The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design at North Carolina A&T provides students the academic background for identifying, analyzing and solving the scientific and social problems involving natural resources. The Department is training the next generation of biological and environmental engineers, environmentalists, horticulturists, landscape architects, and soil scientists. The Department contains four major program areas: Natural Resources, Biological Engineering, Earth and Environmental Science, and Landscape Architecture.

The Natural Resources program in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design has two major concentrations: Environmental Horticulture and Soil Science. Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Environmental horticulture focuses on the production, marketing, selection, installation, and maintenance of plants used to beautify public and private spaces for a more sustainable environment. Environmental horticulture creates environments that function practically, aesthetically, and in harmony with nature. Soil science deals with soils as a natural resource. Topics covered in classroom, laboratory, and field experiences include soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and how these characteristics and properties relate to the use and management of soils.

Biological Engineering at North Carolina A&T is administered jointly by the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering .  Biological engineers increase the efficiency of food, energy, and fiber production by designing and developing new technologies -- technologies which are sensitive to environmental protection and natural resource management as well as production issues. Coursework includes physics, mathematics, engineering and other applied sciences. Students learn the basics of the engineering sciences, hydrology, computer-aided design, geographic information system, watershed modeling, water quality and water resources engineering, best management practices, engineering properties of biological materials, and renewable energy.

Earth and Environmental Science includes studies of water quality, soil utilization and waste management. The program provides professional environmentalists with the academic backgrounds for balancing the necessities of food production and prudent use of natural resources. Among the specific topics the curriculum addresses are: ambient air quality, environmental auditing protocol, ground water monitoring, landfill assessment and site remediation, soil mapping and characterization, and remote sensing and geographic information systems.

Landscape Architecture encompasses the ar tful design, wise management and though tful planning of both manmade and natural environments. Landscape architecture projects ranges from intimate, detailed spaces to regional land-use and development plans. Core courses include conceptual design, plant materials, landscape history and theory, landscape planning, landscape materials and construction, planting design, graphics and natural sciences. The curriculum prepares students for an array of careers. Students learn to create ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing environments that at the same time meet complex social needs.

The Master of Science degree in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science prepares students with the expertise required to assume technical, teaching, research, and Extension positions with universities, industries, and federal/state governments. This curriculum includes courses associated with theoretical and practical training in plant, soil, and environmental sciences. The Environmental Science option trains students to diagnose environmental problems, develop solutions, and manage for ecological sustainability. Students in the Plant Science option learn skills necessary to work in the growing horticulture and biotechnology industries. Students in the Soil Science option study ways to manage and conserve this valuable resource. The Department has eight state-of-the-art laboratories, designed for both basic and applied research. Resources include biotechnology labs, extensive facilities for soil and water conservation studies, and an analytical lab equipped with a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and a gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer. Campus greenhouses are used for teaching, research, and demonstration; and A&T's 560-acre University Farm is less than two miles from the main campus.

For more information please contact:

Dr. G.B. Reddy
NC A&T State University
Carver Hall
Greensboro, NC 27411

(336) 334-7543
reddyg@ncat.edu