Program Overview
The Natural Resources Management program prepares you with the necessary skills and certifications to work in the natural resources field. You will learn about the theories and physical aspects of conservation practices.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
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Campus and Community Projects: You will help manage two on-campus ponds and prairies as well as work with community members and conservation agencies on natural resources projects.
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Equipment: Train on a variety equipment, including boats, UTV’s, canoes, kayaks, fire equipment, forestry equipment, and electrofishing equipment. You will spend a good portion of your time getting hands-on experience in the field.
- Internship/Employment Experience: Gain 320 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in a conservation career.
Field Trips and Activities
You will have many opportunities to experience a variety of natural resources activities throughout the year, both on and off campus. A trademark of the program is the Advanced Outdoor Recreation Techniques class in which students travel to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area or backpacking in wilderness destinations.
August
- Boundary Waters Wilderness Trip
September
- Iowa DNR Beach Seining
- Leave No Trace Certification
- Pond Seining
- Program Cookout
- Stihl Chain Saw Safety Clinic
- Canoe Float and Overnight Campout
November
- Natural Resources Club Potluck
- National River Museum and Aquarium Trip
December
- Chronic Wasting Disease testing with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at Sweet Marsh
- Natural Resources Club Potluck
January
- Iowa County Conservation Board Conference: Winterfest Collegiate Day
February
- Winter Fishing Clinic
- Winter Campout, Snowshoeing, and Ice Fishing
- The Iowa Wildlife Society Conference
- Iowa Women in Natural Resources Conference
March
- Necropsy Service Project with Iowa DNR
- Deer Classic
- Hunter/Firearms Safety Field Day
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Wilderness Trip
April
- Fire Certification Field Day
- Wilderness First Aid Certification
- Electronics Recycling Event
- UTV Safety Field Day
May
- Envirofest
- Spring Fishing Clinic
- Trumpeter Swan Relocation Service Project with Iowa DNR
Certifications
You may receive the following certifications: Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators, First Aid, CPR, National Certified Interpretative Guide, Wilderness First Aid, Boater Safety, ATV Safety, Hunter/Firearm Safety, Leave No Trace Trainer, Leave No Trace Master Educator, S130/S190 Wildland Firefighter, Fish Iowa!, Electrofishing Safety, Chainsaw Safety, and various additional federal certifications.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association. Hawkeye is the only college in Iowa to be accredited through the North American Wildlife Technology Association.
This accreditation provides assurance of the context and quality of the education offered. The program is reviewed every five years to maintain accreditation status, ensure curriculum standards are met; and recognize specific knowledge, skill sets, and aptitudes.
Transfer Information
Articulation agreements allow you to transfer your Natural Resources Management coursework to the Conservation Management program at Upper Iowa University and the Forestry program at Iowa State University.
If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.
Admissions Requirements
Apply at Hawkeye
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Complete Hawkeye's online admissions application to apply and be considered for the Natural Resources Management program.
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Request to have your transcripts sent to the Admissions office.
Basic Skill Competencies
In order to be eligible for the Natural Resources Management program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a "C" grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.
Minimum score requirements
ACT |
ACCUPLACER |
COMPASS |
ACCUPLACER Next Generation |
14 Reading |
42 Reading |
47 Reading |
228 Reading |
13 English |
42 Sentence Skills |
20 Writing |
229 Writing |
14 Math |
40 Arithmetic |
24 Pre-Algebra |
240 Arithmetic |
|
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics |
Program Acceptance
Applicants meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria are eligible for acceptance.
Applicants not meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.
Equal Opportunity Statement