Best institutions to study Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
A program that prepares individuals to enforce natural resource and environmental protection regulations and laws; and to perform emergency duties to protect human life, property and natural resources, including fire prevention and control measures, and emergency and rescue procedures.
21 U.S. institutions graduated 222 Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 03.0208, a specialization of Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02), and leads most directly to the Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers occupation (BLS SOC 33-9092).
About Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services programs
A program that prepares individuals to enforce natural resource and environmental protection regulations and laws; and to perform emergency duties to protect human life, property and natural resources, including fire prevention and control measures, and emergency and rescue procedures. Includes instruction in natural and physical sciences, natural resource management, outdoor field skills, firearms and outdoor equipment and vehicle operation, evidence collection and environmental sampling and monitoring, natural resource legislation, environmental compliance techniques, patrol procedures, investigation and report writing, interpersonal skills and crisis intervention, community liaison, public safety, public education, and public relations. Note: this program was re-instated after being deleted from CIP 2000; previously, it was coded as 03.0203.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services program prepares individuals to enforce regulations and laws related to natural resource and environmental protection. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing careers that involve protecting human life, property, and natural resources through various emergency duties and enforcement activities.
Students in this program gain essential skills in natural and physical sciences, outdoor field skills, evidence collection, and environmental compliance techniques. Coursework also covers patrol procedures, investigation and report writing, and public safety education.
Credentials awarded
What Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree89 graduates / yr · 8 institutions40%
- Associate's degree59 graduates / yr · 9 institutions27%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year38 graduates / yr · 4 institutions17%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years33 graduates / yr · 3 institutions15%
- Master's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.9%
- Award of less than 12 weeks1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.5%
Graduates over time
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 103 |
| 2013 | 98 |
| 2014 | 118 |
| 2015 | 141 |
| 2016 | 138 |
| 2017 | 143 |
| 2018 | 131 |
| 2019 | 126 |
| 2020 | 176 |
| 2021 | 246 |
| 2022 | 209 |
| 2023 | 193 |
| 2024 | 224 |
| 2025 | 222 |
Top 21 institutions for Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota North College Hibbing, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 33 | 42% | — | $45,589 |
| 2 | Colorado Northwestern Community College Rangely, COPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 28 | 34% | — | — |
| 3 | Hocking College Nelsonville, OHPublicAssociate's | 25 | 37% | — | $27,817 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WIPublicBachelor's | 25 | 51% | — | $40,553 |
| 5 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OKPublicBachelor's | 20 | 40% | — | — |
| 6 | South Dakota State University Brookings, SDPublicBachelor's | 16 | 62% | — | — |
| 7 | Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 36% | — | — |
| 8 | Unity Environmental University New Gloucester, MEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 29% | $19,316 | $41,685 |
| 9 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, COPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 9 | 32% | — | — |
| 10 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicBachelor's | 8 | 69% | — | — |
| 11 | Central Maine Community College Auburn, MEPublicAssociate's | 7 | 30% | — | — |
| 12 | Thomas College Waterville, MEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 54% | $18,192 | — |
| 13 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd Brainerd, MNPublicAssociate's | 5 | 53% | — | — |
| 14 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 62% | — | — |
| 15 | Husson University Bangor, MEPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 3 | 59% | $18,839 | — |
| 16 | Finger Lakes Community College Canandaigua, NYPublicAssociate's | 2 | 30% | — | — |
| 17 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Cupey Campus San Juan, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 31% | $8,290 | — |
| 18 | Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 58% | $23,054 | — |
| 19 | Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 42% | — | — |
| 20 | Mount Aloysius College Cresson, PAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 1 | 57% | $20,154 | — |
| 21 | Northwest College Powell, WYPublicAssociate's | 1 | 49% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field (CIP 03.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 16 states & territories
Where Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services graduates come from. Each state links to all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 2 | 38 | Minnesota North College33 / yr |
| Colorado | 2 | 37 | Colorado Northwestern Community College28 / yr |
| Maine | 4 | 28 | Unity Environmental University13 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 25 | Hocking College25 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 25 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point25 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 1 | 20 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University20 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 16 | South Dakota State University16 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 14 | Skagit Valley College14 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 8 | Texas Tech University8 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 3 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale3 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 2 | Finger Lakes Community College2 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 2 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Cupey Campus2 / yr |
| Iowa | 1 | 1 | Mount Mercy University1 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 1 | Missouri Southern State University1 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | Mount Aloysius College1 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 1 | Northwest College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 33-9092, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as lifeguards, police officers, compliance officers, and firefighters, among others. The job outlook for this field is promising, with a projected growth rate of 5.8% and approximately 42,700 annual openings. The median wage for related occupations is $33,720, with many positions requiring no formal educational credential.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 03.0208
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workersprimary SOC 33-9092 | $33,580 | +5.8% Faster than average | ~42,700 | No formal educational credential |
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers SOC 33-3051 | $76,210 | +3.1% About as fast as average | ~53,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Compliance Officers SOC 13-1041 | $80,730 | +3.0% About as fast as average | ~33,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Firefighters SOC 33-2011 | $59,280 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~27,100 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives SOC 33-1012 | $106,040 | +2.9% About as fast as average | ~10,900 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Detectives and Criminal Investigators SOC 33-3021 | $93,790 | -0.7% Little or no change | ~7,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers SOC 33-1021 | $93,530 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~6,500 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1111 | $76,590 | +2.0% About as fast as average | ~1,200 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Fish and Game Wardens SOC 33-3031 | $74,060 | -6.0% Decline | ~500 | Bachelor's degree |
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists SOC 33-2022 | $56,870 | +14.6% Much faster than average | ~300 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
- Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
- Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
- Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
Tools and technology used
Other Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02).
- Environmental/CIP 03.0201
Natural Resources Management and Policy 1,612 graduates / yr72 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0204
Natural Resource Economics 323 graduates / yr19 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0299
Natural Resources Management and Policy 315 graduates / yr21 institutions - Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources ManagementCIP 03.0205293 graduates / yr32 institutions
- Environmental/CIP 03.0207
Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism 189 graduates / yr15 institutions - Energy and Environmental PolicyCIP 03.020982 graduates / yr11 institutions
- Land Use Planning and Management/CIP 03.0206
Development 81 graduates / yr14 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Bioenergy03.0210
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs →
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or shorter awards ranging from 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in monitoring, active listening, critical thinking, and public safety.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a lifeguard, police officer, compliance officer, or firefighter, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5.8% and about 42,700 openings each year.
What is the CIP code for Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services?+
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services is CIP 03.0208 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to enforce natural resource and environmental protection regulations and laws; and to perform emergency duties to protect human life, property and natural resources, including fire prevention and control measures, and emergency and rescue procedures. Includes instruction in natural and physical sciences, natural resource management, outdoor field skills, firearms and outdoor equipment and vehicle operation, evidence collection and environmental sampling and monitoring, natural resource legislation, environmental compliance techniques, patrol procedures, investigation and report writing, interpersonal skills and crisis intervention, community liaison, public safety, public education, and public relations. Note: this program was re-instated after being deleted from CIP 2000; previously, it was coded as 03.0203.
How many institutions offer Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services programs?+
21 U.S. institutions reported Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 16 states & territories, awarding 222 credentials in the year. That is 7.1% of all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.
How much do Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers occupation, which Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services most directly leads to, pays a median of $33,580 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field report median earnings of $41,685 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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