Environmental Resource Management Major
The science to save the world.
A hands-on, science approach to protecting the environment. You can use this environmental science major to work for natural resource consulting firms, corporate sustainability, government agencies, and nonprofits or go on to continued success in grad programs in science, business, medicine, and environmental law.
The world is your laboratory.
Science is the key to protecting our planet. Chemistry, biology, physics, and the math supporting those disciplines is the foundation of your Environmental Resource Management (ERM) education. But don’t show up on campus without bug spray and hiking boots. While science is our foundation, putting it into practice in the field is our soul. Our most important classrooms are the nearby forests, fields, and waterways where you apply science to restore streams, safeguard forests, heal the Chesapeake Bay, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change, and more.
The length and breadth of opportunities to supplement and specialize your ERM education are as massive as Penn State itself, and when it comes to navigating your choices, you aren’t on your own. Your journey is priority number one for our faculty and advisers.
Environmental Resource Management is the right major if you’re:
- a good science student
- a hands-on learner
- happiest outside
- interested in an environmental science major
- driven to acquire high-demand skills to protect the environment
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
One major. Three options. Infinite destinations.
Environmental Science option
Students use their full science toolkit to address environmental challenges. Examples include climate change, energy and air pollution, and more.
Example courses
- Environmental Science and Consulting
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Soil and Natural Resources Conservation
- Stream Restoration
- Water Quality
- Wildlife and Aquatic Ecology
Soil Science option
This path focuses on soil composition and properties, conservation, nutrient management, soil ecology and health, and mapping.
Example courses
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Groundwater Hydrology
- Nutrient Management
- Soil Composition and Properties
- Soil Ecology
- Soil Remediation
Water Science option
Students take a close look at wetland conservation, stream restoration, stream and lake ecology, watershed management, and land use practices to control runoff and erosion. Grads evaluate water quality and quantity issues, work with government agencies, or continue on to grad school.
Example courses
- Aquatic Ecology
- General Fishery Science
- Measurements and Monitoring of Hydrologic Systems
- Soil and Water Resource Management
- Stream Restoration
- Watershed Management
- Wetland Conservation
ERM 50th Anniversary
Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: 1971-2021
The Environmental Resource Management (ERM) program was established in 1971 as an interdepartmental, multidisciplinary major to meet the demand for people with the scientific and leadership skills needed to address the enormous environmental challenges of the time.
Ag Journeys
“I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.”
– Jillian Barskey
Environmental Resource Management course work is just the tip of the iceberg.
Our faculty are the best in the business, and they’ll be the first to tell you that course work is just one leg of your ERM journey. Connect with your peers, learn from alumni in the workforce through clubs, and seize nearly endless internship, externship, and study abroad opportunities.
Craft your experience.
Related clubs and teams
- Environmental Resource Management Society
- Fly Fishing Club
- Soil Judging Team
- Student Farm
- Sustainable Agriculture Club
- See all clubs and teams
Recent internships
- Disease Control and Prevention
- Environmental and Social Sustainability
- Environmental Consulting
- Environmental Protection, Air and Water Quality
- Soil Science and Ecology Research
- Water Research / Watershed Restoration
- Watershed and Water Quality
Popular study abroad
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Germany
- Sustainability and Natural Resources in Patagonia, Chile
- Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources, Costa Rica
- Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies, Panama
- Watersheds of the Wet Tropics, Australia
A practical, workforce-ready degree—and a college experience you’ll love.
Penn State ERM grads are making a difference all over the word, right now. You can harness the awesome power of a truly unique education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Here’s what some of our alumni are doing.
Our alumni out in the world
- Environmental consulting firms
- Federal and state regulatory agencies
- Corporate sustainability
- State and national parks
- Conservation districts
- Conservancies
- Environmental education organizations
- Municipalities
- Environmental law
- Water quality
- Wetland science
- Non-profit organizations
- Property and land management firms
Environmental Resource Management Career Options
Harness the power of a truly unique education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Here are just a few career examples.
Environmental consultant
Environmental consultants work with clients to identify and reduce or eliminate environmental damage.
What will I do?
- Assess environmental threats connected to clients’ operations
- Create and implement environmentally sound systems and procedures
- Ensure new practices comply with environmental laws and regulations
Wetland scientist
Wetland scientists manage and protect public and private wetland resources.
What will I do?
- Stay current on wetland regulations and scientific standards
- Collect and analyze samples and data
- Record presence of plants, soils, and animals in wetland areas
- Prepare environmental impact studies
- Collaborate with government environmental/law enforcement agencies
Environmental lawyer
ERM graduates may go onto to law school to become an environmental lawyer, a career focused on working with government and corporate entities and using the power of local, state, and federal law to protect the environment.
What will I do?
- Lobby governments for regulations regarding pollution
- Provide expert advice on legal matters pertaining to environmental issues
- Represent groups suing environmental law breakers
One of the best environmental science degree programs
Penn State's Environmental Resource Management major in the College of Agricultural Sciences is rated one of the top 20 environmental science degree programs in the country—number 5, according to SuccessfulStudent.org. Read why we are one of the best!
Environmental Resource Management Students in the News
September 24, 2021
College of Ag Sciences senior finds path in environmental academics and action
Penn State senior Elka Hoelsken is exploring environmental and natural resource issues as a student in the Environmental Resource Management program.
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June 21, 2021
Ag Sciences student finds research, extracurricular opportunities abound
Alyssa Curry, a junior majoring in environmental resource management, with minors in environmental engineering and entomology, is gaining various experiences at Penn State, including research and study abroad opportunities.
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April 13, 2021
Environmental Resource Management program, alumni celebrating 50 years of impact
Penn State’s Environment Resource Management program — referred to as ERM — was established in 1971 to meet the demand for people with the scientific and leadership skills needed to address the enormous environmental challenges that had become so apparent in the 1960s.
Read More
November 24, 2020
Sophomore puts her education into action to promote sustainability, conservation
Isabella Briseño, an environmental resource management major, already has built an impressive resume for a future career in environmental policy.
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