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Location

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is located in the vibrant mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet in elevation at the base of the San Francisco Peaks on Route 66 in northern Arizona with a population of around 75,000. Flagstaff offers endless outdoor adventure opportunities for mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, river running, OHV, canyoneering, hunting, fishing, equestrian, downhill and cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

Flagstaff is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. It is also a gateway to the Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort, Lake Powell & Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Oak Creek Canyon and the town of Sedona with its awe-inspiring red rocks.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon NP

Glen Canyon NRA

Glen Canyon NRA
Snowbowl

Arizona Snowbowl

Antelopw Canyon

Antelope Canyon

Sedona

Sedona, AZ

Wupatki NM

Wupatki NM

Petrified Forest NP

Petrified Forest NP

Course Information

Welcome to Northern Arizona University's Park Ranger Training Program (PRTP), one of only six seasonal park ranger training programs (SLETP) that provide the training required to work as a seasonal park ranger in law enforcement in the National Park Service. Upon graduations from the Program, student's receive a "Certificate of Completion" issued by the National Park Service (NPS). This certificate is also recognized by other federal and state land management agencies.

Since 1998, more than 940 students, have completed the Northern Arizona University's Park Ranger Training Program.

Student Learning Expectations

This training program is designed to prepare the seasonal law enforcement ranger to perform law enforcement in areas administered by the National Park Service (NPS). Successful graduates will be eligible to receive a Type II Seasonal Law Enforcement Commission, issues by the appropriate park superintendent. This commission enables the bearer to carry firearms, make arrests, investigate violations of the Code of Federal Regulations, investigate motor vehicle accidents (excluding fatalities), take initial reports on felonies and fatalities and assist in the follow-up investigations under the supervision and direction of an employee with Permanent Type 1 law enforcement authority and serve subpoenas and assist in the serving of a warrant under the immediate direction of an employee with Permanent Type 1 law enforcement authority.

The Program is offered in the fall and spring semesters with classes generally meeting all day, at least five days per week. There are also several night and weekend sessions that are required to meet the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) 700 hour requirement.

Fitness training is conducted three days per week at NAU's new multi-million dollar Health and Learning Center.

ranger class 2019

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.

The PRT Program is offered with the following options:

  • College Credit Option: 12 credit hours that can be used towards 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 $8,500.

For more information, contact Dr. Mark Maciha, PRTP Director, at 928-523-8242

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PRTP Application Packet  (.pdf)

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

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Parks & Recreation Management Program / BS in Park Protection Degree Information

calendar icon  PRTP Tentative Program Dates

  • Spring 2022 - January 3 to April 22
  • Fall 2022 - August 15 to November 18
  • Spring 2023 - January 8 to April 28
  • Fall 2023 - August 7 to November 24
  • Spring 2024 - January 8 to April 26
  • Fall 2024 - August 5 to November 22

* Note: The program is presented in a blended (combination of on-line and classroom format). the on-line segments typically start two weeks prior to the beginning of the in-person schedule noted above.

PRTP Curriculum

The PRTP program includes the required 700 hour National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (NPS SLEPT), specific emergency services physical fitness training, and additional concentration in resource protection.

Course Descriptions

bullet FIT 100 Fit for Duty (Physical fitness training is required in the PRTP)
bullet PRM 310 & 311 Park Protection (course outline)
bullet PRM 401 Natural Resources Protection (course outline)


Program Tuition: The PRTP offers a CREDIT and NON-CREDIT option.

The credit option is the only approved option for GI Bill® education benefits.  
For more information, contact NAU Veteran and Military Services at 928-523-8387.            

Park and Recreation  Management Bachelor of Science Degree Plan

Students interested in pursuing a Park and Recreation Management Bachelor of Science degree in conjunction with the PRTP - Campus - Distance

GI Bill

Samuel Arnberger (Class of Spring 2003) and Brian Lake (Class of Fall 2001)on patrol in Glen Canyon, NRA

 

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