Program Coordinator/Contact
Don McCrea, Instructor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Room 138
605-688-6121
Program Information
The Natural Resource Law Enforcement program was developed in coordination with state and federal agencies to prepare students for careers as conservation officers, federal wildlife agents, park rangers, and game wardens. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation that integrates natural resource management, conservation and law enforcement. Students pursue coursework in wildlife and fisheries sciences, ecology, criminal law and procedures, constitutional law, social issues, and environmental laws and policies. Students acquire skills in communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership, ethics, laws and human dimensions, statistics, technology, global competence, critical thinking, and problem solving. The Natural Resource Law Enforcement Program also delivers outstanding non-traditional educational experiences to students, further increasing their opportunities for career success.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Natural Resource Law Enforcement major, students will:
- Demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystems services, recreation, and livestock production.
- Describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitudes, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources.
- Demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field and lab techniques as well as contemporary technology.
- Demonstrate the ability to appropriately analyze and critically evaluate data and other information.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that necessary for a natural resource professional.
Course Delivery Format
The Natural Resource Law Enforcement program is on campus and engages students in experiential learning in lecture, laboratory, and field based settings.
