The Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources Undergraduate Program provides students a means to understand how natural living systems function and evolve and how they can be managed to conserve biodiversity while providing benefits to people. Students may pursue course work that prepares them for traditional careers in resource management or they may take a broader array of courses that meets interests related to the conservation of natural resources and the ecology and evolution of natural systems. Graduates may pursue further study at the graduate level or find career opportunities in academe and in public or private organizations involved in the management of natural resources. The flexibility of this major is intended to meet a variety of student interests and needs. Students are encouraged to organize curricular and elective courses to fulfill simultaneously the requirements of a minor such as the Science Teacher Education Program or a certificate in Environmental Geomatics. For more information about the Program, send an email to
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
Students with a Precalculus or Calculus AND Expository Writing placement
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
General Biology |
01:119:115 |
4 |
Biological Sciences (119) |
General Chemistry | 01:160:161 | 4 | Chemistry (160) |
Calculus I | 4 | Mathematics (640) |
Students without a Precalculus or Calculus AND Expository Writing placement
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
Prep for General Biology |
01:119:199 |
4 |
Biological Sciences (119) |
Calculus I | 4 | Mathematics (640) |
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page. Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester. Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one: 1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue. 2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments: Anthropology (070) Environmental Studies (381) Geography (450) Geological Sciences (460) 3. In Section Status, deselect Closed 4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
Transforming the Global Environment
01:450:102
3
Geography (450)
Introduction to Environmental Studies
01:381:101
3
Environmental Studies (381)
The Life of Primates
01:070:212
3
Anthropology (070)
Introduction to Environmental Science
11:375:101
3
Environmental Science (375)