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logan
Student
Eufaula, Oklahoma
1
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I would really like to become a National Park ranger, what would be the best way to get started. College degree?
Trying to decide what field to study in college. #degree #college #academic-advising
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1 answer
Cailin Mondo
Aspiring academic advisor with a Bachelor's degree from CSU Stanislaus
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Cailin’s Answer
Hi Logan!
Thanks for reaching out. When choosing a degree to become park ranger the first thing you should focus on is deciding what kind of park ranger you want to be within the national park system. Do you want to be the one who teaches the public about nature? Do you want to be the one who greets the public at the front gate? Would you rather be the kind who works in the background, away from the general public? Your preferences and general interests or skills outside of your overall career choice are important in making this decision.
Having a background in public administration, park and recreation management, science (natural sciences, biology, forestry, environmental studies, or geology), or law enforcement/criminal justice are always good starting points. If there's a specific park you're most interested in, a great idea would be to contact them directly or research their hiring requirements to determine what the best course of action would be. Otherwise, I would recommend sticking to a major that both interests you and covers a broad subject so as to better mold yourself to a variety of parks' requirements.
Lastly, get some entry level experience in a park of some kind. Volunteer experience is always good, maybe find a seasonal job as a tour guide or even see if you can find internships related to park work.
Best of luck!
I found this article to be very helpful:
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Park-Ranger
Thanks for reaching out. When choosing a degree to become park ranger the first thing you should focus on is deciding what kind of park ranger you want to be within the national park system. Do you want to be the one who teaches the public about nature? Do you want to be the one who greets the public at the front gate? Would you rather be the kind who works in the background, away from the general public? Your preferences and general interests or skills outside of your overall career choice are important in making this decision.
Having a background in public administration, park and recreation management, science (natural sciences, biology, forestry, environmental studies, or geology), or law enforcement/criminal justice are always good starting points. If there's a specific park you're most interested in, a great idea would be to contact them directly or research their hiring requirements to determine what the best course of action would be. Otherwise, I would recommend sticking to a major that both interests you and covers a broad subject so as to better mold yourself to a variety of parks' requirements.
Lastly, get some entry level experience in a park of some kind. Volunteer experience is always good, maybe find a seasonal job as a tour guide or even see if you can find internships related to park work.
Best of luck!
I found this article to be very helpful:
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Park-Ranger