Department of Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources
Interim Chair: Christopher Chappell
Professors: Zhu Ning, Yadong Qi, Yaw Twumasi
Associate Professor: Christopher Chappell, Veronica Manrique
Instructor: Brian Watkins
Bachelor of Science Program Leader: Crystal Vance
The mission of the Department is to provide high quality education, research, and public service in urban forestry, environment, and natural resources to diverse students both at undergraduate and graduate levels, and to the general public. The vision is to provide new knowledge, access, and opportunity to students and general public relative to urban forestry, environment, and natural resources through education, research, and service.
The core values are: 1. Student First - Students are the central focus of the Department. Student recruitment, advisement, career guidance, retention, completion, placement, and overall professional development are the top priorities; 2. Academic Excellence - Provide high quality education, research and services to students and to general public; 3. Research and Scholarship - Makes every effort in research that generates new knowledge utilized in teaching and services; 4. Partnership and Collaboration - Emphases on partnerships with governmental agencies both at federal and state levels, universities, private industries, and not for profit organizations; and 5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion, and provides education, research, services, and professional development opportunities for diverse student body, faculty, and clienteles.
Programs
The Department of Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources offers a comprehensive array of academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement activities focused on promoting environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship of natural resources. The Department is committed to educating future leaders in environmental stewardship, sustainable urban planning, and natural resource management. Our mission is to conduct research, provide outreach, and offer academic programs that address the complexities of urban ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the sustainable use of natural resources. The undergraduate program provides students with a foundation in forestry, ecology, and urban planning, preparing them for careers in managing and conserving urban forests and green spaces. Students in this program gain interdisciplinary knowledge in urban forestry studies, natural resource conservation, ecosystem management, sustainable development, ecology, and policy, equipping them to address complex environmental challenges in urban and natural settings. Students completing this program will be prepared for leadership roles in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Degree Requirements of the Department
Requirements and procedures for admission, retention, and graduation are the same in the Department of Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources as for the University. A Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources will be awarded to the student who has satisfactorily completed the minimum 120 hours of course work for the selected concentration.
In addition to the B.S. Degree in Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources the B.S. Program also offers three concentrations: (1) Environmental Studies, (2) Geospatial Technologies, and (3) Natural Resources Sustainability. To meet the concentration requirement, students need to take at least three technical electives (9 credits) in a particular concentration that students choose. A grade of C or better is required in all courses toward the concentrations. The currently available electives for students to select from are listed in the respective concentrations.
Transfer Credit
The guidelines and steps for credit transfer remain consistent within the Department of Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources as they are across the entire University. A Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Forestry, Environment, and Natural Resources will be awarded to the student who has satisfactorily completed the minimum 120 hours of course work for the selected concentration.