ESSM Undergraduate Legacy Degrees - Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology

Legacy Degree Options

The mission of the ESSM legacy undergraduate programs is to prepare students for leadership in the science and stewardship of rangeland, forest and wetland ecosystems across the rural-urban gradient. Students can obtain Bachelors of Science degrees in Ecological Restoration, Forestry, Rangeland Ecology and Management, Renewable Natural Resources, and Spatial Sciences.

Undergraduate Course Catalog

Ecological Restoration

Ecological restoration is the process of repairing dysfunctional ecosystems to provide essential ecosystem goods and services important to society. This degree is designed for students preparing for a professional career in the restoration or reclamation of degraded or severely damaged lands.

Forestry

Proper management of forests, which is the responsibility of the professional forester, results in healthy, productive forests that are capable of serving human needs and providing a quality environment in rural or urban settings. Forest Resource Management is designed to both educate and train professionals to manage forests and conduct forest research.

Rangeland & Ecology Management

Natural resources on rangelands provide many products and values for society including: livestock grazing, habitat for game and non-game wildlife, water for urban and agricultural uses, recreational opportunities, minerals, oil and gas. Students majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Management are taught to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources.

Renewable Natural Resources

The Renewable and Natural Resources degree is for students with a broad interest in natural resources and ecology, including forestry and associated values such as range and wildland, wildlife, recreation, water, and other environmental sciences.

Spatial Sciences

This degree gives students the knowledge and skills to use computer-based technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing.

Minors

Forestry

Students seeking to obtain a minor in forestry can expect to learn problem-solving strategies related to protecting forest biodiversity, providing wood, water, recreation and wildlife for a growing society, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge about forests. Learn more about requirements for the forestry minor.

Spatial Science

Students seeking to obtain a minor in spatial science can expect to learn to utilize the full potential of the spatial sciences in real-world problem solving through supporting coursework. From real-time wildfire risk assessment to crime analysis, habitat mapping for endangered species, and evaluating environmental damage from natural disasters, the spatial sciences are an integral part of modern resource management. Learn more about the requirements for the spatial science minor.

Rangeland Ecology and Management

Students seeking to obtain a minor in rangeland ecology and management can expect to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on conservation and maintenance of biological diversity in wet to arid environments and sustainable production, conservation and function of land. Learn more about the requirements for the rangeland ecology and management minor.

Certificates

Watershed Certificate

The goal of the watershed certificate is to provide a rigorous and high quality program that will produce graduates capable of working as a professional in watershed or hydrology fields, but with very solid scientific and ecological foundation. Learn more about requirements for the watershed certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the WFSC and ESSM Departments?

In January 2020, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Ecological Systems Management Department and a portion of the Department of Recreation Parks and tourism Sciences—went through a restructuring. Patrick Stover, Ph.D., vice chancellor of Texas A&M AgriLife and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences led these efforts, which resulted in the formation of two new departments—the Departments of Ecology and Conservation Biology and Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

Why did the WFSC and ESSM departments restructure?

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ administration and leadership believed that this restructuring was necessary to better serve students, Texas landowners and the public in addressing local and global environmental and natural resources challenges. This restructuring will allow us to adapt and react better to the changes happening within our respective fields, to ensure that both departments are able to advance teaching, research and Extension efforts to achieve excellence.

What is the difference between the two departments?

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology exists to advance scholarship in the science of ecology, conservation biology and natural resources through research and education. Studies in ECCB will enhance students’ understanding of ecology, conservation biology, and various ecosystems, while investigating the origins and ecology of species, populations and communities.

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management aims to prepare the next generation of natural resource stewards through teaching, research and engagement. Studies in RWFM focus on land and species management to ensure healthy plant and animal communities in the future. A primary difference between the two departments is RWFM’s AgriLife Extension unit, in place to disseminate science-based knowledge associated with natural resource management and policy to landowners, industry professionals and lawmakers.

Who is leading the new ECCB and RWFM departments?

Currently, Department Head and Professor of Animal Science Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., has been appointed as Interim Department Head for RWFM. Professor Kirk Winemiller, Ph.D. has been appointed as Interim Department Head for ECCB.

Will this set back current WFSC and ESSM students?

It sure won’t! We know that this might seem stressful for our current students, but we’re here to take every action possible to make sure that we make this process as streamlined and easy for them as possible! While our new departments formed in January 2020, the new degree programs are currently inactive. Current ESSM and WFSC students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs will remain in those programs until they graduate. Incoming Fall 2020 students will also be entering in under the legacy degree programs.

When will the new ECCB degree programs be implemented?

At the moment, we have committees working to develop the new degree programs. We hope to get them in place and approved as soon as possible, but we want to make sure that we carefully consider changes and additions to the program. We also understand that these processes take time, so bear with us.

I’m a prospective student. Which new department is right for me?

We’re so glad you asked! Deciding on a program of study is a big step and we want to make sure we provide you all the resources necessary to make that decision. When our new degree programs are put in place, we can answer all of your questions about studies in ECCB. In the meantime, our talented undergraduate and graduate advisors are happy to talk to you about the legacy programs and help find the right degree for you.

Undergraduate advisors

Faegen Lee
Academic Advisor II
(979) 862-4215

fdlee@tamu.edu
WFES 116
Ann Pool
Senior Academic Advisor
979-845-0122

annpool@tamu.edu
WFES 122
Amanda Ray
Graduate Advisor - Advisor IV
(979) 862-6470

amanda.ray@tamu.edu
WFES 120