Undergraduate Majors

• FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION (BS-FRC)

  The Forest Resources and Conservation major prepares students for professional employment managing forests for a variety of ecological and economic objectives. The curriculum is broad, with required coursework in ecology, the measurement and analysis of natural resources, the role and use of fire and other forest management techniques, managing for recreational opportunities, and natural resource economics and policy. Approximately a quarter of instructional time in the field, gaining hands-on experience with both ecosystems and management principles.  Graduates find professional employment in a broad array of natural resource positions, ranging from managing conservation lands for habitat, recreation, and other ecosystem services, to managing lands for financial returns from wood products and other resources.  Based on a 2021 alumni survey, 89% of graduates found full-time employment in the profession within six months of graduation.  This major is accredited by the Society of American Foresters under the Forestry Standard (since 1942, and currently through 2025).

  Go to the UF Undergraduate Catalog.

• GEOMATICS (BS-GEM)

  Geomatics refers to the integrated approach of measurement, analysis, and management of the descriptions and locations of geo-spatial data. These data come from many sources, including earth-orbiting satellites, air and sea-borne sensors and ground based instruments. It is processed and manipulated with state-of-the-art information technology. Go to the UF Undergraduate Catalog >

  
  There are two specializations within the Geomatics major:

  • Surveying & Mapping Curriculum
  • Geospatial Analysis Curriculum

  The Geomatics Program within the School is the oldest program of its kind in the southeastern United States. Students have the opportunity to pursue a BS in Geomatics, an MS with a concentration in Geomatics or a PhD. The Bachelor of Science in Geomatics is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

  Our Geomatics undergraduate degree is available at three locations throughout the state of Florida: on the main campus in Gainesville, at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) or at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Plant City. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics may attend at any of the locations.

• MARINE SCIENCES (BS-MAS)
  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. Go to the UF Undergraduate Catalog >

  The Marine Sciences curriculum is built upon the following required courses:

  • STA2023 Introduction to Statistics
  • GLY3083C Fundamentals of Marine Sciences
  • FAS4175 Biology and Ecology of Algae
  • FAS4202C Biology of Fishes
  • FNR3410C Natural Resource Sampling (or other approved statistics course)
  • FAS4270 Marine Ecological Processes or ZOO4926 Marine Ecology
  • FNR4660 Natural Resource Policy and Economics
  • ZOO4205C Invertebrate biodiversity

  These courses are designed to give students a broad understanding of marine ecosystems, quantitative research methods, and the policies that influence marine resource management. Students work closely with a Faculty Adviser to create an individualized curriculum plan of at least 18 credits of Approved Electives. These can include courses on resource management, human dimensions, conservation, quantitative population assessment and other areas. Students must complete a Marine Sciences Curriculum Plan and have it approved by the program undergraduate coordinator before they reach 70 credits.

• NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION (BS-NRC)

  NRC students build their own curriculum along with a faculty advisor who shares similar interests. NRC curricula can vary from very focused and specific to broad and multi-disciplinary depending on the students’ interests and career goals. Go to the UF Undergraduate Catalog >
  
  The NRC curriculum is built upon the following nine core categories that all NRC students are required to complete:

  • Professional Seminar
  • Ecology
  • Quantitative Analysis and Assessment
  • Natural History
  • Human Dimensions
  • Policy and Economics
  • Field Applications
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Capstone Experience

  These categories are designed to give students a broad understanding of natural resources, their management, and the policies that influence management activities. Students should follow the instructions outlined in the Natural Resources Conservation Curriculum to develop their individual plans of study.

  All NRC majors are required to complete nine core courses, 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 Natural Resources Conservation Curriculum and have it approved by the undergraduate coordinator by the time they reach 70 credits. Electives Students in the NRC major may choose courses from any program or department at the University of Florida as electives. These must be chosen and included in your Curriculum Plan, which is approved by your advisor. The goal is to have flexibility in your focus while still maintaining a coherent program that will serve your future goals.

  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.

Minors

• 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). Minor Course Requirements Course Term Credits Suggested Prerequisite Courses FNR3131C Dendrology/Forest Plants Fall 3 General biology or botany (BSC205, BSC2010, BOT2010, etc.) FNR3410C Natural Resource Sampling Fall 3 Introductory statistics(STA2023, STA2122, etc.) FOR3162 Silviculture Spring 4 General ecology (FOR3153C, PCB3034C, etc.) FOR4621 Forest Economics & Management Fall 4 FOR3162C Silviculture, Microeconomics (ECO2023, AEB3103, etc.) FOR#### any additional FOR course Varies Varies Discuss prerequisite courses with course’s instructor, or with the SFRC Student Services Office

• MINOR: FISHERIES & AQUATIC SCIENCES

  Although Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (FAS) is primarily a graduate program, this minor is a good place to jump-start their academic and professional career in fisheries and aquatic sciences. Our undergraduate courses are designed to provide you with the foundation necessary to build on if you decide to pursue a graduate degree. Courses include a basic introduction to fisheries science, fish biology, aquatic plant biology and management, aquaculture principles, as well as global issues. FAS minor form This minor requires 15 semester credits with a grade of C or better. Students pursuing a minor must complete at least three FAS courses of three or more credits each at the 3000-level or higher. A maximum of 3 credits of FAS 4905 Problems in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences may be applied toward the 15 credit minimum for the minor, but may not be used to fulfill the nine credits of 3000-level or higher courses. Students applying for the minor must obtain written approval from their academic advisor and the undergraduate coordinator in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (FAS) program at least two semesters before graduation.