The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is one of few law enforcement agencies in the state that requires applicants to have at
least a two-year college degree. Vincennes University is the only college in Indiana to offer an associate degree in Conservation Law, so it
makes sense that up to 50 percent of the candidates who have graduated from the DNR’s Law

Enforcement Recruit School are VU alumni. In the past year two years our recent graduates were sworn in as Ohio, Virginia and Indiana Conservation Officers.

THE VU ADVANTAGE
An important factor in the success of the program is the school’s internship with the DNR. This year approximately 40 students will have the opportunity to spend time with professional conservation officers of the IDNR. These student interns will receive college credit as well as serve as camp counselors at the ICOO youth camps.

EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL
Conservation Law graduates are not limited to seeking work from the DNR or even within Indiana. Because the program includes studies in criminal justice, criminal law, criminology, and criminalistics, successful completion of the program helps ensure that graduates are qualified candidates for position with various state, city, and county police agencies.

HISTORY OF SUCCESS
VU graduates don’t just get accepted by the Recruit School, they consistently graduate at or near the top of the class. Because of the success and quality of VU’s program, students come from all over Indiana.  In 1986 the Indiana General Assembly passed a resolution honoring the program for its success at both the state and national levels.

A number of graduates have achieved individual success:

• Conservation Officer of the Year Awards in two states
• recipients of outstanding alumni awards
• promotions to high-ranking administrative positions
• completion of baccalaureate degrees
• Graduates are employed in several states from Virginia to Alaska

NOTE: This Degree transfers directly into VU’s B.S. Degree in Homeland Security and Pubic Safety.

Note: Recommended courses assume any development requirements have been met.     Fall 05

Patrick Jennings
812-888-4589
email: pjennings@vinu.edu

Semester I
English Composition I
Conservation Law Enf. I
Survey Criminal Justice
Intermediate Algebra
General Psychology
Total Hours 15

Semester II
English Composition I
Plant & Animal Mgt.
Intro to Criminology
Substantive Criminal Law
Speech
Total Hours 15

Semester III
Earth Science
Fish Management
Criminalistics I
Procedural Criminal Law (S)
Police Operations and  Community Relations
Lifetime Fitness/Wellness
Total Hours 18

Semester IV
Conservation Law Enforcement II (R/W)
Wildlife Management
Plant and Animal Biology
State and Local Government
Humanities Elective
Total Hours 16