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Department of Natural Resources Management

The Department of Natural Resources Management offers instructional programs leading to a bachelor of science in environmental geology or forestry. The programs offer various undergraduate concentration areas within degree programs.

The department includes the disciplines of natural resources management (NRM geology and forestry programs). These programs provide students with a high-quality science education that includes experience with research and field projects. The programs provide scientific and technical background that empowers students to successfully pursue science and technology careers, or, proceed on to advanced graduate studies. Faculty in the Natural Resources Department strive to make each student’s educational experience challenging and rewarding.

Department Majors

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY | FORESTRY

Available Minors:
Environmental Science and Management
Geology

Resources and Facilities

The Department of Natural Resources is housed in the new Ivan Hilton Science Center. With state-of-the-art safety and teaching features provide students with hands-on, student-centered learning environments.

The natural resources management discipline is composed of the environmental geology and forestry programs. The forestry major is the only one accepted by federal and state agencies in New Mexico. Furthermore, the watershed management concentration in environmental geology provides a new, cutting-edge program in an emerging technical field of great importance to New Mexico and the western United States. The environmental geology major focuses on classic geological principles applied to environmental problems like groundwater pollution, geologic hazards, mine tailings and reclamation, and other topics. Las Vegas is located near to many types of natural resources. Within minutes of campus, students can be in short-grass prairies, forests, lakes, streams, and alpine tundra ecosystems. Consequently, NRM programs are focused on extensive student field experiences. The area is geologically rich in fossils, mineral ores, and geologic hazards, while having many abandoned and active mines. NRM students are in demand by federal and state agencies, which need personnel trained in the unique social, ecological, and geological conditions in the southwest. Highlands is also the home of the New Mexico Ecological Restoration Institute that is leading New Mexico in the restoration of forests, ranges, and stream systems. Numerous opportunities for undergraduate student involvement in research and field projects exist at Highlands.