The mission of the Natural Resource Ecology and Management Department is to increase public awareness and understanding, through teaching, research and Extension, of the ecology, management and sustainable use of natural resources, including maintaining ecosystem health and species diversity, agriculture and forest production, hunting and fishing, and the enjoyment of experiencing nature in Oklahoma and beyond. We recognize the long-term needs of rights holders, landowners, society, and the ecosphere as well as contemporary scientific and traditional ecological knowledge systems.

The undergraduate academic mission of the NREM Department is to prepare our graduates for productive professional and personal lives. This requires developing professional and technical competencies, communication and quantification skills, and analytical and problem-solving skills. We also emphasize development of interpersonal abilities that recognize the interdisciplinary of the profession, foster and appreciation for the value of diverse people, perspectives, and practices, and support a strong sense of professional and ethical values and behaviors. More details are included in the Program Overview below.