Natural Resources and the Environment Certificate
Certificate Overview
Prepare to become a knowledgeable leader in natural resources management and environmental science with this four-course certificate program. The curriculum offers you both a philosophical and functional view of natural resources and environmental issues that is applicable to a wide range of careers, from land management to public affairs to wildlife biology.
During your coursework, you will gain critical insights into conservation and use of natural resources. You will learn the latest theories and practices in natural resources management to develop your understanding of the viewpoints that impact public debate and decisions in this important field. Upon completion of this certificate program, you will be a stronger leader, better communicator, and more active member of your community.
Curriculum
Choose four different courses to complete the certificate, two courses from each of the following groups. It is recommended that you select one policy course, as well as NR 501 and FW 357, for an overview of important topics that apply to most interests and work situations; however, please select courses that best meet your needs.
More than the required number of courses can be taken. Other courses related to Natural Resources or Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology may be substituted by special request.
Group I (select two courses - six credits required)
Before embarking on this certificate program, I had already earned three college degrees (one Bachelors and two Masters) all in scientific fields. The certificate program was challenging, the choices of textbooks excellent, and the assignments very practical with valuable real-world applicability. Dr. Benson is a first-rate professor, not only as someone very knowledgeable as a professional in his field, but also as an outstanding educator.
– Louise A. Berney
Group II (select two courses - five to six credits required)
- FW 355 - Hunter Education for Instructors (2 cr.)
- FW 357 - Wildlife Habitat on the Great Plains (3 cr.)
- FW 575 - Wildlife Habitat Evaluation for Educators (3 cr.)
- NR 501 - Leadership and Public Communications (3 cr.)
- NR 535 - Action for Sustainable Behavior (3 cr.)
- FW 576 - Wildlife Policy, Administration, and Law (3 cr.)
OR
NR 515 - Natural Resources Policy and Biodiversity (3 cr.)
Admission to the University is not required to earn the Certificate of Completion in Natural Resources and the Environment. You can register for any course in the certificate program as long as you meet the course prerequisites. Prior CSU coursework can be applied toward this certificate, though transfer courses are not accepted.
What Next?
- Contact us
Mike Macklin
(970) 491-7583
michael.macklin@colostate.edu - Stay informed with email updates
Sign up for email updates, and you'll be the first to know about updates related to this certificate and other programs in the Sustainability and the Environment topic area.
- Explore similar programs in Agriculture, Food, & Animal Sciences, Sustainability & the Environment
- Download the Natural Resources and the Environment flyer for program highlights.
We'll be in touch within 2 business days.
- or contact -
Mike Macklin
CSU OnlinePlus
(970) 491-7583
michael.macklin@colostate.edu
Receive periodic emails about this program.
For curriculum or advising questions:
Del Benson, Ph.D.
Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
(970) 491-6411
delwin.benson@colostate.edu
Certificate at a Glance
Delivery
Correspondence. On-campus attendance is not required.
Total credits
11 to 12 credits
Tuition
$319 or $499 per credit
Time frame
Completion of the certificate varies based on the number of credits completed each semester.
Designed for
Those students interested in gaining both a philosophical and functional view of natural resource and environmental issues.
What you will earn
Upon completion of this series of courses with passing grades, you earn a Certificate of Completion. Individual courses, but not the certificate, will appear on your official University transcript.

