If you are interested in understanding and managing the Earth's resources, you will find programs in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management especially designed for your needs. The study of environmental issues draws upon many disciplines and trains people for careers in environmental science, land management, and park management.

Advances in technology and increases in population have brought about changes, both beneficial and detrimental, to local and global environments. Great challenges lie ahead for those with the desire to study and work to improve the quality of the Earth's most important assets—its natural resources and its people.

The environmental field is diverse and rewarding. Opportunities are available in a variety of settings and assignments. Competition for some positions, however, will be intense.

Ball State graduates in natural resources and environmental management work in careers such as municipal water-quality control, environmental planning, soil conservation, recreation management, solid and hazardous waste management, environmental impact assessment, environmental health, industrial water treatment, air pollution control, land reclamation, environmental interpretation/education, and wilderness management.

The program in natural resources and environmental management can also be a foundation for advanced study in resource fields that require more specialization. Employment opportunities will continue to increase as awareness of the need for resource management grows throughout the world.

High School, University Preparation

If you are considering a professional career in environmental management, you should plan your high school program to include a strong background in the sciences and humanities. University preparation will build on this foundation. Since political, social, and economic conditions, as well as aesthetics, affect the management of resources, the program at Ball State includes all of these subjects, with emphasis on the physical and biological sciences. University-level algebra and chemistry will also be needed.