Conservation Law Enforcement

 Wildlife and Outdoor Identification teaches wildlife identification by tracks, calls, and sight. The term wildlife includes common species of mammals, birds, fish, waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, and ocean organisms, as well as knowledge about equipment and tools used in the outdoors for recreation or commercial use. All identification is specific to northeastern United States.

A student-directed capstone course, Conservation Law Project asks students to apply the knowledge and skills they learned while fulfilling their Conservation Law Enforcement degree requirements. Conservation Law Enforcement majors must complete a Hunter Education course, a Trapper Education course, and a Boater Safety Education course. They also have to complete 12 job shadows and/or ride along with six different law-enforcement agencies and six outdoor-related business and/or regulated activities (e.g. shadowing a trapper/forager/hunter/guide or observing criminal court proceedings). Conservation Law majors work with their advisor to complete a total of 96 hours to meet these requirements.

Environmental Sampling and Reporting is a hands-on, practical course that equips students with the skills and knowledge to collect, analyze, and report environmental data effectively. This course focuses on the methodologies and techniques used in environmental monitoring, including sampling air, water, soil, and animal populations. Students learn how to follow standard operating procedures, ensure quality control, and follow regulatory standards for environmental data collection. Through laboratory and field exercises, students gain practical experience in various sampling techniques, such as grab sampling, composite sampling, and passive sampling. The course emphasizes the tools and technologies used in modern environmental sampling, including sensors, GPS, and data loggers. In addition to technical skills, the course covers the essentials of data analysis and interpretation, ensuring students can present their findings in clear, comprehensive reports. Students learn to communicate technical data to diverse audiences, from scientists and regulators to the general public, while understanding the ethical considerations in environmental reporting.