Park Ranger Training Program

Northern Arizona University
Parks & Recreation Management Program

"Tomorrow's Resource Stewards"

Welcome

to Northern Arizona University’s Park Ranger Training Program (PRTP), one of only a few nationally accredited programs that provide the training required to work as a seasonal park ranger in law enforcement in the National Park Service.  Upon graduation from the program, students receive a “Certificate of Completion” issued by the National Park Service.  This certificate is also recognized by other land management agencies.

The Park Ranger Training Program is accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) Board. This accreditation provides assurance that the program meets or exceeds a set of standards that have been collectively established by the federal law enforcement training community and the National Park Service.

Since 1998, more than 700 students have completed the NAU PRTP program.

The program is offered in the fall and spring semesters with classes generally meeting all day, at least five days per week.  There are several night and weekend sessions that are required.  Fitness training is conducted three days per week in NAU’s new multi-million dollar Health and Learning Center.

Students interested in pursuing a Park and Recreation Management Bachelor of Science degree in conjunction with the PRTP have a 3 year campus or distance education plan (3NFREE).
 

The program is offered with the following options:

·        College Credit Option: 12 credit hours that can be used toward a bachelor’s degree.  This is the preferred option for students that are working toward a degree or that may be considering a degree.  This option requires admission to NAU and the cost is the current full-time tuition rate, plus an $1,800 course fee.

·        Non-Credit Option:  This option is best for individuals that have already completed an undergraduate degree.  The program fee is $4500.

Applications are accepted on a continual basis.  Selections for the fall semester (August-November) are generally made in May and selections for the spring semester (January-April) are determined in September.  There is a high demand for the program and early applications are encouraged.  The class size is limited to 26 students.

For more information, call Dr. Mark Maciha at 928-523-8242.

 PRTP 2015-2016 Tentative Dates
 

Spring 2015 - January 14 to April 25

Fall 2015 – August 17 to November 20

Spring 2016 - January 4 to May 13

Fall 2016 – August 15 to December 16

*Note:  The National Park Service is considering expansion of the core program to approximately 600 hours from 400 hours, starting with the Spring 2016 session.  Some of these hours may be delivered in on-line sessions prior to the start of, or concurrently with, classroom sessions.  The methods of content delivery, scheduling, and cost increases  will be assessed upon receipt of the curriculum from the National Park Service, anticipated in late Summer 2015.