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How to Become a Fish and Game Warden

1) While earning a college degree is not required by every state's fish and game/wildlife department, many fish and game wardens have found that a college degree has made them better at their jobs and also set them apart from the majority of candidates when they applied. The most common degrees held by fish and game wardens are a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Bachelor's in Environmental Sciences, or a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. (Click here to request free information from Ashford University's Biology and Environmental Sciences programs).
2) Review the additional qualifications below to make sure you qualify.
3) Contact your state's department of fish and game to review their specific qualifications and find out when the testing dates are.

Fish and Game Warden Duties

Fish and Game Wardens are most often commissioned peace officers in the state they work. Fish and Game Wardens patrol lakes, rivers, beaches, wetlands, coastlines, deserts and the back country. The primary duty of a fish and game warden is to enforce the Fish and Wildlife code in their state and to also enforce all boating, hunting and fishing laws of the state as well as all pertaining federal laws. Fish and game wardens may also be responsible for seizure of the fish, game or equipment associated with violations of the Fish and Wildlife code. Game wardens will also present educational programs to the public, provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies, and take care of public safety when there are concerns regarding mountain lions, bears, coyotes, cougars and other types of wildlife in populated areas. Fish and game wardens wear uniforms and carry a firearm.

Fish and Game Warden Qualifications

The qualifications and requirements to become a fish and game warden differ slightly from state to state. Most states require an applicant to be at least 21 years of age but a few states allow game wardens to be 18 years of age. Fish and game wardens must not have any felonies, must have a valid driver's license, be in good physical condition, be a United States citizen at time of appointment, and hold a 4-year college degree. A 2-year associate degree program with full-time fish and/or wildlife experience or law enforcement experience can wave the 4-year college degree requirement in some states. Job growth in this career is projected to be very modest and there are far more individuals seeking game warden jobs than there are jobs, by earning a 4-year degree an individual can set him/herself apart from many of the applicants.

Some steps, in addition to earning a degree, that will help you develop the skills necessary for becoming a fish and game warden are staying in good physical condition, gain knowledge of the outdoors and outdoor activities, study resource laws, learn law enforcement techniques, utilize college internship offices to get a summer internship in resource management, outdoor recreation or law enforcement, become a state law enforcement officer. Most state or federal fish and game wardens work out of their home.

Fish and Game Warden Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), based on May, 2005 estimates, report that the mean annual wage for a fish and game warden is $43,360. There are many opportunities for advancement including, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief, and chief.

The BLS also reports that the states with the highest concentration of fish and game wardens are Wyoming, South Dakota, Maine, Idaho and West Virginia. The states that pay the highest fish and game warden salaries are California ($56,640), Michigan($53,140), Minnesota($52,470), Nevada($51,990) and Colorado($51,800). These salaries reflect the annual mean wage.

Request free information from the schools below to find out how a degree can help you succeed in a State or Federal Game Warden career.

Game Warden Related Degree Programs

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In a Hurry? Click Here to request free information from the Nation's Top Criminal Justice Degree Programs.

Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Ashford University:

BA in Biology
BA in Environmental Sciences
BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix can help prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ

Request information about a Walden University degree program.

American InterContinental University:

Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Bryant & Stratton College:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Capella University: The FBI considers Capella University to be a preferred provider of higher education for the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). There are only a handful of schools that hold this distinction.

BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
BS in Public Safety - Homeland Security
BS in Public Safety - Security Management

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

Colorado Technical University Online:

AS in Criminal Justice - Stonecliffe College Online
AS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Criminal Justice

Everest University Online :

Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Investigations
Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
Associate's | Bachelor's - Homeland Security
Associate's | Bachelor's - Paralegal

Florida Tech University Online:

Associate's CriminalJustice
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

Request free information from Florida Tech University Online to learn more.

ITT Technical Institute: Online Criminal Justice and Information Technology Degree programs. ITT is accreditated by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is recognized as an independent accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

AA - Computer Forensics
AA - Criminal Justice
BS - Information Systems Security
BS - Cyber Security
BS - Criminal Justice

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...

Keiser University: E-Campus

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Master's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other programs at Keiser University.

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's - Investigation/Law Enforcement
Associate's - Criminal Justice
Associate's - Corrections
Associate's - Crime Scene Evidence
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

South University: Online Learning

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's Criminal Justice

Strayer University: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

B.S. in Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
B.S. in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Technology
B.S. in IS: Homeland Security and Information Systems

Upper Iowa University: The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. UIU offers open enrollment for their Independent Study Programs (distance learning), which means students can enroll and start taking classes anytime.

BS in Public Administration - Fire Science
BS in Public Administration - Law Enforcement
BS in Public Administration
BS in Criminal Justice

Utica College Online:

Bachelor's - Cybercrime Investigations and Security
Bachelor's - Cybersecurity- Information Assurance
Bachelor's - Economic Crime Investigation

Virginia College:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other programs at Virginia College.

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