The Natural Resources program at WVC focuses on providing students with forestry focused foundation and understanding of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, safe and accurate fieldwork and data collection techniques, as well as the social context of natural resources management. Hands-on learning experiences are prioritized and students are provided with opportunities to engage with science in unique ways, including both western scientific ways of knowing and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) / Indigenous ways of knowing. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a broad range of technical natural resources careers, including seasonal and full-time positions and will have transfer options available for more advanced studies in the field of natural resources (or related areas). The program was developed collaboratively with local natural resource agencies, Tribes and other organizations.
Core program courses may have prerequisite requirements. English and mathematics courses require qualifying placement scores or acceptable preparatory coursework in these subjects. See course descriptions for details. Students need a “C” grade (2.0) or better in the natural resource program courses to be successful in a career in natural resources. Students interested in transferring for a university degree in natural resources should work closely with the program advisor on course selection and sequencing.
Students are required to take 5 total credits of NATR 296 Cooperative Work Experience. This can be completed any quarter or split over multiple quarters.
ENGL& 101, MATH& 146: Assessment score or prerequisite required.
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degree: the AAS-T is built upon the technical courses required for job preparation but also includes a college-level general education component, common in structure for all such degrees. The distinguishing characteristic of the AAS-T is a minimum of 20 credits of general education courses drawn from the same list as those taken by students completing the Direct Transfer agreement (DTA) associate degree or the Associate in Science-Transfer (AS-T) degree (that is, the courses generally accepted in transfer). AAS-T courses are designed for the dual purpose of immediate employment and as preparation for the junior year in a bachelor’s degree commonly described as the bachelor of applied science (BAS). The AAS-T degree generally will not be accepted in transfer in preparation for bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees, although the general education component of the degree will be accepted in transfer. (State Board for Community and Technical Colleges)
Program outcomes
Students who complete the Natural Resources AAS-T degree should be able to:
- Operate tools and equipment commonly used in the natural resources field work.
- Utilize maps, aerial photographs, and land survey abilities in the management of natural resources, including geographic information systems.
- Understand and apply concepts of ecology, conservation, and management for timber, fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
- Identify important plant and animal species for North Central Washington ecosystem.
- Select and apply appropriate field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor timber, fish, and wildlife species and their habitat(s).
- Identify and model interpersonal skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
- Demonstrate the ability to locate opportunities and prepare application materials for state and federal jobs in natural resources.
- Describe biotic and abiotic processes, including human impacts that influence ecosystems and contribute to ecological change.
- Objectively predict, assess, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate perspectives of diverse stakeholders regarding natural resource problems and issues.
- Understand cultural diversity and describe the impact of the global distribution of people and wealth on natural resource use and valuation.