Overview

The Conservation Planning and Park Management - Park Administration and Management at South Dakota State University provides students with the interdisciplinary scientific foundation required to develop landscape-scale conservation strategies. This specialised track focuses on the human management aspects of natural resources, specifically tailored for those seeking careers within government-managed facilities. Students learn to balance environmental stewardship with the operational demands of public land administration.

This programme is ideally suited for individuals who are passionate about outdoor recreation and advocate for environmental protection. It combines ecological principles with administrative skills, ensuring graduates can effectively manage both natural assets and the people who visit them.

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

South Dakota State University offers a robust learning environment located on the Brookings Main Campus, providing students with direct access to expert faculty in the field of natural resource management. The institution is recognised for its commitment to environmental science and offers a range of complementary certificates and minors to enhance the primary degree. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to meet the specific professional standards required by federal and state agencies.

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 integrates science-based conservation with administrative training. Modules may include:

Conservation Planning
Park Management
Park Administration
Natural Resource Management
Landscape Conservation Strategies
Human Dimensions in Management

Careers with Conservation Planning and Park Management - Park Administration and Management

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles within the public and non-profit sectors. The programme focuses on preparing students for employment with organisations such as the National Park Service and various state or municipal departments of natural resources. Potential career paths include:

Park Manager or Superintendent
Park Ranger
Conservation and Land Use Planner
Refuge Manager
Wilderness or Lodge Manager
Conservation District Supervisor

The training provided ensures that alumni are equipped to handle the complexities of land use planning and the operational oversight of protected natural areas. Many graduates find success in roles that require a blend of environmental advocacy and practical administrative leadership.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Integrated Natural Resource Management and Lab
Natural Resource Statistics and Lab

Principles of Ecology
Principles of Accounting
Integrated Natural Resource Management and Lab
Plant Systematics

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

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration Environmental Management View 138 other Bachelors in Environmental Management in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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IELTS

5.5

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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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

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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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

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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