Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES)

Be Out There

College of Arts and Sciences

Location: Crete

Degree Type: Undergraduate

As the nation's emphasis on the environment, agriculture, and  natural resources continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for employees in these areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students seeking a career in these fields can look forward to a far stronger job market than graduates of many other disciplines. 

Established in 1974, our department nurtures students' perspectives on environmental issues and provides them with a thorough knowledge of environmental topics. As environmental problem-solvers, students examine a range of subjects that arise from the interaction of humans with the environment.  The curriculum includes studies in earth system science, climate change, natural resources, agriculture, geography, and geology. 

The Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences major includes three career-ready emphasis area choices:

Environmental Systems: Students selecting the environmental systems  emphasis will focus on the interactions between physical, biological, and chemical earth processes. Assessing environmental science topics such as water quality, air quality, soil quality, and ecosystem health, among other areas, will inform natural resource and ecosystem management and protection. Students who select this emphasis will be prepared for science-based careers in environmental management, research, consulting, and protection.

Agricultural Systems: Students selecting the agricultural systems emphasis will focus on sustainable agriculture production and its role in food security and environmental health. Improved practices in the production of food, feed, fiber, and fuel will be essential to provide the resources required of a growing global population, while combating the grand environmental challenges of the 21st century. Students who select this emphasis will be prepared for the variety of applied science-based careers in agriculture and food production.

Human Dimensions: Students selecting the human dimensions emphasis will focus on the interactions between humans and the environment. Applying an understanding of human dimensions in environmental protection, environmental management, and natural resource use will inform environmental policy, influence positive public and private behavior changes related to the environment, and lead to more sustainable food and natural resource systems. Students who select this emphasis will be prepared for careers in environmental policy, environmental community education and engagement, and environmental advocacy and communication.

The signature curriculum of the department also includes courses and capstone research opportunities in:

Department Instagram | Department Facebook

Questions?  Contact Dr. Russ Souchek, Chair-Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Department.

University Affiliations

Doane is a University Affiliate of the Global Council for Science and the Environment and the GCSE Leaders' Alliance. Doane is also a member of the EcoLeaders program and has signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment.

Kappa Alpha Omicron environmental honor society
Spotlight on Graduates
Careers and Internships
Mission Statement and Learning Outcomes

Celebrating 150 Years - Building Leaders Since 1872.

Career Paths

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
2018 Median Pay: $46,170 per year
Job Outlook: +9% from 2018-2028
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. Environmental science and protection technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field.

 

Environmental Scientists and Specialists
2018 Median Pay: $71,130 per year
Job Outlook: +8% from 2018-2028
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand.

 

Conservation Scientists
2018 Median Pay: $61,340 per year
Job Outlook: +3% from 2018-2028
Conservation scientists manage the overall land quality of parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. Conservation scientists work for governments (federal, state, and local), on privately owned lands, or in social advocacy organizations.

Courses
Loading...
Faculty & Staff
Russ Souchek, Professor

Russ Souchek - Professor

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.8238

Sneha Bera, Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Sneha Bera - Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.2161

Research

MindExpo

Included in the curriculum is a research opportunity that begins in the junior year with the preparation of a research proposal and selection of a mentor. The project is then completed during the following two semesters of the senior year and culminates in a presentation at Doane MindExpo. Students participate in paid summer research experiences, which support students researching with faculty.

Senior Capstone Project

Seniors may choose from one of the following options for their capstone project.

  • Practice-Based Learning (PBL) - Provides internship and research opportunities to gain experience, professional contact, and a potential future employer. Students work with the College to Career Center and Environmental and Earth Sciences faculty to arrange the internship.
  • Service Learning Internship - Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities (National Service Learning Clearinghouse). Students work with the College to Career Center and Environmental and Earth Sciences faculty to arrange the internship.
  • Research Option - Provides the opportunity to work with a Doane faculty member on a research project. Facilities include the Lied Science and Mathematics Building.
Emphasis Areas
  • Environmental Systems
  • Agriscience Systems
  • Human Dimensions

 

Student Organizations

Wildlife and Conservation Organization

Wildlife and Conservation Organization (W.A.C.O.) is involved in activities including habitat conservation, outdoor events, and climate change initiatives. We encourage a better understanding of wildlife, conservation, and environmental issue affecting society and the world today.

Image 4

Student Organizations

Project SERVE & Noyce Scholars

Interested in having K-12 students get excited about science? Doane has received the largest National Science Foundation grant in school history with a goal of recruiting and retaining STEM teachers in urban and rural schools in Nebraska, where they are needed the most. Ten Doane undergraduate STEM students will receive $14,000 in their junior year and $24,000 in their senior year and become apart of a group of students who will participate in seminars, have a mentor from a urban or rural school and attend STEM education conferences all with a goal of preparing you to teach in a high need urban or rural school. Learn More

Main cafeteria
Student at Commencement

Special Programs

Three Year Degree Guarantee

Are you focused on your career path and motivated to move ahead at a faster pace? We haven't modified what it takes to graduate with a Doane degree. Instead, we thought progressively about how you can meet graduation requirements at an accelerated pace. Save on tuition and get into the job market or graduate school more quickly while still receiving a world-class liberal arts education from Doane.

Female student with chin on her hand

Special Programs

3-2 Programs

The 3-2 Program offers Doane Students a path to a Master's Degree at a significant savings. Highly qualified students wishing to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree can do so in five years rather than the traditional six to eight years while enjoying the benefits of beginning their education at a small university.

The Doane Difference

Icon of certificate

Comprehensive Curriculum

Environmental Science provides an understanding of how science affects our environment. The focus is on the interactions between the solid Eath, its air, its water and its living organisms, and on the interdependent, dynamic relationships between these four components.

Icon of brain and lightbulb

Understand Your Impact

The Environmental Studies major addresses environmental topics by providing a broadly integrated understanding of the social, business, political, governmental, and policy facets of environmental challenges.

Icon of money plant

A Promising Career

As the nation's emphasis on the environment continues to grow, there is an ever-growing demand for environmental jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics students seeking a career in this field can look forward to a far stronger job market than graduates of many other disciplines.

Career Information

Students picking and identifying wildflowers on a research trip

Helpful Links

Whether you’re ready to apply or still testing the waters with a tour, we’re here for you. Here are some helpful links to assist you on your journey.

Get to know us even better

By submitting this information, you authorize Doane University to call or text you at the phone number provided. Doane University guarantees 100% privacy. Your information you provide will not be sold or shared with any third-party.