Natural Resources & Conservation Research at University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Natural Resources Conservation and Research
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $55,545/yr (61% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (55,700 openings/yr)
ROI 21.7x earnings multiple (14.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 256 Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

UMGC’s strength comes from its unique student body and strategic location. Many of your classmates will be working adults, often veterans or mid-career professionals, leveraging the flexible online format to advance. This isn't a program focused on field biology in a remote forest; it's geared toward the policy, compliance, and research jobs concentrated in the nearby Washington, D.C. metro area. You’ll be positioned for well-paying roles within federal agencies like the EPA and Department of the Interior, or with the many government contractors that support them. The curriculum likely emphasizes data analysis, environmental law, and project management—skills that lead directly to stable, high-paying desk jobs in the capital region. To maximize this advantage, aggressively network with D.C.-area alumni and tailor your coursework toward federal compliance and environmental policy.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Resources & Conservation Research graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $720K $694K $614K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.5x 21.7x 19.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.6x 14.1x 12.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,968
Out-of-state: $49,344 (14.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,056
-82% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,327
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,980
55% growth from Year 1

About University of Maryland Global Campus

serving a student body of 48,238 in Adelphi, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland Global Campus →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710/yr
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health $80,060/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Maryland Global Campus's Natural Resources & Conservation Research program score?
This program scores 65/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Natural Resources & Conservation Research graduates.
How vulnerable is Natural Resources & Conservation Research to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Natural Resources & Conservation Research careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Maryland Global Campus rank so high for Natural Resources & Conservation Research?
The #2 ranking out of 256 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →