senior year.
NR 753 & NR 754	Critical Issues in Sustainability: Sustainability as an Abundance Paradigm and Critical Issues in Sustainability: Sense of Place
Option 3:
NR 663	Applied Directed Research in New Zealand (NZ Directed projects, if taken in the senior year) ²
Option 4:
Directed projects fulfilling one of the following: NR 799, McNair Research Theses, Hamel Center Programs (IROP, SURF USA, SURF Abroad, etc.) may be applied in consultation with the adviser and ECS program coordinator.
Work Experience
NR 600	Work Experience ³	0

¹: The focus area is based upon at least one course in the ecology and natural resources category, along with a combination of courses in the social sciences; tools, skills, and natural history categories; and any additional courses from the ecology and natural resources category reflecting the student's interests and future direction. Focus areas should be designed in close consultation with the adviser. Courses used to fulfill core requirements may not be used in the focus area.
²: If NR 663 Applied Directed Research in New Zealand is taken in the junior year or earlier, then one Critical Issues seminar (2cr) or Leadership for Sustainability must be taken in the senior year to fulfill the capstone requirement.
³: Each ECS major will engage in a practical experience reflecting their interests and goals. The choice of the experience will be made in conjunction with the adviser and may occur any time beginning with the sophomore year.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Describe and explain the interactions among physical, biological, chemical, and human components of the environment;
Formulate tests of environmental questions, acquire data, and apply scientific methods to answer these questions;
Describe and explain the ecological and societal value of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship;
Use principles of ecology, economics, sustainability, and policy science to solve real-world environmental problems;
Communicate effectively to peers within the environmental community and with audiences outside of the discipline.

Explore Program Details

Learning Objectives

Key Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to:

Evaluate the validity and limitations of scientific theories and claims about the environment;
Describe and explain the interactions among physical, biological, chemical, and human components of the environment;
Formulate tests of environmental questions, acquire data, and apply scientific methods to answer these questions;
Characterize the various social drivers of environmental problems and the relative attributes of policy instrument solutions;
Locate, evaluate, and summarize print and electronic media including peer-reviewed literature and then compose and deliver informed positions on current environmental problems to the public.
Describe and explain the ecological and societal value of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship;
Master mathematical, statistical, and study design knowledge and skills, and use state-of-the-art software, hardware, and analytical techniques relevant to environmental conservation and sustainability:
Use principles of ecology, economics, sustainability, and policy science to solve real-world environmental problems;
Communicate effectively to peers within the environmental community and with audiences outside of the discipline.

FAQ

In what department and college does the Environmental Conservation and Sustainability (ECS) major reside?

The ECS major is part of the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) at UNH.

What other majors are in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment?

There are six other majors in the Department in addition to the ECS major. They are Forestry, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Environmental Science: Soil and Water, Environmental Science: Ecosystems, Environmental and Resource Economics, and Community and Environmental Planning.

Why should I major in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability?

ECS is a unique major in that it combines knowledge of the natural sciences with the human dimension. That is, there is also a large social science component where the student learns to deal with problem-solving, conflict resolution, policy analysis and other social aspects in order to have a real impact for the environment and sustainability.

What is required in the ECS major?

The ECS major has 14 core requirements (courses) that are a combination of (1) some foundational courses, (2) some natural science courses, (3) some social science courses, and (4) some skills and tools courses. There is also a seven-course Focus Area in which the student selects a specific topic (e.g., energy, forests, agriculture, economics, etc.) to gain more focused experience and deeper learning.

There is a senior capstone experience requirement (every major at UNH has some capstone experience) and a practicum/internship requirement. Finally, all UNH students must complete the university Discovery requirements (i.e., General Education).

How does a student decide on what classes to take?

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who helps each student to select the right courses each semester to progress towards graduation. The Focus Area is also discussed with the advisor and planned accordingly.

What kind of jobs do ECS students get?

There are so many answers to this question. Some students go on to graduate school. Some get job offers from an employer they worked for during the summer. Many go on to short-time, paid internships to build their resume. There are many opportunities in the private sector, federal and state agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

EcoQuest

Rigorous academic pursuit and hands-on learning from the mountains to the sea. Full immersion learning at a diversity of sites in the North and South Islands.

Ecoquest

NR600 Practicum Guidelines

NR 600 Environmental Conservation and Sustainability Work Experience/Practicum Guidelines

Honors Society

Xi Sigma Pi is facilitated through the UNH NREN department. Its goal is to unite likeminded individuals through service and fraternal spirit through a shared enjoyment of the environment. In addition, members receive recognition for their service by earning a cord to wear during graduation. Opportunities to take up leadership roles and give back to the NREN department are abundant.

XI SIGMA PI NREN Honor Society

Relevant UNH Graduate Programs

Students interested in the Environmental Conservation and Sustainability major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees at UNH. Students in the program also have the opportunity to participate in the UNH accelerated master’s program.

Agricultural Sciences M.S.

Agricultural Sciences Ph.D.

Integrative Biology M.S.

Integrative Biology Ph.D.

Natural Resources and the Environment M.S.

Natural Resources: Ecosystem Science M.S.

Natural Resources: Environmental Conservation and Sustainability M.S.

Natural Resources: Environmental Economics M.S.

Natural Resources: Forestry M.S.

Natural Resources: Wildlife and Conservation Biology M.S.

Citizen and Community Science Graduate Certificate

Coastal Policy Graduate Certificate