One of the greatest strengths of our undergraduate education is that students receive real-world field experience in our courses. Our goal is for students to apply the principles learned in the classroom to practical and relevant situations now and in the future.
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 is spent 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 2024 alumni survey, 87% of graduates seeking employment found full-time positions 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).
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:
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.
The Marine Sciences curriculum is built upon the following required courses:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Discuss prerequisite courses with course’s instructor, or with the SFFGS Student Services Office.
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.
Did you know we offer combined BS and MS degrees (aka 4+1)? You can earn up to 12 credits towards a master's degree while you're still working on your bachelor's.
Reach out to our advisors for more information.
There are a few ways to join the School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences. If you have further questions, please fill out and submit the form below, or reach out to one of our advisors directly (contact information listed below).
If you are already a UF student, it's easy to change your major to one of our programs. Reach out to our advisors (contact information below) and they will be happy to help you plan your program and make sure you stay on track to graduate within your timeline.
If you are a student at a state college or other university, you can apply to transfer after completing 60 or more credit hours. An Associate of Arts degree from a Florida institution is preferred, as it will satisfy all of UF’s requirements. Admissions into the program will be based on your performance in the courses listed in the Transfer Admissions Guide for your desired major.
If you are applying to UF as a freshman, you can declare your major in the usual way. Feel free to reach out to our advisors if you want to discuss your future prospects in Forest Resources, Geomatics, Marine Sciences, or Natural Resource Conservation - they will be glad to help you plan.
Geomatics (GEM) and Forest Resources & Conservation (FRC) majors or prospective students can contact Jaclyn “Jackie” Gilley at jgilley1@ufl.edu.
