Skip to main content
Home / Academics / Programs

Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: School of Natural Resources and the Environment

Environmental, Energy and Land Management, BS

The Environmental, Energy and Land Management program will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in the dynamic fields of land development, environmental stewardship and energy innovation.

Your coursework will include comprehensive training in identifying, leasing and purchasing lands for development, and navigating the ethical, regulatory and environmental frameworks crucial to success.

Through hands-on learning experiences and projects that mirror real-world challenges, you will gain practical expertise and a strong foundation to create meaningful effects on the world through sustainable and innovative land and energy solutions.

Our graduates are in demand. With national accreditation and insights from our industry advisory board, when you complete your degree, you’ll compete for the best environmental and energy jobs in the U.S.

Potential career paths include:

  • Private business
  • Government
  • Consulting
  • Entrepreneurial ventures
Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Two students at a drill site.

This program explores the intricate connections between business, environmental science and land management. Our graduates emerge as highly trained and sought-after professionals with the skills needed to have an immediate effect in the environmental and energy industry.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 Program

    This major is eligible for the 3+3 Law Degree Program that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Active participation with local professional land organizations, both the Michael Late Benedum and Northern Appalachian Chapters of AAPL.
  • Curriculum melds natural and environmental resource management, business and development of energy resources.
  • Exceptional and plentiful professional development and hands on-learning opportunities in and out of the classroom
  • Only accredited program in West Virginia and one of three east of the Mississippi.
  • One of only 13 programs in the U.S. accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen.
  • 100 percent job and graduate school placement rate.
  • Advisory board made up of industry partners on both the local and national levels.
  • Opportunity to attend the annual NAPE Expo in Houston.
  • Enhanced learning opportunities thanks to strong corporate partnerships with over 50 companies.
  • Guest lectures by industry professionals and experts share valuable insights, such as best practices and potential career paths.
  • Affiliated with the Natural Resources Analysis Center (NRAC), which provides opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly in environmental, energy and drone-related mapping (GIS) research.
  • Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Student enhancement grants: George A. Myles Natural Resources Undergraduate Student Enhancement Grant and Emory and Emma Thomas Student Fund
  • International travel opportunities to complete coursework or internships
  • Industry-supported research opportunities, such as industry statistic/analysis of production development, environmental impacts and permitting for companies
  • Interaction between students and professionals in many sectors of the energy industry encouraged and facilitated (e.g., guest lectures, networking events, mentorship match-ups)

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Median Salary: $53,550

Possible job titles include: Abstracter, Title Examiner, Title Officer, Title Searcher.

Explore Career

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.

Median Salary: $99,710

Possible job titles include: Energy Consultant, Solar Sales Representative , Solar Consultant, Sales Associate.

Explore Career

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

Median Salary: $76,760

Possible job titles include: Residential Field Manager, Solar Installation Supervisor, Solar Energy Installation Manager.

Explore Career

Property, Real Estate and Community Association Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $62,850

Possible job titles include: Apartment Manager, Commercial Property Services Coordinator, Property Manager, Resident Manager.

Explore Career

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Median Salary: $133,560

Possible job titles include: Business Developer, Business Development Manager, Development Manager, Project Manager.

Explore Career

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $104,920

Possible job titles include: Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Specialist (GIS Specialist), Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician), Resource Analyst.

Explore Career

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

Explore Career

Real Estate Brokers

Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.

Median Salary: $63,060

Possible job titles include: Broker, Managing Broker, Real Estate Broker, Realtor.

Explore Career

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Environmental, Energy and Land Management major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Environmental, Energy and Land Management at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Environmental, Energy and Land Management major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Environmental, Energy and Land Management at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Request Info

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit WVU

Apply

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

Apply Now