Find Your Path in Sustainability and Natural Resources

A natural resources-related degree gives you the skills to solve real-world challenges in sustainability, conservation, and environmental management. Whether you’re tracking climate data, designing renewable energy solutions, or developing policies to protect ecosystems, you’ll build the expertise needed to make an impact. These hands-on skills prepare you for careers in natural resources and beyond:

• Environmental problem-solving: Develop solutions for conservation, sustainability, and resource management.

• Data analysis and technology: Use GIS mapping, data modeling, and engineering tools to assess environmental trends.

• Fieldwork and research: Conduct experiments, collect samples, and analyze ecosystems in real-world settings.

• Engineering and design thinking: Create sustainable infrastructure, energy systems, and environmental technologies.

• Business and policy expertise: Learn how economics, policy, and law shape sustainability and natural resource industries.

• Collaboration and leadership: Work with scientists, engineers, and business leaders to drive change on a global scale.

A natural resources degree prepares you to take the lead in sustainability, conservation, and resource management. Whether you're influencing environmental policy, managing sustainable projects, or driving innovation in renewable energy, you'll gain the leadership skills needed to make a real impact.

• Strategic decision-making: Learn to balance environmental, economic, and social factors in resource management.

• Project management: Oversee conservation efforts, sustainability initiatives, and environmental engineering projects.

• Communication and leadership: Develop the skills to educate, inform, and influence policies that protect natural resources.

• Team collaboration: Work with scientists, engineers, and business leaders to solve global environmental challenges.

• Ethical leadership: Navigate complex sustainability issues with responsibility and integrity.

At Penn State, sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a commitment to shaping a better future. From pioneering renewable energy solutions to protecting natural resources, our students and faculty work together to tackle some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.

With nearly 400 courses focused on sustainability and faculty experts across every campus, you'll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to become a leader in this critical field. Our impact is real—25% of our electricity comes from one of Pennsylvania’s largest solar projects, and we’re ranked among the top universities worldwide for sustainability efforts.

Join a university that puts sustainability at the forefront, integrating science, policy, and innovation to create lasting change.

Choosing an accredited program ensures you’re gaining the knowledge and skills that meet industry standards—giving you a competitive edge in careers that protect and manage the natural world. At Penn State, you'll learn from expert faculty, gain hands-on experience, and graduate with a degree that employers recognize and respect.

• Undergraduate engineering programs: Accredited by ABET, ensuring technical expertise, hands-on experience, and problem-solving skills for cutting-edge careers.

• Forest Ecosystem Management: Accredited by the Society of American Foresters, with three accredited options: Community and Urban Forest Management, Forest Biology, and Forest Management.

• Forest Technology, A.S.: Accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

• Wildlife Technology, A.S.: Accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association (NAWTA).

Penn State’s undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by ABET, the global standard for engineering education. This accreditation ensures our programs provide the technical expertise, hands-on experience, and problem-solving skills needed for success in cutting-edge engineering fields.

Employers recognize ABET-accredited degrees as a mark of quality and industry readiness, giving you a competitive edge in the job market and streamlining the path to professional licensure and certifications, opening doors to advanced career opportunities.

A degree in natural resources opens doors to even greater opportunities, whether you want to start your career right away or continue your education. With a strong foundation in science, policy, and sustainability, you’ll be ready to pursue advanced degrees in environmental law, conservation science, resource management, and more. Graduate programs can help you specialize, expand your impact, and take on leadership roles in the field.

Learn more about graduate pathways in natural resources.

Thinking about law school? Penn State’s pre-law advising helps students in any major navigate the path to a legal career.

Whether you’re exploring if law school is right for you or preparing applications, dedicated advisors provide expert guidance through info sessions, workshops, and one-on-one appointments. Get support in choosing the right courses, finding internships, and selecting the best law school for your goals.

Learn more about pre-law advising.

Penn State offers comprehensive career services to help students confidently navigate their career. Our dedicated advisers provide personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview prep, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

With over 50,000 career preparedness programs annually and career fairs featuring top employers, we ensure you're well-equipped to succeed. There's a reason recruiters turn to Penn State graduates again and again.

You’ll also have access to networking opportunities with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals to jumpstart your career.

Learn more about Career Services.

At Penn State, we provide unmatched networking opportunities through our world’s largest dues-paying alumni network, connecting students to a lifelong community of professionals.

With access to alumni and industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities. Our alumni network and partnerships with top employers ensure that you're building relationships that will support your career for years to come.

Participate in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable real-world experience by connecting you with leading companies across industries.

These opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning to professional settings, build industry-specific skills, and network with potential employers.

Internships are short-term, hands-on positions, while co-ops involve alternating work and study periods for a more in-depth experience. Both are designed to give you a competitive edge, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.

At Penn State, undergraduates can dive into research projects that explore new ideas and trends. This experience will set you apart and give you a deeper understanding of your field.

Explore undergraduate research opportunities.

We are dedicated to shaping the future by fostering a community where all students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. We believe that progress happens when we embrace and amplify ideas, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Our commitment goes beyond the classroom, weaving together integrity, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on creating positive change, Penn State prepares students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. From cutting-edge initiatives to global learning opportunities, we empower students to drive social good.

Take your education further with honors programs, where high-achieving students gain access to small, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, and unique academic experiences.

With honors opportunities available across our campuses and Schreyer Honors College, you’ll engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on learning that sets you apart. Personalized advising, study abroad options, and career resources help you make the most of your college journey.

Penn State offers a range of opportunities for students eager to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing industries. Through Invent Penn State, you'll have access to programs that support entrepreneurial education both in and outside the classroom.

Our signature programs provide students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to bring bold ideas to life. Whether you want to start your own venture or lead innovation within a company, Penn State provides the support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Learn more about Invent Penn State.

Broaden your perspective with over 300 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, available year-round for all majors.

Whether through embedded programs that let you take classes while traveling during breaks or global service opportunities like alternative spring break, these experiences will deepen your understanding of international business and culture. Gain the global insights and connections that today’s leaders need to succeed.

Learn more about global learning opportunities.

Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree programs allow students to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as a continuous course of study. This streamlined path accelerates the completion of the master's degree and offers early exposure to graduate-level coursework. IUG students also benefit from networking opportunities with graduate students and faculty who share similar academic and career interests.

Learn more about IUG programs at Penn State.

We offer more than sixty articulation agreements with colleges and universities around the world to help transfer students continue their education at Penn State. With hundreds of academic majors and campuses across Pennsylvania, you'll have plenty of options to find the right path for your future.