Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.: The DTI for this program is 65.4%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $34324) to the average debt ($22442) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 65.4%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($34324) against the typical student debt ($22442), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $34324, and the average student debt is $22442, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.65—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 23672 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other (CIP 03.0199) is an advanced interdisciplinary field that focuses on the scientific study and preservation of natural ecosystems through non-traditional or emerging methods. This "Other" designation is frequently applied to programs that combine ecology with high-end technology, such as using artificial intelligence for conservation, or programs that focus on niche areas like restorative biology in extreme environments (urban ruins or post-industrial sites).
This field is ideal for "innovative scientists"—individuals who want to go beyond traditional park management to research the invisible biological and chemical processes that keep our planet habitable.
What Is a Natural Resources Research (Other) Degree?
A degree in this category focuses on the scientific inquiry necessary to solve modern environmental collapses. Because it is categorized as "Other," these programs are often research-heavy and experimental. You might focus on biomimicry (using nature's designs to solve human problems), soil microbiome health, or environmental DNA (eDNA)—a method of identifying all the species in a river just by testing a cup of water. It is a field for those who want to discover the data that policy makers will use 10 years from now.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Research Scientists" who can track how climate change is physically altering plant and animal DNA
- Develop specialists in Ecological Restoration who can bring "dead" ecosystems back to life
- Prepare professionals to use satellite imaging and drones to monitor global biodiversity loss
- Study the "Ecosystem Services" provided by nature, such as how much pollution a specific wetland can filter
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to use the "Scientific Method" as a tool for defense, gathering the evidence needed to protect endangered habitats.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Advanced Laboratory Techniques for analyzing soil, water, and biological samples
- Design and execute "Controlled Field Experiments" to test conservation strategies
- Use Bioinformatics software to process large sets of biological and environmental data
- Write "Peer-Reviewed" research papers for scientific journals
- Operate high-tech field equipment like thermal cameras, acoustic monitors, and eDNA kits
- Apply Quantitative Statistics to prove the success or failure of a conservation project
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a deep dive into biology, chemistry, and data science:
- Restoration Ecology: The science of repairing damaged or destroyed ecosystems.
- Conservation Biogeography: Studying why species live where they do and how that is changing.
- Landscape Genetics: How the physical environment affects the genetic flow of animal populations.
- Remote Sensing and GIS: Using technology to observe the earth from a distance.
- Ecosystem Modeling: Creating computer simulations of how nature reacts to different stresses.
- Ecological Engineering: Designing human systems that work in harmony with the natural environment.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates usually find roles in high-level research and technical consultation.
Common job roles include:
- Conservation Research Scientist: Conducting studies for universities or government labs.
- Restoration Ecologist: Leading the physical "rebuilding" of a forest, wetland, or prairie.
- Environmental Data Scientist: Managing the massive data sets used to track global warming.
- Wildlife Geneticist: Studying the DNA of endangered species to help them survive.
- Technical Consultant: Advising engineering firms on how to minimize biological damage during construction.
- Field Research Manager: Overseeing remote research stations and data collection teams.
Where Can You Work?
Research specialists are found in sectors that prioritize long-term scientific data:
- Research Universities: Working on faculty-led projects and publishing new discoveries.
- Government Research Stations: Agencies like the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) or NOAA.
- Large International NGOs: Such as the World Wildlife Fund or Conservation International.
- Biotech and "Green-Tech" Companies: Working on carbon capture or sustainable materials.
- Environmental Consulting Firms: Providing the technical data needed for legal environmental permits.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in the research sector are often tied to the level of education (Master's or Ph.D.) and the complexity of the technology used.
- Research Scientists (Environmental): Median annual salary of approximately $78,000–$95,000.
- Ecological Restoration Specialists: Salaries typically range from $65,000 to $85,000.
- Data Scientists (Conservation): Median annual salary of around $90,000–$120,000.
- Post-Doctoral Researchers: Academic roles typically start between $55,000 and $70,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the scientific and mathematical intensity. You must be proficient in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Advanced Calculus. You will spend as much time in a laboratory or in front of a computer as you do in the woods. It requires a "detective's mindset"—the ability to look at a data set and find the pattern that explains why an ecosystem is failing.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love science and are always asking "Why?" or "How?" when looking at nature
- Are comfortable using microscopes, computers, and complex lab equipment
- Enjoy "the hunt" for new information and discovery
- Want a career that focuses on the cause of environmental issues, not just the symptoms
- Are patient enough to work on long-term projects that may take years to yield results
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics
- Participate in Science Fairs with projects focused on the environment
- Learn the basics of R or Python—these coding languages are essential for modern research
- Volunteer for a local university's research project or a citizen-science initiative (like iNaturalist)
- Read scientific journals (like Nature or Science) to see how researchers present their work
The ability to uncover the biological truths of our natural world through rigorous research is the hallmark of a successful conservation scientist.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor