Admissions
Our world needs leaders who can solve natural resources challenges — and enjoy successful careers doing so. Join us.
Your Bright Future
There’s never been a greater demand for natural resources professionals. When you come to the College of Natural Resources, you’ll learn how to make sustainable use of our shared environment — exactly what you need to solve many of the grand challenges our planet faces and to build a successful career.
From paper science and engineering to sport management to cutting-edge forestry, our college is the first choice of a diverse group of students with a wide range of interests. Whether you want to work outdoors as a wildlife biologist, develop community recreation and sport programs, or work with third-world countries making paper products using native renewable resources, our college will give you the skills and opportunities you need to make an impact.
If you’re interested in the big, wide world we share, we want you with us.
Start Your Journey
Explore undergraduate and graduate admissions to find the right path for your goals and interests.
Our nationally recognized programs combine hands-on experience, cutting-edge research and real-world application to prepare you for a meaningful career. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next step in your education, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way — from application to enrollment.
Explore Your Options
The Right Environment
With a student body of just over 1,700, our college is one of the smallest at NC State, home to a close-knit community and students who get the attention they deserve — including personalized advising and instruction. At the same time, our students benefit from all the resources and support of NC State, the largest university in North Carolina.
Our college also offers the best of both worlds in terms of location: We’re based in Raleigh — the state’s capital and one of America’s most-awarded cities — but enjoy easy access to exceptional outdoor learning labs, including Schenck Forest just 10 minutes from our door and Hill Forest only 45 minutes away.
Whether you want to study the native animals of Namibia or the forests of Sweden, our college will give you the opportunity to study the environment, diverse societies and engineering of sustainable resources around the world. And you’ll do it all at a university consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best values in education.
Admissions Toolkit
Meet Fred Lybrand, a rising sophomore majoring in paper science and engineering. 👋
A native of New Hampshire, Lybrand is one of a few out-of-state students to be awarded a full-ride scholarship to NC State through #NCStateCNR`s “Paper Super Scholars” program.
"The enthusiasm of the faculty and staff, especially Med Byrd and Angie Rush, was something I had not seen in any other program. All of the students seemed to love the program and everyone had an internship offer.
Once I saw the “WolfPack Baby” pilot plant, I was sold. Regardless of the scholarship, I knew I was going to come to NC State to study."
Happy Fourth of July from the College of Natural Resources! 🇺🇸 🐺
Meet Rylee Miller, a rising sophomore majoring in paper science and engineering in the Department of Forest Biomaterials (@ncstatefb). This summer, she is working as a power and recovery engineering intern with International Paper in Riegelwood, North Carolina.
Through late July, Rylee is focusing primarily on the mill’s power boilers, turbines, and recovery boilers that are used to provide energy, steam, and green liquor. She is also responsible for items such as routine sampling and testing, working with the process engineers on various projects, and expanding the mill’s real-time process visualization database.
“This internship has taught me the importance of putting yourself out there, asking questions, and getting involved. While it can often be comfortable to work from your office, others notice when you take initiative to go out and help and are genuinely interested in the process.
Hard work goes a long way, and being enthusiastic about tasks that others find cumbersome, tedious, or frustrating makes the experience more enjoyable and helps you play a valuable role in mill operations.
Beyond these life lessons, this internship has also taught me practical skills that will be helpful in my future career as an engineer, such as sampling and testing, various digital tools, and how specific equipment works.”
📸: @ryleermiller
Over the next couple of months, we will be highlighting several #NCStateCNR students and their summer internship experiences. 🐺🐾
Meet Addison Sepesi, a rising senior majoring in sustainable materials and technology in the Department of Forest Biomaterials (@ncstatefb). 👋 This summer, she is working as a continuous improvement intern with Columbia Forest Products in Chatham, Virginia.
Through August, Addison is working to set up standardized work practices and going through problem solving to continuously improve operations around Columbia Forest Products.
“This internship has significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills by teaching me a structured, step-by-step approach and how to effectively identify root causes. I’ve learned to implement targeted countermeasures that drive measurable improvements and observed firsthand how standardized practices can streamline workflows and reduce operator strain.
My time at Columbia Forest Products has also provided valuable exposure to the manufacturing industry, allowing me to explore potential career paths. Additionally, I’ve developed foundational management skills and gained confidence in public speaking through regular participation in team meetings and presentations.”
📸: @Addison.Sepesi
Since his graduation in 1976, George Melton has used his degree in forestry from the NC State College of Natural Resources to pursue an impactful and rewarding career in agriculture. 🌱 🌳
Melton has been involved in agriculture development efforts in communities impacted by war all over the world. “Choosing to major in forestry at NC State was one of the best decisions I have made.”
To learn more about George, check out the link in our bio.
📸: George Melton (left) with Malek Dowengen, who he hired to construct a wool processing center in Afghanistan as part of the Sheep to Shop project.
On this #NationalHydrationDay, we encourage you to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you don`t feel thirsty. 🚰
According to our resident expert Dr. Aaron Hipp, it`s crucial to maintain your hydration levels and prevent heat-related illnesses. For the average adult who’s working or exercising outdoors, it’s recommended to drink one cup of water every 15-20 minutes.
🔗 Check out the link in our bio to learn more on how to stay cool this summer.
We`re in a summer state of mind. ☀️
#NCStateOnCampus #FirstDayOfSummer
Our own Dr. Nathalie Lavoine has been awarded the CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation (@nsfgov) to honor her early career work with cellulose nanocrystals.
Lavoine has written and contributed to over 50 peer reviewed publications and has made large strides in the field of sustainable nanomaterials.
“This award not only provides crucial resources to pursue innovative research but also empowers me to mentor the next generation of scientists and scholars."
To learn more about Dr. Lavoine, check out the link in our bio.
Meet Emily Prickett, a recent graduate of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (@ncstateprtm). 📚🎓 🥾
Emily is passionate about making a positive impact and sees the potential tourism has to improve the lives of people in different communities.
Before graduation, she worked as a research assistant with NC State Tourism Extension and interned with two different destination marketing organizations. Emily is excited to further her career in tourism marketing, hoping to promote the positive changes she wants to see in the world.
To learn more about Emily, check out the link in our bio.
📸: @em_prickett24
From May 27 through May 30, five graduate students from the college, along with seven NC State Extension Forestry professionals, participated in the Broadening Extension through Student Training (BEST) program—an innovative professional development initiative hosted at @pennstate.
Students had the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned Extension professionals from both Penn State and NC State, gaining insight into the diverse career paths and opportunities available within the Extension system. At the end of the program, students received a certificate recognizing their successful completion of 20 hours of professional training.
To read more about their trip, check out the link in our bio.
Congratulations to our own Dr. Zakiya Leggett, who was recently named to the governing board of the @ecologicalsociety. 🙌
With 30 years of experience in ecological research, mentorship and career development, she continues to make a lasting impact. 🍃🌎
Dr. Leggett has been a driving force in expanding access to ecology and conservation for emerging scholars. Her work with Citizen Science Campus and leadership programs like the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program has helped shape the next generation of environmental scientists and advocates.
Click the link in the bio to learn more about Dr. Leggett.
Our campus may be emptier for the summer but our hearts are full upon discovering these little treasures. 🎨 ❤️ #NCStateOnCampus
