What Majors Do Game Wardens Have?
Game wardens are law enforcement professionals who ensure that America's parks and natural resources are not exploited in an illegal fashion. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 7,200 game wardens employed in the United States in 2010. These game wardens brought home an average salary of $55,650 per year. Academic majors to become a game warden vary, but some majors generally are more suitable than others.
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Required Education
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The type of degree that a game warden has is generally less important than the fact that the game warden has met the education requirements for the state in which he intends to work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that most states only require two years of college education to qualify to work as a game warden. This generally translates to about 60 college credit hours and does not necessarily require that the applicant have an associate degree. However, in some states, such as Texas, a bachelor's degree is required.
Criminal Justice
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One possible academic major for those wanting to pursue a career as a game warden is that of criminology or criminal justice. This is a common major among law enforcement officials. Game wardens are lumped together by the Bureau of Labor Statistics with other law enforcement officials like police and detectives. The reason for this is that they too have to complete law enforcement training in addition to any education they receive at the college level. The bureau indicates that game wardens usually complete three to 12 months of required training beyond college.
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Science
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Game wardens can also pursue degrees in various areas of science such as biology. In addition to a major in biology, game wardens can also pursue degrees in related fields that can help prepare them for their career as wildlife and conservation police. For instance, a degree in conservation science, environmental science or wildlife management may give some prospective applicants an advantage over those with a degree in an unrelated field.
General Education
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In reality, a game warden can have a degree in any field to qualify to work for most state agencies. Federal agencies require the bachelor's degree as a minimum. The fact that most states require two years of college or an associate degree indicates that state wildlife agencies are more concerned that the applicant complete the general education requirements that most college students finish during their first two years of school. General education courses are the foundational courses that students need before going on to pursue their academic major. These generally include courses in English, sociology, communications, math and science.
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References
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