2 answers
Halie
Student
Maricopa, Arizona
2
Questions
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What do I need to study and major in to become a national park ranger?
#majors #science
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2 answers
Rachel T.
Attorney/International Tax Associate
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Halie. Thanks for your question. I see that you reside in Arizona, so I will answer your question specifically for Arizona Park Rangers.
Arizona Park Rangers work to protect and preserve 30 state parks and natural areas throughout the state, including natural and historical wonders (i.e. lakes and rivers and other rich natural areas, to historic buildings such as pueblo ruins and adobe homes). Some parks include: (1) Red Rock State Park featuring Cathedral Rock, (2) Kartchner Caverns State Park featuring a huge limestone cave, and (3) Tonto Natural Bridge State Park featuring the natural Travertine Bridge.
In order to become a Park Ranger in Arizona's State Parks, you will need to meet the following requirements:
(1) You must have the ability to retain a current state-issued driver's license
(2) You must have the ability to pass a medical/physical examination, which includes being able to lift 50 lbs.
In addition, some park ranger jobs in Arizona require an individual to be eligible for certification as a "Peace Officer". These requirements include:
(1) US Citizenship
(2) Must be at least 21 years of age
(3) Must be able to pass background check with no felony convictions
(4) Must be able to pass medical examination and meet physical fitness standards
(5) Must submit to a polygraph examination
(6) NOTE -- Arizona's park rangers hired in law enforcement roles will also complete a 17-week basic training academy after being hired.
Degree Requirements:
While Arizona does not have a minimum education requirement for Park Ranger positions, post-secondary education at the associate's or bachelor's degree level can be very beneficial and give candidates a competitive edge when applying for such position (I personally HIGHLY recommend getting a degree). Some relevant majors to consider are:
(1) Natural Science
(2) Natural Resources Management
(3) Parks and Recreation
(4) Forestry
(5) Forest Management
The official Park Randers site recommends the following schools and majors in Arizona as the best for becoming a Park Ranger:
(1) Grand Canyon University - B.S. in Justice Studies and M.S. in Criminal Justice
(2) SNHU - A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, and M.S. in Criminal Justice
(3) Strayer University - Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
(4) Michigan State University - Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
(5) Saint Joseph's University - Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
(6) Penn Foster - Online Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Career Diploma
Please refer to the Park Ranger official website ( https://www.parkrangeredu.org/arizona/) for more information.
I hope this was helpful and good luck!
Arizona Park Rangers work to protect and preserve 30 state parks and natural areas throughout the state, including natural and historical wonders (i.e. lakes and rivers and other rich natural areas, to historic buildings such as pueblo ruins and adobe homes). Some parks include: (1) Red Rock State Park featuring Cathedral Rock, (2) Kartchner Caverns State Park featuring a huge limestone cave, and (3) Tonto Natural Bridge State Park featuring the natural Travertine Bridge.
In order to become a Park Ranger in Arizona's State Parks, you will need to meet the following requirements:
(1) You must have the ability to retain a current state-issued driver's license
(2) You must have the ability to pass a medical/physical examination, which includes being able to lift 50 lbs.
In addition, some park ranger jobs in Arizona require an individual to be eligible for certification as a "Peace Officer". These requirements include:
(1) US Citizenship
(2) Must be at least 21 years of age
(3) Must be able to pass background check with no felony convictions
(4) Must be able to pass medical examination and meet physical fitness standards
(5) Must submit to a polygraph examination
(6) NOTE -- Arizona's park rangers hired in law enforcement roles will also complete a 17-week basic training academy after being hired.
Degree Requirements:
While Arizona does not have a minimum education requirement for Park Ranger positions, post-secondary education at the associate's or bachelor's degree level can be very beneficial and give candidates a competitive edge when applying for such position (I personally HIGHLY recommend getting a degree). Some relevant majors to consider are:
(1) Natural Science
(2) Natural Resources Management
(3) Parks and Recreation
(4) Forestry
(5) Forest Management
The official Park Randers site recommends the following schools and majors in Arizona as the best for becoming a Park Ranger:
(1) Grand Canyon University - B.S. in Justice Studies and M.S. in Criminal Justice
(2) SNHU - A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, and M.S. in Criminal Justice
(3) Strayer University - Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
(4) Michigan State University - Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
(5) Saint Joseph's University - Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
(6) Penn Foster - Online Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Career Diploma
Please refer to the Park Ranger official website ( https://www.parkrangeredu.org/arizona/) for more information.
I hope this was helpful and good luck!
thank you . -halie
Halie
Terri Chase
Process Engineering
10
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Terri’s Answer
If you are looking at colleges than can help you with a degree, Georgia has a college in Tifton that is tailored to farming, agriculture, and training specifically for park management. Please look into ABAC. BEST WISHES!