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Do you have an interest in wildlife and love to roam national parks?
Is hiking one of your top hobbies? however, you’ve been looking to get more out of life.
Then, you may want to consider enrolling in an Online Park Ranger Certificate Program, where you can become the ruler of the park through interesting and essential courses that will teach you about conservation, biology, and much more.
All you will need to do to get started is check out some of these accredited online programs.
Earn your accredited, affordable Wildlife Forestry and Conservation career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Popular Programs
- 2 Best Online Park Ranger Certificate Programs
- 2.1 1. Southern New Hampshire University
- 2.2 2. Penn Foster College
- 2.3 3. Arizona State University Online
- 2.4 4. University of West Alabama
- 2.5 5. Penn State University
- 2.6 6. Colorado Northwestern Community College
- 2.7 7. Association of National Park Rangers
- 2.8 Schools Offering Online Park Ranger Certificate Programs
- 3 What Courses Are in an Online Park Ranger Certificate Program?
- 4 Can You Earn a Park Ranger Certificate Completely Online?
- 5 How Long Does it Take to Earn a Park Ranger Certificate Online?
- 6 How Much Does an Online Park Ranger Certificate Cost?
- 7 Types of Park Ranger Certificates
- 8 4 Self-Study Tips for Online Park Ranger Certificate Students
- 9 Summary
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Popular Programs
Best Online Park Ranger Certificate Programs
1. Southern New Hampshire University
About the Program:
This four-year degree will prepare you to become an empowered Park Ranger with extensive knowledge of biology, the environment, and conservation.
Classes start several times a year, and you can complete your degree at your own pace.
Courses Offered:
- Environmental Science
- Data Analytics in Science
- Sustainability
- Geosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Anthropology
Contact Information:
- Address: 2500 North River Rd. Manchester, NH 03106
- Phone: 800-668-1249
- Website: Southern New Hampshire University
Program Cost:
At Southern New Hampshire University, you will pay $330 per credit hour for $48,380 throughout your studies.
2. Penn Foster College
About the Program:
This four-month-long program is encouraging for those who don’t want to spend years studying for a degree.
At Penn Foster College, students who are interested in becoming a Park Ranger can enroll in the Wildlife/Forestry Conservation program to learn the ins and outs of national parks.
Courses Offered:
- Wildlife Management
- International Conservation Issues
- Predators
- Large Animals
- Managing National Parks
Contact Information:
- Address: 200 Hickory St. Scranton, PA 18505
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: Penn Foster College
Program Cost:
The total cost for the certificate from Penn Foster College is $1,264.
3. Arizona State University Online
About the Program:
Arizona State University Online is one of the top accredited programs in the country.
As an aspiring Park Ranger, you will receive one-on-one attention from well-rounded professors who have experience in the field in which they teach.
Classes are small and the curriculum will lead you toward an insightful career as a Park Ranger.
Courses Offered:
- General Biology
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Conservation and Biodiversity
- Fundamentals of Ecology
Contact Information:
- Address: 1365 North Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257
- Phone: 480-884-1525
- Website: Arizona State University Online
Program Cost:
Expect to pay $27,904 for the complete degree at Arizona State University Online.
4. University of West Alabama
About the Program:
Small classes and an incredible atmosphere will have you excited to attend the online courses at the University of West Alabama.
This simple yet important program has students from all over the world enrolled, giving everyone a chance to become the Park Ranger that they want to be.
Courses Offered:
- Methods in Conservation
- Biology
- Critical Issues
Contact Information:
- Address: 100 US-11 Livingston, AL 35470
- Phone: 888-636-8800
- Website: University of West Alabama
Program Cost:
At the University of West Alabama, you will pay $9,100 for in-state tuition and $18,200 for out-of-state tuition.
5. Penn State University
About the Program:
With over 25 years of experience in online education Penn State University is a one-stop shop for those who want to complete their degree to become a Park Ranger.
This is a more in-depth program, providing a bachelor’s degree after a four-year commitment.
However, you’ll learn enough to successfully work as a Park Ranger on your own.
Courses Offered:
- Making Maps that Matter
- Ecosystem Monitoring
- Leadership Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Statistics
- Project Management
Contact Information:
- Address: 210 Old Main University Park, PA 16802
- Phone: 814-865-4700
- Website: Penn State University
Program Cost:
Penn State University will require you to pay $30,810 in tuition fees.
6. Colorado Northwestern Community College
About the Program:
Train to become a National Park Ranger Law Enforcement at Colorado Northwestern Community College.
This is a rigorous program that will provide both physical and mental stimulation.
Upon completion, you will be issued a certificate from the U.S. Department of Interior, which will allow you to become qualified for seasonal law enforcement jobs in national parks.
Courses Offered:
- Law Enforcement
- National Park Service Law
Contact Information:
- Address: 500 Kennedy Drive Rangely, CO 81648
- Phone: 800-562-1105
- Website: Colorado Northwestern Community College
Program Cost:
The average graduate from Colorado Northwestern Community College pays $9,306 in total.
7. Association of National Park Rangers
About the Program:
No matter where you are in the United States, you are welcome to begin the Park Ranger Certificate Program online through the Association of National Park Rangers.
After completing this program, you will be entrusted to keep parks safe and healthy for everyone, whether you are at a state or local park.
Courses Offered:
- Enforcement of Law
- Emergency Services
- Park Maintenance
- Technical Studies
- Environmental Law
Contact Information:
- Address: 12675 North Sunrise Shadow Dr. Marana, AZ 85658
- Phone: 844-516-6415
- Website: Association of National Park Rangers | ANPR
Program Cost:
The program will cost $7,750 upon completion.
Schools Offering Online Park Ranger Certificate Programs
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 2500 North River Rd. Manchester, NH 03106 |
| Penn Foster College | 200 Hickory St. Scranton, PA 18505 |
| Arizona State University Online | 1365 North Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257 |
| University of West Alabama | 100 US-11 Livingston, AL 35470 |
| Penn State University | 210 Old Main University Park, PA 16802 |
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | 500 Kennedy Drive Rangely, CO 81648 |
| Association of National Park Rangers | 12675 North Sunrise Shadow Dr. Marana, AZ 85658 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Wildlife Forestry and Conservation career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
What Courses Are in an Online Park Ranger Certificate Program?
When you are ready to take Online Park Ranger classes, you may be curious about what that entails.
There are going to be different types of courses based on where you attend your program, however, most will pertain to wildlife, the environment, and law.
Some of the classes you should expect to take part in throughout an Online Park Ranger Certificate Program are:
- Enforcement of Law
- Park Maintenance
- Project Management
- Statistics
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- International Conservation Issues
- Leadership Development
Can You Earn a Park Ranger Certificate Completely Online?
While you can earn a Park Ranger Certificate Online, you will need to have some type of in-person training to fulfill a job role.
Most positions require some hands-on experience, such as an internship or other training methods.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Park Ranger Certificate Online?
An Online Park Ranger Certificate can take several months to four years to complete, depending on the type of education you pursue.
A bachelor’s degree will require a four-year commitment, while a certificate should take anywhere from six to twelve months.
How Much Does an Online Park Ranger Certificate Cost?
The price of an Online Park Ranger Certificate depends on where you attend classes.
Some schools require as little as $1,200 to complete their courses, while others may require tuition payments of upwards of $30,000.
Types of Park Ranger Certificates
There are plenty of Park Ranger Certificates at your disposal, including:
- CPR
- Emergency Medical
- Motorboat Operator
- Conservation Management
- Environmental Studies
- Wildlife and Forestry
- Parks and Recreation Management
4 Self-Study Tips for Online Park Ranger Certificate Students
1. Create a Schedule
It is easy to get caught up, distracted, and left behind in an online class, so make sure that you take time to study, read your textbook, and quiz yourself daily.
2. Complete All Coursework
Most of your coursework will require watching videos, taking quizzes online, and even looking at maps.
You must look at each thing and engage with it.
3. Join a Study Group
Working as a Park Ranger is a lone career, however, getting there you can lean on other students to help you when you need extra encouragement.
4. Stay Organized
The best thing you can do is make a folder on your computer or in real life to keep all of your notes, papers, and homework in so that you can look back on any information that you need to retain for future reference.
Summary
An Online Park Ranger Certificate Program is an easily attainable and sustainable way to learn about conservation, biology, and environmental protection.
Those who want to succeed in a Park Ranger career should consider a Certificate Program as well as training exercises in person to fulfill their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Park Ranger make per year?
A Park ranger can make anywhere from $27,000 to over $57,000 each year, depending on where they work in the United States.
What are the requirements to be a Park Ranger?
To work as a Park Ranger, you will need to be at least 21 years old, complete a background check, and be in good physical condition.
Can I become a Park Ranger without a degree or certificate?
You can, but it will be much harder to secure employment without any formal education.
The best route is to find an accredited program to learn and become an intern at some point.
Are there any free online Park Ranger Certificate Programs?
Yes, but many of them may have outdated or false information, depending on where they come from.
It is better to find an accredited program that is kept up-to-date and legal.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Wildlife Conservationist