Natural Resource Management

Students on a boat collecting readings for their Natural Resource Management class.

Natural Resource Management

The Associate of Science (AS) in Natural Resource Management provides a theoretical foundation that is enhanced by experiential and service learning opportunities. Essential study courses in communications, social sciences, mathematics, science and computer science, and Dakota Studies, provide the groundwork for the Natural Resource Management courses. The program is designed to expand students’ knowledge of their environment while recognizing the importance of policy, society, and economics in relation to caring for Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth).
Sovereignty of tribal nations falls within their existing land bases. The Dawes Act or General Allotment Act adopted by Congress in 1887 authorized the United States to divide Indian tribal land into allotments for individual Indians and to open up “excess” lands for non-Indian settlement. American Indians (AI) must become more knowledgeable in how national policy has affected tribal governments’ ability to govern and manage their natural resources. The AS in Natural Resource Management provides an academic base for those interesting in the importance of land and resource management among tribal nations.

Associate of Science in Natural Resource Management is designed to provide the basic knowledge, skills, and strategies to assist individuals or groups in realizing the importance of natural resource management in regard to guarding sustainable resources. Graduates have a solid and comprehensive education program based in science that allows for enhanced natural resource management activities as well as transfer to a four year program in a related field of study.

A student mixing chemicals in a laboratory.

Rewarding

A woman collecting samples in a marsh.

Professional

A woman filling planters with soil.

Hands-on

A student collecting samples while in scuba gear.

Experience

Courses of Essential Study

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
ENGL 100Student SuccessFA,SP,SU
1
ENGL 110College Composition IFA,SP,SU
3
ENGL 120College Composition II*FA,SP
3
COMM 110Fundamentals of Public SpeakingFA,SP3
DS 110Dakota Culture and HistoryFA,SP,SU3
 ND:HUM or ND:FA or ND:HIST 3
SOC 110Introduction to Sociology  SP3
ECON 201Principles of MicroeconomicsFA3
CSCI 101Introduction to ComputersFA,SP,SU3

 
MATH103
                OR
College Algebra                                          FA,SP,SU
3
MATH210Elementary Statistics            FA,SP
3
BIOL 124Environmental ScienceSP
3
BIOL 124LEnvironmental Science LabSP1
DSL 250Dakota Language IFA,SP,SU
3
BIOL 150General Biology FA3
BIOL 150LGeneral Biology Lab FA1
 TOTAL 
39

 

Core Classes

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
NAT 102Introduction to Natural Resource ManagementFA,SP
3
NAT 297Natural Resources Internship****IND3
 Program Electives (choose from below) 
15
 TOTAL 
21

 

Program Electives

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
CHEM 115Introduction to Chemistry        SP
3
CHEM 115LIntroduction to Chemistry Lab        SP
1
CHEM 121General Chemistry I        FA
3
CHEM 121LGeneral Chemistry I Lab        FA 
1
BIOL 151General Biology IIFA
3
BIOL 151LGeneral Biology II Lab FA1
BIOL 230Ecology (Nature Study)***FA,SU
3
BIOL 230LEcology (Nature Study) Lab*** 1
CHEM 116Introduction to Organic and BiochemistryFA3
CHEM 116LIntroduction to Organic and Biochemistry LabFA 1
ENS 202Environmental IssuesSU
2
ENS 225Environmental Sampling***SP,SU3
ENS 225LEnvironmental Sampling Lab***SP,SU 1
ENS 299Topics in Agriculture/Natural ResourcesFA
3
GEOL 102Historical GeologySP3
GEOL 102LHistorical Geology LabSP 1
GEOL 105Physical GeologyFA,SU3
GEOL 105LPhysical Geology Lab 1
GEOL 219Intermediate Geology*****IND3
GEOL 219LIntermediate Geology Lab***** 

1

MATH103 College Algebra  
MATH210Elementary Statistics  
NAT 105Wildlife IdentificationSP3
NAT 105LWildlife Identification Lab 1
NAT 215Plant IdentificationFA3
NAT 215LPlant Identification Lab 1
SOIL 210Soil ScienceFA,SP,SU3
SOIL 210LSoil Science LabFA,SP,SU 1
SOIL 217Intro to Meteorology & ClimatologyFA,SP
3
SOIL 264Natural Resource Management SystemsSP3
    
* Prerequisite of ENGL 110 (College Composition I)
** Prerequisite of ASC 093 (Intermediate Algebra) or Appropriate Placement Test
*** Prerequisite of MATH 103, Appropriate Placement Test, or MATH 210 AND instructor approval
**** To be taken at any time following the first year of coursework
***** Prerequisite of GEOL 105
 

 

Degree Program Total Credits…..60

Updated 2/13/25

• The student will demonstrate critical thinking skills in understanding natural resource problems.
• The student will develop practical skills in environmental science.
• The student will demonstrate technical skills in environmental monitoring/research.
• The student will understand the broad ethical considerations of natural resource management.

Median annual wage in May 2019 – $44,170 to $86,390 depending on specialty.

Job outlook 2019-29 4-11% as fast as average.

The Natural Resource Management faculty are professionals who have been employed in private and public sectors of education and business. They continue to participate in professional development and scholarly activity to enhance their knowledge and to serve as role models for lifelong learning.

The Natural Resource Management faculty are professionals who have been employed in private and public sectors of education and business. They continue to participate in professional development and scholarly activity to enhance their knowledge and to serve as role models for lifelong learning.

The Natural Resource Management faculty are professionals who have been employed in private and public sectors of education and business. They continue to participate in professional development and scholarly activity to enhance their knowledge and to serve as role models for lifelong learning.

Dr. Krystal Caldwell

krystal.caldwell@littlehoop.edu

701-766-2385

Douglas Cudworth

douglas.cudworth@littlehoop.edu

701-766-1346