Conservation Law Enforcement (BS)

Vision Statement

The Conservation Law Enforcement program at UMFK is a four year, Bachelor of Science degree program. This interdisciplinary degree program has two professional specializations: Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement. The primary focus of this program is skill based and is designed to prepare graduates to qualify for entry-level positions that emphasize both conservation law enforcement and wildlife conservation. Sustainable management of wildlife resources by private and public sectors, as well as the enforcement of these resources, requires knowledgeable and technically competent people. The Conservation Law Enforcement Program is designed to provide students with both the technical skills and knowledge base for natural resources and law enforcement professionals.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Conservation Law Enforcement program at UMFK to meet UMFK’s strategic goal of meeting the educational needs for our region and to help to address the need for conservationists and law enforcement professionals in Maine and beyond. Secondly, to raise awareness and student interests in sustainability and protection of our valuable natural resources.

Program Goals

1. Provide a broad, skill enhanced educational program that fully prepares students for professional, career path employment;
2. Graduate skilled entry-level wildlife technician and conservation law enforcement officers who will function as professionals in the field;
3. Provide the only dedicated, skills based, wildlife conservation and law enforcement degree program at a Maine public university;
4. Meet Maine’s need for educated and qualified candidates for both wildlife technicians in the state and the Maine Warden service;
5. Meet federal needs for educated and qualified candidates for Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Marine Patrol and other related fields.

Wildlife Conservation Professional Specialization Outcomes

Graduates will have demonstrated the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate training in the principles, methods, and tools of wildlife research, management, and conservation
2. Develop an understanding of how animals interact with each other and their natural environment
3. Develop the ability to use the fundamental principles of wildlife ecology to solve local, regional and national conservation and management issues
4. Develop the ability to work collaboratively on team-based projects
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills needed to become a wildlife technician
6. Gain an appreciation for the modern scope of scientific inquiry in the field of wildlife conservation management
7. Develop an ability to analyze, present and interpret wildlife conservation management information.
8. Develop an understanding of how to utilize management techniques to achieve desired management goals.
9. Understand the physical environment and the biological systems of which they are part. Students will come to understand that our actions influence these environments.

Conservation Law Enforcement Professional Specialization Outcomes

Graduates will have demonstrated the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of criminal justice and related institutions
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic tenets of law enforcement practices and procedures
3. Demonstrate an understanding of constitutional law, criminal law and natural resources law
4. Explain the general principles of conservation protection and enforcement and the environment
5. Exhibit a holistic understanding of the interactions between human, natural and cultural systems within the regional environment
6. Develop an ability to apply academic knowledge through independent or collaborative projects
7. Demonstrate proficiency in the writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills needed to become a law enforcement/conservation officer
8. An ability to identify, analyze, and synthesize and generate knowledge relating to one or more fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, and conservation
9. Demonstrate an understanding of state laws, regulations, and standards relative to law enforcement practices and procedures
10. Comprehend and develop analytical skills through listening, reading, and observation.