Become the Law and Order of Wildlife Conservation
Our concentration in wildlife law enforcement is the only program of its kind in South Dakota. This collage of classes gives you a background in criminal justice and communication while you get your wildlife management degree.
As a wildlife conservation officer, you will:
- Protect wildlife populations
- Ensure fair and equitable use of natural resources
- Protect state property
- Enforce hunting and fishing laws
Throughout your career, you will interact with thousands of sportsmen and women. You will perform fish and wildlife surveys, work with nuisance wildlife, and take classes on wildlife management, hunter education, trapping and fishing.
You'll need to be well-versed in the laws concerning wildlife and how to communicate these laws effectively with those who use the areas you protect.
Your law enforcement emphasis will prepare you for making arrests, executing search warrants, investigating reported violations, preparing affidavits and testifying in court.
This emphasis will give you a working knowledge of the American legal system, including:
- Criminal investigation techniques;
- Arrest procedures; and
- The communication skills needed for working with the public.
Take Classes Like…
- American Legal Systems
- Criminal Procedure
- Interpersonal Communication
- ... in addition to your wildlife management courses.
Find more of the classes you will take in our academic catalog.
Get to Know Your Professors
Our low student-to-teacher ratio offers valuable one-on-one interaction with professors who care about you and your work.
Any Questions?
Contact us – just call admissions at 605-995-2650 or email us at admissions@dwu.edu.
We would love to share information with you via email or if you like, we will send it right to your door.
COM 210 Interpersonal Communication
3 Hours
Students study the theories of one-on-one communication and develop practical skills. Areas of study include perception, individual identity, relationship dynamics, family dyamics and diversity. The goal of the course is to make students better communicators in a setting that does not focus on public speaking.
CRJ 210 Introduction to Criminal Justice
3 Hours
This course introduces the history and philosophy of criminal justice systems, including law enforcement, courts and corrections. It offers a comprehensive study of the theory and systems of criminal justice in modern societies, and examines the interrelationships of law enforcement agencies, court systems, correctional and penal systems, and the administration of justice.
CRJ 250 American Legal System
3 Hours
This course examines all aspects of the judicial process, including the law, courts and policies of the American legal system. Both the criminal and civil processes will be investigated with attention focused on the major participants in the entire process. This course will also examine various current and major issues within the legal system.
CRJ 261 Criminal Law
3 Hours
Students will study the scope and sources of criminal law. This course gives special attention to the basic elements of crime, defenses and criminal responsibility.
CRJ 385 Criminal Investigation
3 Hours
This course is an introduction to the principles involved in the investigation of crimes, with particular attention to historical origins, the investigator, organization and management of the investigative function, and investigative methods, including crime scene processing, suspect identification and use of information sources.
CRJ 395 Constitutional Criminal Justice
3 Hours
Students will study the effects of the U.S. Constitution and state laws on law enforcement processes. Topics include the history and contemporary applications of the law to the search and seizure of evidence, electronic surveillance, interrogation practices, and identification procedures.
ENG 215 Business and Technical Writing
3 Hours
Students will be introduced to professional expectations for written communication in the workplace and on the Web. Students will develop an understanding of purpose and audience while writing and revising a variety of goal-oriented projects. In preparation for a research project, students will develop a variety of texts, including memos, letters, analytical reports, presentation and proposals. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 111.