This BTech degree builds on the associate degree in Environmental Studies and trains students in the conservation of natural or biological resources, applied water resources, and ecosystem management and restoration. Courses emphasizing hands-on learning in soil and water conservation, watershed management, conservation biology, restoration ecology, forest and aquatic ecology, terrestrial invertebrate ecology, and applied hydrology form the core of the coursework in the program. Instruction takes place in the classroom, as well as outdoors in the forests, streams and rivers and on agricultural lands close to campus. Throughout the curriculum, current environmental issues - such as invasive species, climate change, habitat loss and conservation of biodiversity - are addressed and explored. Central to the program is a project-based capstone sequence that focuses on professional development, research methodology, proposal development, data collection, analysis, and presentation. Additionally, all students will be required to complete an approved professional experience consisting of an internship, co-op, or other similar experience.