Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Natural Resources Management degree prepares students to work in a variety of technical-level fields in natural resources. To ensure student success in an academic and workplace setting, a solid general education foundation is offered in the area of communications, laboratory science, mathematics, and social/behavioral science.  In addition, the natural resources curriculum provides individuals with technical training in plant and tree identification, geospatial applications, natural resource measurements and techniques, plant and soil science, and general ecology.

Students learn through a variety of approaches, including classroom instruction, internships, and laboratory and field experiences. Natural Resource (NATR) students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a variety of learning environments which incorporate the campus greenhouses, classroom and laboratory facilities, arboretum, orchard, and agricultural fields. In addition to the Rio Grande bosque, the surrounding geological formations, mountain ranges, grasslands, and riparian areas provide natural resources students with practical outdoor field training opportunities.

Program Goal

The primary goal of the Natural Resources Program curriculum is to prepare students to enter the field at a technical level with knowledge and skills required to meet current employment standards while recognizing and supporting academic achievement options through articulation.

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Natural Resources Management is a six-trimester course of study designed to be responsive to Tribal, public and federal agency needs. The first year of the program involves General Education requirements and program core courses, and the second year is devoted to intensive specialized coursework and field labs to meet specific training needs in resource management. The curriculum is designed to provide a technical background for graduates to assist professionals in the field or laboratory and to provide a strong academic program for students planning to pursue higher degrees. Many program courses are accepted directly or as electives upon transfer to universities within New Mexico and Arizona.

Mission Statement

The Natural Resources Management Program will provide students with current knowledge and skills to be proficient in the technical aspects of resource management and graduate individuals with scientific base knowledge to perform successfully in tribal, private, non-government organizations (NGO’s), state, and federal organizations as well as transfer into bachelor degree programs.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Natural Resources Management is designed to provide students with the skills needed to enter the workforce directly. The curriculum includes a required general education component, science foundation, field techniques, and a supervised internship experience. To receive the A.A.S. degree, a minimum grade of “C” is required in all coursework.

Natural Resources Management Associate of Applied Science Degree Goals:

• Students will be able to work as technicians in the field of Natural Resources.
• Students will be able to serve as leaders in the field of Natural Resources.

Natural Resources Management Associate of Applied Science Degree Outcomes:

• A successful graduate will be able to demonstrate technical knowledge in natural resources through oral and written communication.
• A successful graduate will be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in natural resources.
• A successful graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in collecting natural resource data.

Articulation agreements between the Natural Resources Program and universities in New Mexico and Arizona allow the direct transfer of SIPI classes toward a 4-year degree. Many SIPI students have used these articulation guidelines to successfully complete their Bachelor of Science degree.

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