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SDSU Brookings Campus Weather Related Announcement

The South Dakota State University campus will be closing from 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31 until 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, due to the Blizzard Warning that will go into effect 7 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. on Saturday morning.  SDSU will then return to the normal weekend schedule on Saturday morning. Only essential employees as deemed by their supervisors will report to work during the closure hours. On Friday morning, ensure you continue to monitor the weather and work with your supervisor or instructor on your individual travel concerns. For additional closure information please check the Emergency Management website. 

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Explore Majors & Careers

Conservation Planning & Park Management (B.S.)

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  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Plan your future with nature!

Conservation Planning and Park Management is an interdisciplinary science that trains students to develop conservation strategies at landscape scales. This program will prepare students for careers in Park Management, Landscape Conservation Planning, Natural Areas Management, Land Use Planning, and as a Park Ranger, and Interpretive/Naturalist.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy working outdoors
  • Like working with conservation minded people
  • Like to be a steward of natural resources
  • Consider yourself an advocate for the environment
  • Interested in studying science

Career Opportunities

  • Natural Area Manager
  • Park Ranger
  • Park Planner
  • Park Naturalist

Recent Employers

  • State and Municipal Departments of Natural Resources
  • National Park Service

Internship Opportunities

  • State and Municipal Departments of Natural Resources
  • National Park Service
  • Nonprofit Organizations

Suggested Certificates

Suggested Dual Majors

Suggested Minors

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The Exploratory Studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the Exploratory Studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits, and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using the code: jacks. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.