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CORVALLIS - The Environmental Science Graduate Program at Oregon State University is adding a new option in which students can concentrate their studies - natural resources.

Coursework focused in this field of study will integrate biology, ecology and management with sociology, economics, policy, ethics and communications, officials say, and should be ideally suited to multidisciplinary research and problem resolution.

"The broad study of natural resources concerns the relationship between natural and managed population systems, human systems and the environment they share," said Andrew Blaustein, director of the program. "This new area of concentration should fit well with OSU's strategic plans for the future."

Those goals include understanding the dynamics and sustainability of the Earth and its resources, optimizing the health and well-being of the public, managing natural resources in a fashion that protects quality of life, and sustaining natural resource based industries.

Existing master's and doctoral degrees can both be awarded in the new area of concentration, Blaustein said. More information on the programs can be obtained on the web at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/envsci.