Overview

The Conservation Planning and Park Management at South Dakota State University provides students with the interdisciplinary scientific foundation required to develop robust conservation strategies at landscape scales. This programme is designed for those who wish to act as stewards of natural resources and advocates for the environment through professional management practices. Students engage with complex ecological concepts to balance the needs of public use with the preservation of natural areas.

Why Conservation Planning and Park Management at South Dakota State University?

Studying at this institution allows students to join a community of conservation-minded professionals dedicated to environmental advocacy. The university provides a supportive academic environment through the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center and specialised departmental resources. Students benefit from a curriculum that blends scientific theory with practical applications in land use and park administration, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of modern environmental stewardship.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 387 per credit
National fee: USD 387 per credit
Local fee: USD 267 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the intersection of ecology, planning, and management. Modules may include:

Conservation Planning
Park Management
Natural Areas Management
Land Use Planning
Rangeland Ecology and Management
Botany
Geographic Information Sciences
Sustainability
Ecology and Environmental Science

Careers with Conservation Planning and Park Management

Graduates are equipped for diverse professional roles within the environmental and public sectors. The programme prepares students for specific career paths such as park rangers, natural area managers, and park naturalists. Additionally, alumni may find opportunities as conservation and land use planners, refuge managers, or conservation district supervisors.

Employment is frequently found within influential organisations and government bodies. Recent graduates have secured positions with the National Park Service as well as various state and municipal departments of natural resources. The skills acquired also translate well to roles in wilderness, backcountry, or lodge management, and positions within environmental non-profit organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Integrated Natural Resource Management and Lab
Natural Resource Statistics and Lab
Principles of Ecology
Integrated Natural Resource Management and Lab
Physical Geography: Weather and Climate and Lab
Physical Geography: Natural Landscapes and Lab

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Biodiversity & Conservation Natural Resource Management View 147 other Bachelors in Biodiversity & Conservation in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

For admission to SDSU, we look for one of the following academic achievements:

An ACT composite score or ACT superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or
Level 3 or higher on Math and English Language Arts Smarter Balance Assessment or
A high school cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher or
A ranking in the top 60 percent of graduating class.

Students should also complete the following core courses with a “C” average or above:

4 years of English (or ACT English subscore of 18 or above).
3 years of advanced math—Algebra I and higher (or ACT math subscore of 20).
3 years of laboratory science (or ACT science reasoning subscore of 17).
3 years of social science (or ACT reading subscore of 17).
1 year of fine arts (or AP Fine Arts score of 3 or above) Includes vocal, instrumental and studio arts.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Out-of-State

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8010 USD / year

≈ 8010 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Conservation Planning and Park Management.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Brookings

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners