Preference in admission is given to students who have also taken courses in ecology, chemistry, geology, physics, and foreign language, or more than one year of biology, economics, and math. Location Luther's location is one of its greatest assets for those studying natural resources. Luther is situated in the Oneota Valley, surrounded by high limestone bluffs and densely wooded hillsides. The Upper Iowa River, which flows through a portion of the campus, is one of 27 rivers designated by the Department of the Interior as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The 800-acre college campus includes ponds, woodlots, and prairie areas for field study.
Most classes make extensive use of publicly owned nature areas as well.
These sites include Hayden Prairie, Yellow River Forest, Cardinal Marsh, Lake Meyer, Falcon Springs, and the Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Each of these research areas is located within one hour of the Luther campus. The preforestry curriculum provides students with a general background for several vocational fields. Many Luther students elect to continue to study in graduate or professional schools other than Duke University. Luther graduates have been successful in gaining admission to the graduate programs of their choice.