Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources

Are you interested in working to conserve our natural resources and help keep people connected with nature? With a certificate or degree in forestry, wildlife or natural resources from Front Range Community College, you’ll be at the forefront of conserving our planet.

Through hands-on learning and teamwork, you'll develop important, career-friendly skills such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving. All of these will help you to be effective no matter what your career interests are. Career possibilities include teaching and outreach, forest and wildlife conservation, land management, policy advocacy and consulting.

Whether you're looking for a one-semester certificate program or two-year degree, at FRCC, you'll get the training and support you need to be successful. Our small, hands-on classes, dedicated professors, and friendly staff are here to help guide you, no matter your path.

Why Study Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources at Front Range Community College?

You'll discover engaging classes, hands-on practice and a huge variety of field experience opportunities. We'll prepare you for a wide range of careers in natural resources.

You can choose from Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in forest technology, natural resources and wildlife or a variety of shorter-term, specialized certificates in:

  • Environmental education
  • Forestry
  • Natural resources
  • Natural resources GIS
  • Natural resources recreation
  • Wildland fire
  • Wildlife

You'll gain practical experience through fieldwork. On average, we utilize 35 field sites per semester on ranches, parks, and fish hatcheries. Our caring faculty members will help you map out a future that's right for you.

Degree Options

AAS in Forestry Technology

Program Location: Larimer

Total Credits: 60 credits (4 semesters)

You'll explore tree care, soils, forestry care and management, water movement, GIS applications and wildlife and fisheries management. The program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

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AAS in Natural Resources

Program Location: Larimer

Total Credits: 60 credits (4 semesters)

You'll explore forest science principles, range land management, wildlife and fisheries management and GIS systems. You'll participate in community natural resources projects to gain practical skills in forestry, wildlife, aquaculture, fisheries and the computer analysis of natural resources.

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AAS in Wildlife Technology

Program Location: Larimer

Total Credits: 60 credits (4 semesters)

The program focuses on principles and research techniques to assist in wildlife and land management. You'll learn practical field skills, theory and applications for the study and management of wildlife, fisheries and wild bird populations. This degree is accredited by the North American Wildlife Technology Association.

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Certificate Options

Environmental Education

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 9 credits (1 semester)

This certificate program introduces you to the history, legislation, principles and goals of environmental literacy and education. You'll receive training in environmental communications. This program also includes two certificates in environmental education techniques.

Zero-Cost Program

Career Advance Colorado logo

Complete this program—at no cost to you. Thanks to the Career Advance Colorado grant program, you can have your tuition, fees and course materials completely covered. To take advantage of the grant funding, just apply for financial aid, be declared in this program and take courses toward program completion. Whatever isn’t covered by financial aid will be covered by Career Advance. Learn more about the program. 

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Forestry: Zero-Cost Program

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 9 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate program introduces you to the principles of forest science, dendrology, forest fire behavior, silviculture principles and research techniques.

Zero-Cost Program

Career Advance Colorado logo

Complete this program—at no cost to you. Thanks to the Career Advance Colorado grant program, you can have your tuition, fees and course materials completely covered. To take advantage of the grant funding, just apply for financial aid, be declared in this program and take courses toward program completion. Whatever isn’t covered by financial aid will be covered by Career Advance. Learn more about the program. 

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Natural Resources

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 16 credits (1 semester)

This certificate program builds on the Forestry certificate and covers theory, philosophy and applications for study and management of range wildlife and fisheries resources.

Zero-Cost Program

Career Advance Colorado logo

Complete this program—at no cost to you. Thanks to the Career Advance Colorado grant program, you can have your tuition, fees and course materials completely covered. To take advantage of the grant funding, just apply for financial aid, be declared in this program and take courses toward program completion. Whatever isn’t covered by financial aid will be covered by Career Advance. Learn more about the program. 

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Natural Resources GIS

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 9 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate program introduces you to basic and advanced analytical tools as you develop skills in spatial problem solving.

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Natural Resources Recreation

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 8 credits (1 semester)

This certificate program combines lecture and practical outdoor experiences that address issues and trends in outdoor recreation.

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Wildland Fire: Zero-Cost Program

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 5 credits (1 semester)

This certificate program provides instruction on environmental factors that affect the start and spread of wildfire and recognition of potentially hazardous situations. Entry-level wildland firefighters skills are taught.

Zero-Cost Program

Career Advance Colorado logo

Complete this program—at no cost to you. Thanks to the Career Advance Colorado grant program, you can have your tuition, fees and course materials completely covered. To take advantage of the grant funding, just apply for financial aid, be declared in this program and take courses toward program completion. Whatever isn’t covered by financial aid will be covered by Career Advance. Learn more about the program. 

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Wildlife

Program Locations: Larimer

Total Credits: 9 credits (1 semester)

This certificate program covers theory, philosophy and applications for the study and management of wildlife and fisheries and habitat restoration.

Zero-Cost Program

Career Advance Colorado logo

Complete this program—at no cost to you. Thanks to the Career Advance Colorado grant program, you can have your tuition, fees and course materials completely covered. To take advantage of the grant funding, just apply for financial aid, be declared in this program and take courses toward program completion. Whatever isn’t covered by financial aid will be covered by Career Advance. Learn more about the program. 

View Program Details

Transfer Options

Your AAS degree may transfer to four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree in fields related to forestry, wildlife and natural resources.

We have transfer agreements with:

  • Colorado State University
  • Western Colorado University
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Montana State University
  • University of Montana
  • Utah State University
  • University of Idaho
  • University of Wyoming
  • University of Nebraska Lincoln
  • University Prince Edward Island (Canada)
  • Lakeland College (Canada)

If you are interested in transferring to earn your bachelor's degree, contact jennifer.lee@frontrange.edu. She will provide details on these transfer agreements to help your transfer process go smoothly. You can also talk with your academic advisor when selecting your courses to ensure you will complete your degree on time with the classes you need.

Careers & Outcomes

Your degree or certificate can open doors for a career in a variety of fields. Although some careers may require bachelor's and graduate degrees, you'll get a strong foundation with a degree from FRCC.

Paid Internship Opportunity

Want to develop research skills that will help you in your future career? Apply for Geo-Launchpad, a paid summer internship open to FRCC students. You'll learn about geoscience careers, which combines many science fields to study our planet. This 11-week program takes place in Boulder and provides housing if needed.

Learn about Geo-Launchpad