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
Congratulations to Chisom Umeileka, who took home first place at last week’s three-minute thesis (3MT) competition! 🎉 The 3MT is a long-standing tradition at the annual College of Natural Resources Graduate Research Symposium, which showcases the talented research work of our graduate students.
Chisom is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Forest Biomaterials (@ncstatefb). Her research focuses on transforming wood biomass into sustainable, high-performance materials with improved moisture barrier properties for environmentally-friendly packaging applications.
She currently volunteers with International Student & Scholars Engaged in Reaching out and Volunteering (ISSERVE), where she participates in service activities that support the local community. In addition, Chisom has served as vice president of the Nigerian Student Association at NC State, where she helped to foster community, engagement, and support among students.
“Winning first place in the 3MT competition is very meaningful to me because it reflects the perseverance, passion and communication skills that have shaped my academic journey.
As an international student pursuing research in sustainable biomaterials, preparing for 3MT challenged me to share complex ideas clearly and concisely, which strengthened my confidence and determination. This recognition motivates me to continue advancing my work while also sharing the importance of sustainable materials with broader audiences, reinforcing my commitment to creating environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional plastics.”
After graduation, Chisom hopes to work in the industry at the intersection of research and innovation, helping turn sustainable materials science into real-world products and technologies. Her goal is to contribute to the development of bio-based materials that can replace petroleum-based plastics and support a more sustainable and circular economy.
The James Buzzard Leadership Development Program empowers College of Natural Resources students to become innovative, ethical leaders ready to make an impact in their communities and industries.
Through hands-on learning, professional coaching and real-world experiences with industry leaders, Buzzard Fellows develop the skills and confidence to lead.
Your support during NC State Day of Giving helps sustain this transformative program and the opportunities it creates for students. ❤️ #GivingPack
Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how you can support #NCStateCNR on March 25.
Meet Grace Pethos, a sustainable materials and technology alumna making an impact in the building industry. 🐺🌱
After graduation, Grace began to work with CaraGreen in Raleigh, helping architects and designers choose healthier, eco-friendly building solutions. Her day includes sharing education courses, connecting with clients and advocating for materials that reduce environmental impact.
“Beyond academics, NC State taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively and problem solve under pressure. Those skills, combined with opportunities to collaborate and lead in student organizations, gave me the confidence to share my ideas openly and engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues and clients.”
From student leader to industry change-maker, Grace is proving that sustainability isn’t just a field of study, it`s a way forward.
Click the link in our bio to learn more about Grace Pethos’s journey and career.
Help us get a head start on the NC State Day of Giving by joining the Head Start Challenge.🐺 ❤️
From today through March 24, complete as many tasks as you can to help increase our odds of winning as $1,000 bonus for the College of Natural Resources.
Every action helps support future students. 🌲 #GivingPack
🔗 Check out the "Day of Giving Challenges" link in our bio to enter.
Join us in congratulating Drs. Whitney Knollenberg and Rajan Parajuli as the college’s newest University Faculty Scholars. 🎉
Dr. Whitney Knollenberg, an associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism management and a department Extension leader and specialist, focuses on leadership, planning, policy and partnerships that support sustainable tourism development across diverse contexts, including rural tourism, agritourism, food tourism and volunteer tourism.
Dr. Rajan Parajuli, an associate professor of forestry and environmental resources and an Extension specialist, specializes in forest product markets, trade and policy; economic impacts and development in forest-based regions; carbon and bioenergy markets; forest finance and investment; natural resource policy and governance; and social and community forestry.
Every year, NC State’s Day of Giving is a wonderful opportunity for our Pack and friends of the Pack to come together to support our students. ❤️
The College of Natural Resources Enhancement Fund provides support for our greatest priorities, including student scholarships, professional development opportunities, well-being resources and more.
Support current and future students by #GivingPack to the Natural Resources Enhancement Fund on Wednesday, March 25. Click the link in our bio to learn more.
The 2026 #NCStateCNR and @ncstatecals Hot Jobs+Internships Fair was a success! ✨
Thank you to all the students and companies who showed up.
We had a wonderful time with our newly admitted students and their families this past Saturday. We hope to see each of you back here in the fall! 🐺🐾
#NCState30 @applyncstate
Meet Abby Johnson, an NC State alumna passionate about protecting wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems. 🐺🌳
Abby is the recipient of the Carroll and Dawn Mann Wildlife Conservation Scholarship from NC State’s College of Natural Resources. Her passion for wildlife and commitment to conservation have driven her to pursue hands-on research and immersive field experiences. These opportunities have strengthened her understanding of sustainable wildlife management and prepared her for a future dedicated to protecting natural ecosystems.
“My college experience, and everything following it, has been and will forever be changed because of this generous scholarship. I hope to honor Dawn Mann, Dr. Carroll Mann III, and everyone else who came together to help me have this opportunity.”
Click the link in our bio to learn more about Abby’s story.
Meet Nick Librizzi, a senior majoring in sport management at NC State. 🐺📚
Through his leadership with the NC State Icepack, Librizzi is building more than a competitive hockey program. He is creating a culture centered on accountability, discipline and community.
As a student leader, he is helping teammates grow both on and off the ice, emphasizing mentorship, teamwork and personal development. The experience is preparing players for success far beyond their time at NC State.
"I’ve been fortunate to have some once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Icepack, and they are memories I will never forget. The Men’s Basketball Final Four run was the most united I’ve seen the school since I arrived, and being part of that energy was truly unforgettable."
Click the link in our bio to learn more about Nick’s leadership journey.
Join us next Tuesday, March 3, for the 2026 CALS & CNR HOT Jobs+Internships Fair. 💼 🤝
Open to all NC State students; registration is not required. Some employers in attendance include Wake County Parks, N.C. Forest Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Department of Environmental Quality, Bailie Lumber and many more.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Talley Ballrooms, third floor
🔗 See the link in our bio
Last week, our environmental technology and management program held its spring 2026 meet and greet. 👋🐾
The event included networking and poster sessions, where our students had the opportunity to display their experiences within the program.
