Desert Ecologist Certificate of Achievement

The Desert Ecologist Certificate prepares students for jobs as docents, volunteers, or paid employees working with a variety of local, state, federal and tribal agencies.  Students successfully completing this certificate may find entry-level positions in various natural resources specializations, such as:

  • Zookeeper or Museum worker
  • Ecological Consultant
  • State or National Park Ranger
  • Lab Technician
  • Ecosystem Manager
  • Environmental Educator
  • Ecotourism Industry

The Desert Ecologist Certificate is intended to prepare students to directly enter the conservation field in various capacities.  Students who achieve this certificate will become familiar with a broad range of ecological topics that are applicable anywhere but are also pertinent to the local desert environment.  There are no prerequisite skills or limitations on enrollment required for this certificate.

Course Code Title Units
Required CoursesUnits
NR 001Conservation of Natural Resources3
NR 001LConservation of Natural Resources Lab1
NR 003Introduction to Wildlife Management3
or NR 004 Introduction to Ecosystem Management
NR 020GPS and Map Use1
NR 021Introduction to GIS3
NR 041ANative Plants - Mountain1
NR 041BNative Plants - Desert1
NR 050Winter Birds1
NR 051AMigrant Birds - Fall1
NR 051BMigrant Birds - Spring1
NR 058Reptiles of the Coachella Valley1
NR 095ANatural Resources Work Experience1
Group A
Choose 3 units (cannot repeat from above)
AGPS 002Entomology - General & Applied4
NR 003Introduction to Wildlife Management3
NR 004Introduction to Ecosystem Management3
NR 017Natural Resources Law Enforcement3
NR 059Careers in Natural Res & Agri Sciences3
NR 095ANatural Resources Work Experience1-8
CERTIFICATE TOTAL21