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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

SCIENTIFIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES

The scientific and natural resources industry is made of organizations and opportunities that blend society’s needs with the stewardship and sustainability of the natural world around us. A career in the scientific and natural resources is fulfilling and exciting, with both hands-on roles as well as those that support organizational economic and business functions. 

Academic Pursuits

From hands-on scientific roles to the important positions that promote and support science and resource management, there are a variety of roles and options for students interested in this field. UW Oshkosh students who pursue a career in science or natural resource management learn from passionate professors who have real-world experience. Classroom technology and internships allow students to get hands-on experience before they even graduate.  

This sector needs science-minded and passionate professionals who are dedicated to improving the natural world around us. UW Oshkosh alumni who currently work in the scientific and natural resource sector have studied:  

  • Anthropology 
  • Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Computer Science  
  • Ecology 
  • Engineering 
  • Engineering Technology 
  • Environmental Health 
  • Environmental Studies 
  • Forestry  
  • Geography 
  • Geology 
  • Hydrogeology 
  • Information Systems 
  • Microbiology 
  • Physics 
  • Sociology 

Average Starting Salary

The average salary for UW Oshkosh graduates who are working in this field within the first year of graduating

UW Oshkosh also offers minors and certificates that can accompany any major and provide you with a specific additional focus. 

  • Adventure and Outdoor Pursuits  
  • Civic Engagement 
  • Community Health Studies  
  • Environmental Monitoring  
  • Geographic Information Systems  
  • Health, Humanities and Society 
  • Operations Research 
  • Renewable Energy  
  • Social Justice 
  • Sustainability Management 
  • Surface Water Studies 
  • Sustainability Communication  
  • Sustainability Education  
  • Sustainability Leadership in Organizations 
  • Sustainability & Renewable Energy 
  • Sustainability & Social Change 

Job Outlook

The employment outlook in the scientific and national resources sector varies greatly depending on the location. From 2020–2030, the following occupations are projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations: 

%

Anthropologists and Archeologists

%

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

%

Environmental Scientists

TOP CAREER AREAS

SCIENCE CAREERS 

Agricultural and food scientist, anthropologist, archeologist, assistant scientist, biologist, chemist, epidemiologist, field archaeologist, geoscientist, laboratory specialist, processing analyst, researcher 

ENVIRONMENTAL-FOCUSED CAREERS  

Environmental Scientist, hydrologist, sustainable energy engineer 

ORGANIZATIONSL SUPPORT 

Data analyst, human resource specialist, marketing or public relations specialist, social media specialist 

IN-DEMAND SKILLS

  • Innovation 
  • Analytic thinking 
  • Observation 
  • Decision making 
  • Time management 
  • Problem solving 
  • Communication 
  • Data management 
  • Critical thinking 

Work in the Science and Natural Resources Field

Our alumni who work in this field have worked with the following organizations.

Salary and employment statistics for UW Oshkosh graduates are self reported and given based on their experiences and opportunities they secured within 9 months after graduation. Data is pulled from the UW Oshkosh First Destination Survey and is an average of reported data from the previous three years.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH
Career & Professional Development

(920) 424-2181
career@uwosh.edu

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Oshkosh, WI 54901

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