Are you passionate about Australia's natural, cultural and historical assets? Is your ideal working day spent in spectacular mountain landscapes or majestic forests filled with wildlife? If so, a career as a ranger may be ideal for you. As the oldest and most respected park management degree in Australia, CSU's Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage the National Reserve System, particularly how to conserve these unique landscapes for future generations. Our course develops well-rounded, far-sighted people who can help communities flourish and influence the world for the better. Course highlights CSU's highly regarded course has been training rangers for more than 30 years. With the continued involvement of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to develop the degree, our curriculum is focused on teaching the key skills park managers require: strong understanding of different environments and the ability to communicate with people using these environments. CSU's expertise Learning under dedicated academic staff with extensive experience, you'll graduate with the knowledge, skills, habits and professional networks needed for a successful career. Practical and rewarding experience This degree emphasises real-world experiences, field studies and vocationally focused training. You will have opportunities to undertake field experiences in areas such as the Australian Alps, Mungo National Park and Phillip Island, Victoria. Ideal location Students studying on campus will have an ideal base for their studies. Albury-Wodonga is a dynamic and expanding campus, recognised for its innovative design and leadership in environmentally sustainable development. The Port Macquarie campus is located in close proximity to North Coast national parks, significant Indigenous and cultural heritage, high biodiversity, diverse landforms, vegetation communities, fisheries and coastal habitats. Tailor your studies CSU allows you to customise your study program and choose from one of three specialisations. The Wildlife and Conservation specialisation provides cognitive and technical skills in the conservation and management of biodiversity. The Indigenous and Cultural Heritage specialisation provides cognitive and technical skills in managing and conserving cultural heritage and working with Indigenous communities. The Visitor Services and Open Space specialisation develops cognitive and technical skills in the planning and delivery of tourism opportunities and visitor education programs. Flexible study options CSU allows you to combine study modes or vary your subject choice to meet your other commitments. CSU also offers a limited range of subjects in Session 3 so you can fast-track your study program. Career opportunities Careers are highly varied and provide exciting challenges. You could work as a park ranger, a wildlife officer overseeing a conservation program, an interpretive officer conducting outdoor education programs or a specialist in cultural and Indigenous heritage. You could also work for a local government managing parks, grounds and ovals. Indigenous and Cultural Heritage Careers include ranger, Indigenous heritage officer, heritage consultant and roles within museums. Visitor Services and Open Space Careers include ranger, interpretive officer, open space planner and recreation officer. Wildlife and Conservation Careers include botanist, ranger, threatened species officer, wildlife officer and conservation management roles.