Grow where you're planted
With more than 150 years of experience educating future leaders in plant, animal and environmentally-focused sciences, Oregon State University is here to help you pursue a new career in one of these fields without uprooting your life.
Our nationally ranked bachelor's programs are finely tuned for studying complex STEM subjects online, and the Oregon State faculty who teach online are world-renowned for their work in conservation and natural sciences. Join us to gain the skills and knowledge you need to understand, cultivate and protect our natural world – then go out there and make a difference.
Explore all that OSU has to offer in natural resources online bachelor's degrees.
Browse conservation and natural sciences programs
30 undergraduate programs in conservation and natural sciences available
Undergraduate degrees (15)
Agricultural Sciences
B.S.
Design your own degree in agriculture through flexible curriculum that spans subjects such as agriculture production, leadership, agribusiness, world food crops and sustainability.
Ag safety and health Communicating ag to the public Environmental law, policy and economics Farm implements Engine theory and operation Organic farming Environmental biology
Agronomist farmer or rancher Animal breeder Soil or water conservationist Grower or production manager Ag communications; marketing or sales Ag educator Extension agent
Animal Sciences
B.S.
Prepare for work with domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, horses and dogs in a science-driven program exploring animal nutrition, behavior, reproduction and genetics.
Animal nutrition Reproductive physiology Animal genetics Livestock production Companion animal care Animal behavior analysis Animal products quality assurance
Animal shelter manager Equine boarding stable manager Research laboratory technician Food quality assurance manager Livestock production manager Animal health sales representative Pharmaceutical sales representative
Botany
B.S.
Study the biology of plants and fungi through subjects like plant structure, biodiversity and genetics to better understand human impact on plant and ecological systems.
Plant genetics Mycology Plant ecology Lichenology Plant pathology Bryology Cell and molecular biology
Botanist Ethnobotanist Horticulturist Plant pathologist Naturalist Biotechnologist Plant geneticist Field botanist Plant scientist
Crop and Soil Science
B.S.
Dig deep into crop and soil science with courses related to natural systems, field crop agriculture, water and soil resource management, and sustainable agriculture practices.
Crop production Soil morphology and classification Weed management Seed science and technology Plant pathology Insect pest management Irrigation principles and practices Plant ecology
Agronomist Soil conservationist Seed technologist Crop field scout Farm manager Crop analyst Soil health coordinator Field soil scientist Precision agricultural technician Soil mapping technician Land use planner
Environmental Economics and Policy
B.S.
Develop a strong economic skill set – supplemented by education in biological, physical or social sciences – as you prepare for a multifaceted career in environmental analysis.
Applied economics Natural resource economics and policy Measuring resource and environmental impacts Microeconomics Macroeconomics Environmental law Benefit-cost analysis
Environmental economist Land use planner Data analyst Research analyst for environmental nonprofit Environmental policy specialist Compliance analyst Pre-law
Environmental Sciences
B.S.
Pursue a rigorous, integrative education in science and policy as you learn to address global challenges like climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss as an environmentally focused scientist or analyst.
Field sampling (water/air/soil/vegetation) Data analysis GIS Remote sensing Wetland delineation Environmental technical writing Environmental problem-solving
Environmental scientist Ecologist Nature interpreter Environmental educator Climate analyst Environmental consultant Pollution regulations compliance officer Hydrologist/Water resource specialist Restoration planner
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
B.S.
Learn how to maintain balance for fish, wildlife and the delicate environments they live in through science-based curriculum that emphasizes applied ecological principles.
Fish, avian and wildlife conservation Population dynamics Marine ecology Animal genetics Vertebrate physiology Habitat restoration Animal care and rehabilitation Ecosystem ecology
Fisheries wildlife or marine biologist Fish and wildlife law enforcement Endangered species biologist Hatchery manager Habitat restoration biologist Wildlife area manager Animal caretaker
Geography and Geospatial Science
B.S.
Use the power of big data analysis and visualization technologies to explore humanity's relationship with our physical environment and natural, cultural and built resources.
Geographic information systems Remote sensing Geovisualization and cartography Geographic field research Physical geography Web mapping Geospatial analysis
GIS analyst Land use planner Planning and resource manager Cartographer Remote sensing specialist Land surveyor Photogrammetrist CAD/GIS developer Geospatial intelligence analyst Conservation specialist
Horticulture
B.S.
Grow your skills in horticultural production through the study of topics such as plant pathology, pest and weed management, applied ecology and agricultural policy.
Plant nutrition Sustainable landscapes Urban forestry Permaculture Turf grass maintenance Plant breeding Medicinal plants
Urban farmer Landscape designer Greenhouse manager Plant breeder Arborist Vineyard manager Soil and plant scientist Urban and regional planner Athletic field director
Marine Studies
B.A. or B.S.
Navigate social, political and cultural issues of marine systems through the lens of the humanities, arts and sciences — with a focus on sustainability.
Marine ecology Critical thinking Cultural resource management Scientific reasoning Communication Marine environmental justice Ethical reasoning
Marine policy analyst Coastal communication specialist Marine entrepreneur Conservation outreach coordinator Community education specialist Aquarium outreach coordinator
Natural Resources
B.S.
Explore natural and social sciences through a customizable curriculum that considers the interrelationship between our planet's resources and the human dimensions that impact them.
Forest biology and ecology Natural resource education Wildland fire ecology Landscape analysis Ecological restoration Conservation law enforcement Human dimensions in natural resources
Wildlife conservation officer Natural resources educator Extension agent Field researcher Forest, rangeland or wildlife ecologist Land-use planner Riparian, wetlands or watershed specialist
Rangeland Sciences
B.S.
Study the ecological, socioeconomic and policy aspects of rangeland management as you prepare yourself for a wide-open career in conserving and managing ecosystems and their resources.
Habitat management Sustainable livestock grazing systems Ecological restoration Rangeland stewardship Shrubland or grassland ecology Wildland plant identification Rangeland policy and economics
Rangeland management specialist Restoration ecologist Natural resource specialist Ranch manager Park manager Soil and water conservationist Conservation biologist Game enforcement
Sustainability
B.S. (Postbaccalaureate or double degree)
Gain interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable practices through this double-degree program, and build a career that can impact all aspects of global business, politics, economics and society.
Human impacts on ecosystems Sustainable supply chain management Environmental sociology Natural resource economics Sustainable communities Carbon and greenhouse gas management
Sustainability coordinator Strategic planner Sustainable waste, energy or water manager Environmental monitoring and assessment Urban planner Sustainability researcher Ecotourism
Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership
B.S.
Learn how to facilitate outdoor experiences that respect and protect natural resources and cultural heritage. Gain real-world skills from a program focused on sustainability, justice and equity.
Land use planning Natural resource management Environmental interpretation Program management Sustainability Accessibility in outdoor recreation Public lands policy
Outdoor educator Ecotourism manager Naturalist Park ranger Natural resource planner Recreation manager Outdoor adventure guide
Zoology
B.S.
Study the vast field of animal biology – from DNA to ecosystems – and gain a broad scientific foundation that will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the life sciences.
Invertebrate and vertebrate biology Animal behavior Population biology Environmental physiology Genetics and cell biology Ecology and evolution Conservation biology
Animal scientist Animal breeder Field biologist Conservationist Animal care and husbandry Laboratory animal research Curatorial and museum management
Undergraduate certificates (5)
Climate Change Solutions
Undergraduate Certificate
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical and social sciences behind climate change so you can develop the skills needed to create actionable solutions and seek climate justice.
Climate science Data analysis and modeling Impact assessment Mitigation strategies Conflict resolution Climate justice
Climate analyst Solutions consultant Environmental justice advocate Sustainability coordinator Climate change outreach coordinator Renewable energy specialist Technical advisor
Environmental Justice
Undergraduate Certificate
Develop the tools to understand and address the unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits in a program that combines environmental science with social justice principles.
Environmental impact analysis Community engagement Social justice advocacy Resource management Policy analysis Conflict resolution
Community outreach coordinator Environmental policy analyst Sustainability consultant Land use planner Environmental education specialist
Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
Undergraduate Certificate
Discover how to use geographic information technologies, and develop a skill set that is highly valued in science, natural resources, government, industry and business.
Surveying Cartography Remote sensing Geospatial information Satellite image analysis Geovisual analytics Web mapping
Geospatial logistics analyst Transportation surveyor Mapping technician Field surveyor
Horticultural Therapy
Undergraduate Certificate
Gain the knowledge you need to design therapeutic gardens and provide care through the healing influence of nature for diverse populations who are facing health or emotional issues.
Therapeutic garden design Horticultural systems Plant propagation Human lifespan development Brain behavior Health psychology
Registered horticultural therapist Therapeutic horticulture practitioner Community garden coordinator Rehabilitation program coordinator
Humanitarian Engineering
Undergraduate Certificate
Build technical engineering skills and learn to analyze the social, environmental and economic context as you work with underserved populations to help gain safe access to vital resources.
Co-design Cross-cultural communication Interdisciplinary teamwork Community engagement Sustainability Social Impact
Humanitarian organization coordinator Conflict relief project manager Design engineer Non-profit director Multinational organization staff Research scientist
Undergraduate microcredentials (10)
AI Fundamentals for Agricultural Sciences
Microcredential (introductory)
Learn how AI tools streamline irrigation, monitor livestock, predict crop yields, detect pests and more in a program that combines AI basics and industry-specific skill-building.
AI foundations Machine learning Bias recognition Privacy protection Ethical reasoning Agricultural decision support Model evaluation and interpretation
AI 100 – AI for Everyone
PHL 131 – AI Ethics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
AGRI 201 – AI Applications in Agricultural Sciences
AI Fundamentals for Earth Systems
Microcredential (introductory)
Examine how AI technologies both rely on and impact natural resources, and explore their potential to advance climate solutions through modeling, prediction and optimization.
Environmental impact assessment Environmental systems problem-solving Sustainable AI strategy design Technology ethics Power dynamics in technology Values-based decision making Machine learning concepts
AI 100 – AI for Everyone
PHL 131 – AI Ethics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
ENSC 204 – AI and the Environment
AI Fundamentals for Natural Resource Management
Microcredential (introductory)
Develop a foundational understanding of AI and build critical skills in deploying these tools to monitor ecosystems, model natural processes and inform management strategies.
AI foundations Machine learning Bias recognition Privacy protection Ethical reasoning Environmental decision support Model evaluation and interpretation
AI 100 – AI for Everyone
PHL 131 – AI Ethics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
AGRI 202 – AI Applications in Natural Resource Management
Environmental and Science Writing
Microcredential (advanced)
Study environmental and science writing and practice translating complex research results into effective messages that are tailored to the needs of your target audience.
Genre-appropriate writing Critical thinking Scientific literacy Research Persuasive communication Scientific analysis Source credibility assessment
General Chemistry
Microcredential (introductory)
Learn important chemical principles and theories, develop safe laboratory practices and broaden your understanding of the societal implications of chemistry.
Dimensional analysis Laboratory techniques Logarithms and exponential functions Linear regression analysis
GIS and Mapping Foundations
Microcredential (introductory)
Build or formalize your GIS and mapping skills in a program that blends foundational instruction and hands-on experimentation for rewarding careers in planning and data analytics.
Cartography Global positioning systems Data acquisition Geoprocessing Spatial analysis Data analysis ArcGIS
Mycology
Microcredential (advanced)
Learn how to identify and classify fungi and lichens of all shapes and sizes, and build your real-world skills with assignments in fungal collection and at-home laboratory work.
Field research Critical thinking Data collection Mycology Fungal taxonomy Lichen taxonomy Community ecology
Outdoor Recreation Resource Management
Microcredential (introductory)
Develop practical knowledge and skills for the strategic management of parks and outdoor recreation, including sustainable water and land resource management.
Outdoor recreation management Public lands management Protected area management Communication Diversity, equity and inclusion in outdoor recreation
Plant Biology
Microcredential (introductory)
Build skills in plant identification and physiology and become prepared to contribute meaningfully to plant-focused work in science and sustainability.
Critical thinking Observation Plant science Experimental design Plant physiology Plant identification
Plant Ecology and Biodiversity
Microcredential (introductory)
Learn how plants interact with one another and their environment, and gain critical experience in identifying vascular plants and analyzing vegetation patterns.
Critical thinking Data collection Plant ecology Biodiversity studies Vegetation monitoring/surveying Scientific writing
Learn more about Oregon State’s online bachelor’s degrees, master’s programs and graduate certificates focused on conservation and natural sciences.
B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
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