Natural Resources Management

Do you love fishing, hiking and camping?

Do you care about wildlife and nature?

Do you want a career doing what you love?

If you answered “YES,” then the Natural Resources Management Program at UNM–Taos can give you the education and experience to turn your passion into a career. The Natural Resources Management program at UNM–Taos prepares students for careers in conservation, forestry, wildlife, and environmental science through hands-on, field-based learning. Join us and become part of a community of students who love the outdoors and are preparing for careers in stewardship and conservation.

Program Focus

Education Pathways

The NRM program supports students from their first semester through completion of an Associate of Pre-Science degree at UNM–Taos and transfer to a partner university to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, NM)
- B.S. Forestry: Wildland Fire
- B.S. Forestry: Forest Management
- B.S. Environmental Geology – Environmental Science Concentration
- B.S. Environmental Geology – Geology Concentration
- B.S. Environmental Geology – Water Resources Concentration
- B.A. Conservation Management
- B.S. Wildlife Biology

New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM)
- B.S. Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology – Aquatic Ecology Concentration
- B.S. Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology – Wildlife Ecology Concentration
- B.S. Conservation Ecology

Adams State University (Alamosa, CO)
- B.S. Wildlife Biology

University of New Mexico – Main Campus (Albuquerque, NM)
- B.S. Biology – Conservation Biology Concentration
- B.S. Biology – Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Concentration
- B.S. Earth and Planetary Sciences
- B.S. Environmental Science

Experiential Learning

Students gain hands-on experience through:

Field-based coursework and practical skill development
Guest speakers from natural resource agencies and organizations
Local ecological and restoration projects
Paid internships and seasonal field positions

LISTOS: Leadership in Science Training and Outdoor Stewardship

Through the LISTOS Grant Program, UNM–Taos students have access to additional support, training, and paid opportunities that build experience in natural resource careers.

LISTOS connects classroom learning with real-world experience through:

Paid summer internships with government, nonprofit, and private partners across New Mexico
Workshops and field trips focused on science communication, leadership, and land stewardship
Professional networking with mentors and guest speakers in the Natural Resource Management industry
Funding for conference participation and research presentation

These experiences help students develop the technical and professional skills needed for success in conservation, restoration, and environmental careers—while building leadership and confidence in outdoor settings.

The LISTOS (Leadership in Science Training and Outdoor Stewardship) program is supported by the USDA–NIFA NextGen Grant, which helps prepare students in northern New Mexico for equitable, hands-on careers in natural resource and environmental sciences.