Natural Resources and Environmental Science Program

NRES is an interdisciplinary program in the Purdue College of Agriculture, which prepares students to solve environmental problems impacting our basic natural resources. Faculty from many departments contributes to the curriculum.

NRES is a flexible program that allows students, working closely with an academic counselor, to develop a personal curriculum to meet their career goals. The NRES Program prepares students for careers in business, industry or government which focuses on the prevention, control, correction or regulation of environmental problems.

Students are encouraged to specialize in one of the following areas of emphasis:

Air Quality
Water Quality
Land Resources
Environmental Policy and Analysis
Emerging Environmental Challenges

Job-Related Training

During the spring semester the NRES Program offers 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operator/Emergency Response Technician Certification Training and HAZWOPER Renewal Certification Training for graduating and undergraduate students.

This training provides students with the knowledge and awareness to meet OSHA requirements (29 CFR 1910.120) for working on projects dealing with the handling of hazardous materials. This training is very valuable for many jobs, and makes the student eligible for employment at many locations.

Quick Links

From a student's view

Study abroad trip sparks interest in environmental research

Andria Schmitz has seen the negative effects of pollution first-hand along with the positive impact environmental preservation has on the world.

Agronomy/NRES Ambassador volunteers

Claudia Benitez is always looking for ways to give back to her community. The Purdue Natural Resources and Environmental Science junior from Dallas, Texas found a way to give back this spring. She, and 250 other volunteers, participated in the Wabash Sampling Blitz.

Agronomy/NRES Ambassador Blog

One of the opportunities you can act on as an agronomy of NRES student at Purdue is to become a Purdue Agronomy/NRES Ambassador. Learn more about what they do by checking out thier blog.