the natural resources management degree program was approved in 2011 as a flexible major that includes core natural resource management courses plus a required minor, concentrating coursework on one of many diverse outdoor careers. examples of minors that can be embedded in the degree include nature-based recreation, watershed sciences, urban environmental science, natural resource ecology, international business, or sustainability. 

the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students and employers who are interested in the extensive variety of positions within the natural resources community outside of traditional careers within forestry and wildlife sciences. employers and positions include, but are not restricted to, park service manager, ecotourism entrepreneur, reclamation and development manager, wetlands manager, or sustainability officer. the degree may also be followed by pursuit of additional degrees such as obtaining a law degree to practice law for non-governmental organizations or advanced degrees for teaching and/or research.

students in natural resources management must select a faculty advisor to help with the many choices within the major, including selection of the embedded minor. any minor may be considered, but the student will need to be able to explain how the minor supports a particular field within natural resources management. students must also demonstrate the existence of sufficient employment options with the chosen electives by identifying and contacting future employers. it is strongly recommended that any student who enrolls in natural resources management be proactive in promoting themselves and the degree, as there is no single certifying body for the broad range of careers.