Wartburg College

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational natural sciences with applied conservation and research skills. Core study areas include ecology, wildlife and fisheries biology, forest and watershed management, soil science, and conservation policy. Students learn field techniques such as species and habitat surveys, GIS mapping, remote-sensing basics, stream and wetland assessment, and standard laboratory methods for water and soil analysis.

• Foundations: introductory and intermediate courses in ecology, organismal biology, and environmental chemistry that build fundamental knowledge of ecosystems and environmental processes.
• Quantitative and research skills: statistics for biology/environmental science, experimental design and scientific writing; emphasis on data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• Applied conservation: classes and labs on land-use planning, habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries management, soil and water conservation practices.
• Technical tools: training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS field mapping, and use of remote sensing and database tools for resource inventory and monitoring.
• Field experience and capstone: field courses, practicum or internship placements with conservation agencies or NGOs, and a senior research project or thesis that applies classroom learning to a real-world conservation question.
• Liberal-arts integration: opportunities to take complementary coursework in environmental policy, ethics, economics, and communication to prepare for interdisciplinary work in conservation.

Entry requirements

Admission to Wartburg College typically requires a high-school diploma or equivalent. Successful applicants usually present a strong record in science and mathematics courses at secondary level. Recommended preparation includes biology, chemistry, algebra or precalculus, and coursework that demonstrates quantitative and laboratory aptitude.

• Submission of a completed college application and official school transcripts.
• Evidence of strong academic preparation in science and mathematics; some prior coursework or extracurricular experience in environmental topics or fieldwork is advantageous.
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement that speak to interest in conservation and research may strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; prior coursework in ecology, GIS or statistics can be evaluated for credit.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Natural Resources Conservation and Research are prepared for roles in federal, state and local resource agencies, non-profit conservation organisations, private environmental consulting firms, and industry positions focused on land and water stewardship. Typical entry-level job titles include field technician, conservation technician, habitat restoration assistant, wildlife or fisheries technician, GIS specialist, and environmental monitoring technician.

Alumni also pursue graduate study in ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management, environmental science, forestry or related professional programmes such as environmental policy and planning. The combination of field skills and research training supports pathways into conservation science, resource policy, environmental compliance and education.

Why study at Wartburg College

Wartburg College offers the advantages of a small liberal-arts campus combined with strong opportunities for hands-on field training and undergraduate research. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, small class sizes and access to local rivers, woodlands and agricultural landscapes for applied learning. The college’s emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement helps students build practical skills and professional networks through internships, collaborative research projects and partnerships with regional conservation organisations.

For students seeking an undergraduate programme that balances rigorous science, technical training and a liberal-arts perspective, Wartburg provides an environment that supports both career readiness and preparation for further study in conservation and environmental research.