Dive into a world where passion for nature meets professional excellence with our Environmental Management & Recreation Ecology program!
Hands-On Learning: Roll up your sleeves and dive into immersive experiences. Our courses provide practical skills that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications. Explore the diverse Appalachian ecosystem firsthand and gain expertise in forestry, ecology concepts, and outdoor event management.
Forge Your Legacy: Become a guardian of the environment while enjoying a fulfilling career. Whether managing trail systems, interpreting nature’s wonders, or conducting vital research, you’ll play a pivotal role in preserving the planet for future generations.
Environmental Management and Recreational Ecology (AAS)
CIP: 15.0901
Program Code: 711-01
Length: Two-year Program - Four-semesters
Minimum Credits: 69
Program Advisor
Michael Brown
276.964.7703
Davis Hall Room 238
Purpose:
The Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Management & Recreational Ecology prepares students to work in various types of forestry, parks, recreation, trail system, and other ecology-related technical jobs. The courses provide the student with the skills they need to be successful working in conservation, environmental management, trail systems, an outfitter, adventure camp, national, state or local parks, state forestry, division of natural resources, or other recreational and /or ecology venue. Skills are developed to understand basic forestry and ecology concepts, to protect and preserve natural resources to reduce the impact of activities and utilization, to effectively conduct outdoor activities and events, provide an educational interpretation of nature and the environment, fundamental knowledge of fish, wildlife, and forestry management, customer services, entrepreneurship, program planning, risk management, leadership, supervisor, and to minimize the impact of the potential risk to the environment and diverse Appalachian ecosystem.
Occupational Objectives:
| Ecology/ Conservation Technician | Forestry Technician | Trail Specialist | Outdoor Education Instructor |
| Naturalist | Park Ranger | Outdoor Interpreter | Activity Coordinator |
| Entrepreneur | Facilities Manager | Field Research | Environmental Specialist |
Admissions Requirements:
Students must meet the general admission requirements established by the College.
Program Requirements:
The program is designed to prepare students for forestry-related technical positions and to provide leadership in outdoor projects and activities. Coursework will include the following: fundamental knowledge of fish, wildlife, ecology, and forestry management, forest mapping, adventure excursion planning, Leave No Trace best practices, protection and preservation of natural resources, basic principles of first aid and CPR in a remote setting, customer service, entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving to maximize health and safety and minimize environmental impact leading participants to a quality outdoor experience. The project-based experiential curriculum will involve extensive outings, field trips, and research projects to prepare students to work in one of the many forestry, recreational, and ecological venues in Southwest Virginia. Participants can earn Leave No Trace Trainer, First Aid/CPR/AED, Wilderness & Remote First Aid, and Certified Interpretative Guide credentials. In addition, they can earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Management and Recreational Ecology. Service-learning projects and internships/cooperative education will be utilized to explore and provide real-world experiences to understand the program and course learning objectives.
First Semester
- RPK 100: Introduction to Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies
- ITE 152: Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
- FOR 100: Introduction to Forestry
- RPK 103: Preparation for Wilderness Adventure
- RPK 160: Wilderness First Aid
- RPK 140: Land Use Ethics
- SDV 100: College Success Skills
- FOR 110: Introduction to Forest and Wildlife Science
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 15
- Lab Hours: 10
- Course Credits: 18
First Semester
- RPK 100: Introduction to Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies
- ITE 152: Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
- FOR 100: Introduction to Forestry
- RPK 103: Preparation for Wilderness Adventure
- RPK 160: Wilderness First Aid
- RPK 140: Land Use Ethics
- SDV 100: College Success Skills
- FOR 110: Introduction to Forest and Wildlife Science
Second Semester
- SSE 1: Social Science Elective
- RPK 135: Program Planning
- RPK 125: Resource Interpretation and Education
- FOR 135: Wildlife and Fisheries Management
- RPK 102: Outdoor Recreation in the Appalachian Ecosystem
- RPK 170: Recreational Backpacking
- RPK 131: Kayaking
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 13
- Lab Hours: 13
- Course Credits: 17
Second Semester
Third Semester
- FOR 102: Forest Protection
- FOR 237: Wildlife Ecology
- MKT 170: Customer Service
- RPK 141: Leadership and Supervision
- RPK 150: Mountain Biking
- Elective: Science with Lab* 4 Credits
- RPK/HLT/PED Elective 1: Recreation, Health, or Physical Education Elective
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 11
- Lab Hours: 13
- Course Credits: 17
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
- HUM 1: Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
- MTH 1: Math Elective
- FOR 205: Forest Mapping
- RPK 265: Risk Management
- RPK 190: Coordinated Internship
- OR
- FOR 197: Cooperative Education
- ENG 111: College Composition I
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 16
- Lab Hours: 3
- Course Credits: 17
Fourth Semester
- HUM 1: Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
- MTH 1: Math Elective
- BUS 274: Foundations of Entrepreneurship
- RPK 265: Risk Management
- RPK 190: Coordinated Internship
- OR
- FOR 197: Cooperative Education
- ENG 111: College Composition I
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 17
- Lab Hours: 0
- Course Credits: 17