How to become a park ranger without a degree

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You cannot become a park ranger without a degree. You need at least two years of post-secondary education to be a park ranger. Many states, as well as the National Park Service, require applicants to possess some form of post-secondary education, particularly if they have no experience.

For some states, this may mean an associate's degree from an accredited college or university.

The National Park Service requires a bachelor's degree or higher without suitable experience to substitute. Those with at least one year of experience at the GS-4 level need only two years of postsecondary education to meet the requirements. In some states, the degree must be in a related field such as:

Zoology
Wildlife management
Outdoor recreation/parks management
Natural resource management
Forestry
Ecology
Environmental science
Biology
Wildlife biology

Experience requirements vary from state to state, although most states recognize an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.