Play an active role in protecting and managing our natural environment, including wildlife, forests, rivers, oceans, and land. This interdisciplinary program of study is the most popular degree in UBC's Faculty of Forestry.
Why this program?
- Study a wide range of subjects in the natural and social sciences
- Explore different ecosystems through the Integrated Field School that's part of the Science and Management major
- Embark on an international experience as part of the Global Perspectives major
Program information
Send details- Campus: Vancouver
- Faculty: Faculty of Forestry
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation
- Length 4 yrs
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Co-op
Yes
You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
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Honours
No
You can study intense specialization in a single field.
Natural resources conservation is concerned with maintaining habitats, nurturing diverse natural resources, and understanding human behaviours. Learn how to balance the social, economic, cultural, and aesthetic considerations associated with the world’s natural resources so you can help fight climate change, protect the environment, and shape our future and planet.
As a Natural Resources Conservation student, you’ll take courses in English, math, and science – plus conservation, wildlife, fisheries management, computer applications, remote sensing, and soil science. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from two majors:
- Science and Management, which offers a rigorous education in natural sciences, a strong focus on conservation, and career opportunities as a Registered Professional Biologist or Registered Professional Forester.
- Global Perspectives, which offers international experience in policy and planning, and prepares you for work overseas.
Experiential learning and research
Past winner of UBC’s Alfred Scow Award for outstanding contributions to the student experience and learning environment, the Natural Resources Conservation degree offers extensive opportunities for experiential learning and research. As a student, you’ll:
- Participate in hands-on lab work in the Forest Sciences Centre’s research facilities.
- Explore different ecosystems as part of a 15-credit field school in fourth year if you choose the Science and Management major.
- Have the option of writing an original thesis under the supervision of a faculty member in your final year.
Campus features
The award-winning Forest Sciences Centre on UBC’s Vancouver campus offers wireless study space, high-tech classrooms, and labs equipped with the latest technology.
The Faculty of Forestry also has two major research forests in British Columbia, and jointly manages a third, altogether totalling 25,000 hectares or more than 60,000 acres.
Send details
Life at UBC's Vancouver campus
Surrounded by 750 hectares of forest, UBC offers the chance to study in a forested environment. Learn from award-winning faculty members in the nature-inspired Forest Sciences Centre, whose main atrium and study area feature giant live plants and a large skylight supported by massive wood beams. As a Faculty of Forestry student, you'll also have access to two research forests for field schools and other learning opportunities.
Find out moreYour future
As a Natural Resources Conservation graduate, you’ll use your skills and knowledge to help protect and preserve the planet. Manage and conserve our wildlife, fisheries, and forests with a career in environmental sustainability and resource management at a government, non-profit, private consulting, education, or law organization.
Program graduates
- Senior Research and Development Biologist, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
- Senior Environmental Coordinator, BC Hydro
- Biologist, Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance
- Biologist, InStream Fisheries Research
- Vice-President and Senior Biologist, EDI Environmental Dynamics
- Urban Forestry Manager, City of Surrey
UBC stories
"My experience taking courses in forest ecology, wildlife ecology, and aquatic ecology has allowed me to look at the natural world around me through an entirely new lens. I can recognize that there are intricacies in the smallest of ecosystems beyond what modern science has allowed us to learn so far, and that there is so much more to discover."
Noa Mayer, Student Read the full story
Program requirements
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.