Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)
Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, United States Arizona, Mesa, USA Visit web page

Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology), BS LSABSNRBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

The concentration in natural resource ecology in the BS program in applied biological sciences provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively and sustainably manage natural resources in various ecosystems.

Students gain knowledge about essential elements of natural systems, including soils, water, and the associated plant and wildlife communities. Students also learn to measure and assess plant and animal populations through a variety of field techniques and computer tools, including geographic information systems and remote sensing. Skills and techniques are applied to case studies in the classroom and laboratory projects.

Students in this program contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:

  • faculty-guided research and service-learning projects
  • field trips
  • internships
  • laboratories and field experiences

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Polytechnic campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Applied Biological Sciences, MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities

Global experience 

The natural world is complex and diverse, providing different resources from one biome to the next. It's not only natural resources that are varied across the globe --- their uses vary as well. Students who participate in Global Education programs gain a deeper understanding of global resources, how different cultures use the resources and how best to communicate sustainable use to a diverse audience.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include employment with public agencies and private consulting firms, as well as positions such as:

  • environmental consultant
  • environmental researcher and educator
  • natural resource manager
  • park manager
  • watershed manager
  • wildlife biologist or ecologist
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