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College of Natural Resources

Ranking and Accredidations

The College of Natural Resources is nationally and globally recognized for academic excellence, career preparation and leadership in environmental, forestry and recreation sciences.

Rankings

See how we rank nationally and globally.

Accredidations

Our programs meet top professional standards nationwide.

Rankings and Recognition

Our programs are consistently ranked among the nation’s best, earning top honors across forestry, environmental sciences, pulp and paper, sport management and more.

University-Wide Achievements

  • No. 2 Public University in North Carolina – Ranked among the top 30 in the nation (Niche, 2025)
  • Top 10 Best Value in the Nation – Ranked among the top public universities in the United States (Princeton Review)
  • Top 50 Nationally – Ranked among the top universities in the U.S. (QS World University Rankings)
  • Top 100 University Worldwide – Ranked in the top 0.2% globally (Uniranks, 2025)
  • Top 1% in the World – Ranked among the top universities worldwide (Center for World University Rankings)
  • No. 8 Best Online Graduate Business Analytics – Ranked in the top 8 online graduate business analytics program nationally (U.S. News & World Report)

College Excellence

  • No. 5 Best Online Colleges in North Carolina – Ranked among the state’s top colleges for online education opportunities (OnlineU, 2025)

Environmental Science Recognition

  • No. 1 in North Carolina for Environmental Science – Placed No. 1 in North Carolina and No. 30 nationwide (EduRank, 2025)
  • Top 3% for Environmental Science in the U.S. – Ranked No. 7 out of 233 schools for environmental science bachelor’s degrees (College Factual, 2025)
  • Top 1% Globally – Ranked No. 54 in the world for environmental science, placing NC State in the top 1% of universities worldwide (EduRank, 2025)

Forestry, Conservation and Natural Resources Excellence

  • No. 1 in Forestry in the U.S. – Ranked the top forestry program in the nation across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees (College Factual, 2025)
  • Top 1% Worldwide – Ranked as a global leader in forestry, placed at No. 26 in the world (EduRank, 2025)
  • Top 5% – Ranked among the top colleges for natural resources and conservation programs (College Factual, 2025)
  • Top 25 Greenest Campus – Recognized among the top campuses in the U.S. for sustainability (AASHE STARS, 2025)

Parks, Recreation and Sport Management Distinction

  • Top 1% for Sport Management in the U.S. – Ranked No. 9 out of 743 schools nationwide (Niche, 2025)
  • No. 1 in North Carolina – Ranked the top college in the state for sport management and leisure studies (Niche, 2025)
  • Top 5 in the U.S. – Ranked among the nation’s best for parks and recreation management programs (College Factual, 2025)
  • No. 1 for Recreation Administration Degrees – Recognized as the top program for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees nationally (College Factual, 2025)

Wood Science and Paper Leadership

  • No. 1 in Wood Science and Pulp and Paper – Recognized as the best program in the U.S. (College Factual, 2025)

Accredidations

Our programs meet rigorous national standards set by leading professional organizations. These accreditations affirm the quality of our teaching, research and student outcomes, and ensure our graduates are well-prepared for professional success.

University Accreditation

As part of NC State University, all of our college’s programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This university-wide accreditation affirms that our degrees meet established standards of quality, remain current with academic and professional expectations, and demonstrate success in student learning and achievement.

Forest Biomaterials

Our Bachelor of Science in Paper Science and Engineering degree program is accredited by ABET, a leading authority in engineering and applied science education. This distinction highlights the program’s rigor and the readiness of our graduates to solve complex challenges in research, industry and innovation.

Our Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Materials and Technology degree program is accredited by the Society of Wood Science and Technology. This recognition reflects the program’s focus on renewable resources, sustainable practices and forward-looking solutions in material science.

Forestry and Environmental Resources

Our Bachelor of Science in Forest Management and Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources degree programs, along with our Master of Forestry degree program, are accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Accreditation signals that our students are trained in the most up-to-date practices of sustainable forest management, preparing them to make informed decisions that support both communities and ecosystems.

Our Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology degree program allows graduates to pursue Associate Wildlife Biologist® certification through The Wildlife Society, with some tracks also meeting American Fisheries Society requirements. These pathways give students an added layer of professional recognition and career mobility.

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Our Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management degree program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions. This credential demonstrates that our students graduate with the knowledge, skills and leadership training valued across recreation, tourism and community development fields.