Forest Resources & Conservation Major
The forest resources and conservation major provides students a solid understanding of ecology, while developing expertise in the management of ecosystems to meet society’s demands for a vast array of economic, ecological and social products and services.
The curriculum for this major is broad, with required coursework in tree biology, forest ecology, wildlife ecology and management, soil science, forest health, resource inventory, and resource economics and policy.
The seven specializations within the major reflect the broad career opportunities available to our graduates, ranging from conservation and restoration work on government owned lands to the practice of environmental law, and from working with the forest resources in and around cities and towns, to those privately owned lands managed by consulting firms. Six specializations in the major are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. The SFRC offers the only accredited forestry programs in Florida.
Geomatics Major
Geomatics addresses land information development and management through field survey, photogrammetry, remote sensing, satellite positioning and other techniques. Spatial information collected is then integrated into digital land or geographic information systems and made suitable for use and analysis.
Geomatics students learn how the Earth is measured, how Earth-based data are analyzed and how these data are integrated into forms and systems that people can use. Students gain hands-on experience working with field equipment and in high tech classrooms. Present land values, rates of urban development and environmental concerns require a broadly educated person to develop, manage and apply land information. Surveyors and mappers, the practicing component of geomatics, provide these professional services to society.
This major is also offered at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Plant City, FL.
This major is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Marine Science Track, Interdisciplinary Science (IDS) Major
This interdisciplinary degree program focuses on a truly holistic discipline, requiring the integration of marine biology, ecology, conservation, and sustainable resource management. Students are prepared for graduate study and careers related to marine ecology and resources management. An interdisciplinary approach to marine science education and research is promoted to prepare students for a variety of rewarding academic and professional careers.
Natural Resource Conservation Major
The natural resource conservation major allows students to tailor a curriculum that suits their interests and career goals. Working with a faculty adviser, students can elect to focus their curriculum on any number of natural resource fields. Students preparing for advanced degrees in natural resources often elect to complete a very broad, interdisciplinary program.
All NRC majors are required to complete eight core courses in plant identification, communications, natural resource measurements, environmental policy, and integrated resource management, as well as planned courses from the natural resource academic units on campus (School of Forest Resources & Conservation and the Department of Wildlife Ecology). Additional courses can be selected from any other unit on campus, with guidance from the faculty adviser. Students must complete a curriculum plan and have it approved by the SFRC undergraduate coordinator by the time they reach 70 credits.
This major is also offered at the West Florida Research and Education Center in Milton, FL. Ideal for place-bound students, this version of the NRC major provides a broad ecology/environmental management curriculum.
Minor: Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
Students applying for the minor must obtain written approval from their academic adviser and the undergraduate coordinator in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (FAS) program at least two semesters before graduation.
Minor: Forest Resources & Conservation
This minor is for students who want a general introduction to natural resource management. The minor is ideal for students majoring in a related field such as wildlife ecology, soil and water science, environmental science, etc., as well as students who are interested in the social aspects of natural resources (students majoring in business, education, food and resource economics, political science, etc.).