Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management (ESRM) Major

Degree Overview

ESRM trains future environmental science and natural resource professionals who couple rigorous analysis with ethical foundations to steward terrestrial ecosystems—now and for generations to come.

Our graduates:

  • Integrate science & society – Analyze ecological, economic, and social data to design sustainable solutions for forests and linked human systems, in the Pacific Northwest and worldwide.
  • Apply cutting‑edge tools –Map, measure, model, and manage ecosystems with drones & LiDAR, satellite & hyperspectral imagery, in‑situ sensor networks, eDNA labs, code and AI-driven analytics and decision‑support simulators.
  • Practice ethical stewardship – Weave environmental justice, traditional ecological knowledge, and sustainability into every management choice.
  • Think critically, act decisively – Synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence, weigh trade‑offs, and productively navigate uncertainty.
  • Communicate & lead – Craft clear narratives and compelling visuals for scientists, policymakers, and the public; guide interdisciplinary teams toward shared goals.
  • Embrace diversity & inclusion – Engage respectfully with communities near and far, ensuring benefits and burdens of resource use are shared equitably.
  • Learn for life – Reflect on theory and practice, nurture curiosity, and continually renew skills to meet emergent environmental challenges.

Students complete the general ESRM degree or one of four ESRM degree Options: 

  • ESRM degree: General 
  • ESRM degree: Option in Natural Resources and Environmental Management 
  • ESRM degree: Option in Restoration Ecology and Environmental Horticulture
  • ESRM degree: Option in Sustainable Forest Management 
  • ESRM degree: Option in Wildlife Conservation 

The only difference between the pathways are the final 45 credits of the degree. ESRM General students can choose flexible ESRM electives in the 300 and 400 levels, all of the other four options have a fixed set of ESRM courses to complete for the final 45 credits. All options are Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees.

ESRM Goals and Objectives

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