TRADES Specialization

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn $56,185 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,328 and $74,677. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

About Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

This page covers Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Natural Resources and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy is a focused area of study within Natural Resources. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $56,185 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 185 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 3,147 students complete it each year, most walking away with a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$37,946
Median Earnings · 4yr
$56,185
Colleges Offering
185
Graduates / Year
3,147
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,891

How Much Do Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Graduates Earn?

Four years after finishing Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, a typical graduate earns $56,185, near the national median for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $41,328 and $74,677, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $37,946 at one year out to $56,185 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.

What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.

$37,946
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$56,185
4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$53,620
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

Not every Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out a moderate amount, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.


A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $56,185 and an estimated $83,564 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.2 years.

Based on outcomes from 99 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 3,147 students who complete Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs each year, the majority (47%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 47%
Master's 35%
Post-Bacc Cert. 10%

What Can You Do With an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Degree?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates show up in 8 different occupations, and Economist pays the most at $124,720/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what an Economist earns and how fast the role is growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +4.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$124,720
$89K $175K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 1,100 openings/yr 18K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Mathematics Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

  • Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
  • Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
  • Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
↗ +2.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$123,920
$87K $169K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 12K employed nationally
Speaking Instructing Writing Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as econometrics, price theory, and macroeconomics.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
↗ +0.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$93,790
$69K $121K 25th–75th pct.
High school diploma or equivalent 7,800 openings/yr 114K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Speaking Active Listening Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

  • Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
  • Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
  • Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
↗ +3.7% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$93,530
$72K $120K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 6,600 openings/yr 99K employed nationally
Active Listening Critical Thinking Social Perceptiveness Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

  • Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
  • Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
  • Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
↗ +3.8% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$80,730
$61K $109K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 32,700 openings/yr 417K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

  • Warn violators of infractions or penalties.
  • Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.
  • Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.
↗ +6.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$79,520
$61K $105K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 5,100 openings/yr 38K employed nationally
Active Listening Speaking Service Orientation Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

  • Plan, organize, or lead group activities for customers, such as exercise routines, athletic events, or arts and crafts.
  • Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
  • Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.
↗ +1.5% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$76,590
$60K $101K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,100 openings/yr 13K employed nationally
Speaking Critical Thinking Active Listening Active Learning Learning Strategies
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
↗ +2.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$76,400
$63K $92K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 900 openings/yr 10K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Speaking Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

  • Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
  • Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
  • Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.

Top Colleges for Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

Not sure where to study Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at Oregon State University, and the rest follow the same measures.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR · Public 231 77.3% $19,604 $64,010
2 University of Denver Denver, CO · Nonprofit 206 77.8% $36,131 $71,155
3 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public 159 54.8% $24,953 $81,698
4 Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public 149 88.5% $21,279 $60,543
5 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL · Nonprofit 149 18.9% $37,244 $75,328
6 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public 129 31.3% $16,665 $90,768
7 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI · Public 94 91.8% $14,559 $52,021
8 University of Idaho Moscow, ID · Public 81 75.5% $14,831 $54,670
9 University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI · Public 69 72.2% $21,440 $69,743
10 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT · Public 65 52.4% $25,097 $73,997
11 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public 58 73.3% $19,151 $61,251
12 University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI · Public 55 86.6% $15,664 $57,624
13 Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit 54 3.7% $19,066 $101,817
14 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY · Public 54 63.3% $18,952 $55,763
15 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public 50 60.6% $17,339 $60,409
16 Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public 46 45.9% $24,323 $65,337
17 University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit 46 4.5% $14,860 $91,885
18 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public 43 84.8% $19,680 $67,253
19 Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL · Public 37 63.4% $12,568 $54,560
20 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public 34 58.2% $24,406 $74,479

Ranked by Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Above-average earnings Four-year median of $56,185 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $37,946 at graduation to $56,185 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +6.0% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 56,300 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates earn?
$56,185 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $41,328 and $74,677, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree?
$37,946 in the first year out. That grows to $56,185 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree?
Economist is one path, and it pays a median of $124,720 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy program take?
Four years of full-time study for an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy bachelor's degree, the standard timeline for this field. If you want a faster route into the workforce, community colleges offer a two-year associate option instead.
How many colleges offer Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy?
185 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
Is an Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy degree worth it?
$56,185 median earnings four years out against $20,891 a year in average net price. That is a reasonable payback window, best at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the difference between Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy and Natural Resources?
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy is the narrower of the two: Natural Resources covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.
What skills do employers look for in Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates consistently look for technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
What is the job outlook for Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates?
Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +3.1% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Entertainment and Recreation Managers are among the strongest-growth roles at +6.0%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.

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