2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Natural Resource Law Enforcement (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Amanda Hoover, Program Coordinator and Professional Academic Advisor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Room 138
605-688-5061

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.

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.

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.

Requirements for Natural Resource Law Enforcement Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

Major Requirements


Select one of the following options


Select one of the emphasis areas. Credits 9

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 26 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 52 Credit Hours
Supporting Coursework 36 Credit Hours
Electives** 6 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.