Students analyze environmental conditions and problems through applied research and fieldwork, all within the stunning natural setting of the Klamath Basin.

Natural Resources Master Programs

Program Overview    
The Natural Resources Master Program at Oregon Tech prepares students to apply techniques of scientific research to real-world biological problems encountered in business, industry, government, and education.    
The Natural Resources Master Program is open to all applicants, regardless of the undergraduate field of study. However, the following criteria must be met:

  • Baccalaureate Degree: Graduate students must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or institution. Degree should include basic courses in biology, ecology and at least 12 credits of upper division science.
  • Students applying to the MS Program must have a suggested 3.0 overall GPA
  • Letters of recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation addressing the student’s qualifications and aptitude to succeed in the program.
  • A letter of support from a potential faculty mentor. 

Choosing a Faculty Mentor

A Faculty Mentor serves as an academic advisor and will help guide you to completion of your degree. Having a faculty mentor is a requirement of acceptance to Natural Resources Program. Here are our recommendations for choosing a Faculty Mentor:    
Review our list of Natural Science faculty to help you find faculty members whose area of research aligns with your academic interests. Faculty will want to know background information about your academic experience before they agree to be your mentor. Draft an email to your potential mentor and attach one pdf file that includes a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and names and contact addresses of three references.  The faculty members will likely request interviews with their most promising candidates before deciding about whether to serve as your mentor.  Once a faculty member commits to serving as your mentor, they will provide a recommendation letter for your application package.

The number of students each faculty is willing to take on at one time is dependent on their availability. Please don’t be discouraged if faculty members respond with “no” or “not at this time.”

Apply Now

Students must fill out an application for Oregon Tech provided below.  You will also need to send your cover letter indicating your professor of choice, CV, names of three references, and transcripts in a single PDF to the Graduate Coordinator Christy VanRooyen – Christy.VanRooyen@oit.edu

Masters Program Curriculum

The Natural Resources 3+2 Programs offer students the unique opportunity to graduate with both a Baccalaureate and Master's degree in five years. 
Students interested in the Natural Resources 3+2 Program must declare their major as Bachelor of Science in Biological Health Science or Environmental Science.

In the third year of the program, students must apply to the Natural Resources 3+2 Program. Upon acceptance, students begin graduate coursework the following summer.

The application for admissions to the 3+2 plan must include:

  1. An Oregon Tech transcript
  2. Two letters of recommendation from two Oregon Tech faculty
  3. A statement of research interests
  4. Complete a graduate admission application.
  5. Pay the admission application fee.

Students must meet the following qualifications: 

  • Must have declared BHS, ENV, or civil engineer as your major
  • Must have achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must have achieved a grade point average of 3.25 in required science coursework.
  • Must have completed 100 credits including twelve upper-level credits in science.
  • Prior to enrolling in the first 500-level course, students are expected to have completed a significant portion of the requirements for their undergraduate major.

If you are interested in the 3+2 Program, please speak with your Faculty Advisor.   
 

What You'll Learn

A degree in Environmental Sciences prepares students for immediate employment and graduate studies in the assessment and monitoring of environmental conditions and problems, including research, monitoring, mitigation and restoration. The program focuses on applied scientific reasoning and methodology to study natural and human environments from interdisciplinary systems perspectives with strong emphasis on communication. The curriculum builds on four cores: 

  • data analysis:  mathematics, statistics, R modeling, and geographic information systems (GIS)
  • natural sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics
  • technical electives: ecology (wildlife, plant, and forest), hydrology, soils, and natural resource management.
  • integrated social sciences: economics, geography, and bio-regional studies

Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated the following outcomes:

  • Attain applicable foundational knowledge, technical skills, and information literacy in several core areas of ecology, natural resources, & environmental sciences.
  • Demonstrate geospatial literacy through the utilization of appropriate technology to identify and address environmental problems.
  • Actively collaborate with local and regional agencies, organizations, and community members that represent a diversity of perspectives.
  • Apply, interpret, and communicate appropriate analytical and statistical techniques to answer data driven scientific questions.
  • Make and advocate for science-based and sustainable solutions to local and global environmental issues.

 

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Program Options

Klamath Falls
Master of Science

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Related Programs

Civil Engineering
Projected Course Offerings (Two Year Schedules)

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Meet The Faculty

Meet the Natural Sciences Faculty
Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences encompass a broad range of opportunities for students after graduation which is why in their second year, students select a specific track to focus their education for their career aspirations.  The BES program currently offers five tracks: Wildlife, Fisheries and Natural Resources; Water and Wetland Resources; Recreation and Science Ambassador; Environmental Business and Economics; Environmental Policy and Governance.  General descriptions of the tracks can be found below or you can view the full curriculum for each track here:

Environmental Sciences Program

Students within the Environmental Sciences program put their knowledge into practice in the best place possible—the great outdoors.

Starting with Introduction to Environmental Sciences in the first year, emphasis is placed on active experiential learning, which faculty members take seriously by introducing students to all that the Klamath Basin has to offer. The Klamath Basin is widely recognized as one of the most ecologically important watersheds in the United States.  It is a spectacular place to study wildlife and natural resources with an incredibly high variety of organisms and habitats.  It is the perfect home base for accessing outdoor experiences.  If you want to merge your passion for being outdoors with a career in science, this is the program for you!

Students in Environmental Sciences have many opportunities to engage with real world experience while pursuing their degree.  Whether it’s taking a research class focused on specific faculty research projects, designing an independent study research project, or seeking employment with a local agency or nonprofit, students can develop valuable professional experience before they graduate.  Every year students showcase these professional experiences at the annual ENV Student Project Symposium, at the campus student project symposium called IDEA Fest, or by presenting at regional professional conferences.

Tracks for Enviromental Sciences

Students gather, analyze, and interpret data on wildlife and their habitats to promote organismic success and sustainable natural resources. They evaluate ecosystems to determine environmental impacts from proposed actions while applying standards established through various environmental laws.  Examples of track specific courses include Wildlife, Mammalogy, Fisheries, Ornithology, Policy and Management, Conservation Biology, and Ecological Restoration and Monitoring.   

Potential careers associated with this track: wildlife tech, wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, wildlife management, forestry tech, rangeland management.

Prepares individuals to apply the principles of aquatic ecology, hydrology, and natural resources management to the development, conservation, and management of freshwater environments. Within this track students will use surveying, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and analytical chemistry techniques to collect data on lentic and lotic systems.  Examples of track specific courses include Aquatic Ecology, Watershed Science and Technology, Water Resources, and Treatment Wetlands.

Potential careers associated with this track: hydrologic tech, environmental scientist, wetland scientist, environmental lab technician, water conservation specialist.

This track prepares students for environmental education and recreation leadership careers.  Students educate diverse audiences on environmental and recreation topics and empower their audience to get involved. Within this track students will design and implement standards aligned curriculum for environmental education programs. Examples of track specific courses include Environmental Education, Risk Assessment and Wilderness First Aid, Coaching in Application, and Wilderness Navigation.

Potential careers associated with this track: Interpretive Park Ranger, Environmental Educator, Recreation Ambassador, Park or Resource Specialist, Outreach Specialist.  

In business there is increasing demand to consider the environmental impact of corporate actions for compliance and conservation purposes.  In this track students will develop the analytical skills to assess, allocate, and sustainably manage natural resources. Examples of track specific courses include Environmental Ethics, Principals of Business Management, Globalization, and Marketing.

Potential careers associated with this track: Sustainability Management, Environmental Reporting Specialist, Corporate Environmental Professional, Environmental Consultant, Natural Resource Manager.  

The emphasis in this track is to examine the social dimensions of environmental issues.  Students will gain the tools needed to inform environmental policy decisions.  They will interpret current environmental laws and policies and advocate sustainable practices. Examples of track specific courses include Environmental Economics, Medical Sociology, Community Program Planning, and Leadership.

Potential careers associated with this track: Environmental Planning/Policy, Environmental Policy Analyst, Environmental Program Specialist, Compliance Analyst.

Oregon Tech students may consider a concurrent degree in Civil Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering to expand their career opportunities.

Note that dual degrees or minors require additional coursework increasing the time to degree. 

Students may also minor in one or more of the following areas: Chemistry, Biology, Sustainability, or GIS.

Note that dual degrees or minors require additional coursework increasing the time to degree. 

Careers

With 100% of Oregon Tech Environmental Sciences graduates either employed or seeking an advanced degree within six months of graduation, Oregon Tech graduates enjoy success thanks to the unique, in-demand knowledge and skill set they gain in our program.

Our faculty and partners are here to help you build an impressive resume of academic and work experience that will place you in the job or graduate program of your choice. Graduates can expect to find employment in federal, state, and tribal government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and education and research institutions. Students are also well prepared to enter graduate school. Students graduating from our program have taken positions with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Police Wildlife Enforcement, Klamath County Health Department, Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Nature Conservancy, and JELD-WEN Windows and Doors.

The Environmental Sciences curriculum can also prepare students for specific professional certifications.  

Our graduates work for:

EcoSolar and Electric
Bureau of Land Management
National Park Service
Desert Lake Technologies
Klamath Land Trust
US Geological Survey
Fremont-Winema National Forest
Bureau of Reclamation
Klamath Falls
Tanya Zolotoff
Tanya Zolotoff
Student, Class of 2025
“At Oregon Tech, I have met some great people and have learned so much. It’s a much smaller university than previous ones I’ve attended. With this being a smaller major, there is also a smaller classroom size, and you really get to know your instructors. They are much more accessible and open to talking with you.”

Degree Required courses and recommended terms during which they should be taken:

Fall

BIO 211 - Principles of Biology

ENV 108 - Mentorship and Team Building

ENV 111 - Intro to Env Sciences 

GIS 103 - The Digital Earth   

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 1

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3

 

Winter

BIO 212 - Principles of Biology

GIS 134 - Geographic Info Systems

MATH 111 - College Algebra  

WRI 121 - English Composition

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4


Spring

BIO 213 - Principles of Biology

GIS 205 - Mobile and Web GIS

MATH 112 - Trigonometry

GEOG 105 - Physical Geography

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 2

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

 

Fall

CHE 221 - General Chemistry I

ENV 217 - Intro to Natural Resources Management

SPE 111 - Public Speaking

Track Course

Credit Hours: 5

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

Winter

CHE 222 - General Chemistry II

ENV 224 - Scientific Reason & Method

ENV 226 - Environmental Data Analysis

WRI 122 - Argumentative Writing
or
WRI 227 - Technical Report Writing

Credit Hours: 5

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4
-
Credit Hours: 4


Spring

CHE 223 - General Chemistry III

ECO 201 - Principles of Microeconomics
or
ECO 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

Track Course

MATH 361 - Statistical Methods I

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3
-
Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

 

Fall

ENV 108 - Mentorship and Team Building 

ENV 355 - Careers/Professionalism in Env Sci 

Social Science Elective 

Track Course  

MATH 362 - Statistical Methods II 

Credit Hours: 1

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

 

Winter

PHY 201 - General Physics 

Track Course

ENV 314 - Environmental Policy and Management 

ENV 434 - Advanced Data Analysis  

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4


Spring

CHE 223 - General Chemistry III

ECO 201 - Principles of Microeconomics
or
ECO 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

Track Course

MATH 361 - Statistical Methods I

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3
-
Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

 

Fall

Social Science Elective 

Track Course

Track Course

Humanities Elective  

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3

 

Winter

BIO 212 - Principles of Biology

Track Course

Track Course 

ENV 485 – Habitat Management

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3


Spring

ENV 484 - Sustainable Human Ecology

Humanities Elective

Track Course

Track Course

Track Course

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 3

 

To see the full list of track courses in the Oregon Tech catalog see the Environmental Sciences (Program Curriculum  >) link below.

Program Curriculum

Featured Courses

The hands-on courses at Oregon Tech will help you explicitly prepare you for a career utilizing environmental science and technology. Some courses that a student at Oregon Tech might take include:

The Digital Earth

Introduction to the digital representation of the features and attributes of our natural world. Concepts, vocabulary, and use of GIS and GPS, and how these systems help solve geospatial problems. Integration of GPS data into GIS. Introduction to the use of various 'free-ware' software applications used for geospatial analysis.

Watershed Science & Technology

Science and technology of watershed processes, monitoring, and assessment. Applications and case studies focused on sustainable management and restoration of water resources and their associated aquatic, riparian, and upland ecosystems. Local and regional sites of interest are highlighted.

Environmental Science, Law, and Policy

Overview of legislative, regulatory, and policy-based activities involving the development, management, and restoration of natural ecosystem services. Emphasis is on the National Environmental Policy, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts, with illustrative case studies from local and regional environments.

Wildlife Ecology

Explore fundamental concepts and applied methods in the study of wildlife populations. Focus on study of wildlife habitat, animal movements, and wildlife diseases. Develop skills in wildlife data analysis, animal capture, marking and remote tracking.