Natural Resources Degree (NRD)

Natural resources covers a range of environmental occupations in horticulture/floriculture, agriculture, forestry, hazardous waste, recycling, and materials handling fields. Because of a growing appreciation and heightened awareness of the nation’s natural resources, opportunities in these fields are growing. The Natural Resources degree program provides students with a background in practical plant and animal science, basic ecology, and other environmentally-oriented subjects. Along with courses that examine the structure and function of ecosystems, and the state laws and regulations designed to protect them, students will learn about the principles of soils as they relate to biological systems, environmental chemistry, and materials management and recycling. MWCC offers the perfect setting for the natural resources program by providing hundreds of acres of undeveloped plant communities and forested areas, two pond ecosystems, and a life studies center consisting of a greenhouse, potting area, and lecture facility.

Campus Format: This program can be completed at the Gardner campus, day only.

Helpful hints: Since the Natural Resources program is a rigorous curriculum in the sciences, students who have taken previous high school or college science courses or have a background in the sciences will be best prepared. Also, since the focus of the curriculum is on plant science, an interest in horticulture and plant biology is recommended.

Transfer options: Many graduates seek immediate career entry. However, Joint Admissions agreements exist with state colleges and universities including Fitchburg State, Mass College of Liberal Arts (with a related program in Environmental Studies) and UMASS Amherst (with a related program in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment). Students should check with individual colleges and universities to examine transfer options. Articulation agreements exist with Charter Oak State College and the University of Phoenix. Visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu

Special requirements: A 120-hour practicum is required. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Career options: Students can pursue entry-level jobs in horticulture/floriculture, agriculture, forestry, hazardous waste, recycling or materials handling. Graduates can also work for golf courses or landscaping firms.

Earning potential: Per year $32,533 to $49,225 for an agricultural inspector or a forest aide can receive $22,326 to $25,149.

top of page

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Apply mathematical models, including algebra, to natural resources concepts and models.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of ecological principles.
3. Use computer technology as it applies to biology and natural resources principles.
4. Analyze soil samples for pH, chemicals, bacteria, mold, growth potential, etc.
5. Sample water and air, analyze data, report in proper format, and determine cause of abnormal data.
6. Analyze growth requirements of a variety of animal types.
7. Organize and apply knowledge applicable to management of a greenhouse.
8. Employ principles of plant science and pathology to greenhouse procedures and forestry management.
9. Access pertinent environmental laws and regulations as applied to hazardous materials, wetlands, recycling, and others applicable to natural resources management.
10. Exhibit employment skills applicable to a variety of technician level titles.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Complete repetitive tasks such as transplanting and trimming while maintaining attention to detail.
5. Work at tasks with a minimum of supervision and with constant awareness of the development of impending problems, such as insect/mold infestations.
6. Function to purchase, store, apply, and properly dispose of materials such as fertilizers and pesticides within the law and with respect.
7. Work as part of a team in areas often cramped for space such as greenhouse workstations.
8. Function well in outdoor natural settings such as bogs/swamps dressed in suitable/uncomfortable gear under less than ideal conditions of temperature, moisture, and insects.
9. Possess an adequate level of physical dexterity and strength to lift/maneuver bags of soil/fertilizer and to properly and safely operate equipment such as saws, sprayers, and trimmers.