Rangeland Ecology and Management (B.S.)

This major prepares students to conserve, restore, and manage the vast landscapes known as rangelands. These ecosystems include deserts, prairies, shrublands, and woodlands. The degree program focuses on the scientific study of rangelands and introduces principles for managing and restoring rangelands for maximum benefit and ecosystem sustainability.

Required course work includes the university requirements (see regulation J-3) and:

Students must complete 15 credits of advisor-approved electives contributing to a specific career track that may include the following:

• Restoration Ecology: Millions of acres of rangeland and forests have been disturbed by fire, invasive plants, and overgrazing. Academic advisors in rangeland conservation have developed a set of electives for students interested in a career in wildland restoration. Completing these career track electives will fulfill requirements for the Restoration Ecology Undergraduate Academic Certificate. Careful selection of courses can also highlight expertise in botany and plant materials to qualify for professions as a botanist.
• Wildlife Habitat: Many species of wildlife live on rangelands, and the management of wildlife habitat is an important and sought after skill. With help from their academic advisor, rangeland students can complete a career track that will show expertise in wildlife habitat management and fulfill the requirements for a Minor in Wildlife Resources.
• Land and Livestock: This career track is for students interested in hands-on management of rangelands. Academic advisors work with students to select courses that provide the knowledge and skills needed to manage rangelands with grazing and fire to enhance livestock production while sustaining communities of native plants and animals. Completion of these courses can also satisfy the requirements for a Minor in Animal Science or Soil Science.
• Wildland Fire: Wildfire is one of the major forces causing change on rangeland ecosystems. Completing a specific set of advisor-approved electives will enable students to show knowledge of land management related to wildland fire and fulfill the requirements for a Minor in Fire Ecology and Management.
• Individual Interest: Students can work with their advisor to select specific courses to show expertise in a career track of specific interest that may include watershed or riparian ecologist, natural resource GIS specialist, environmental consultant, tribal land manager, resource economist, or many other interests related to rangelands.

Courses to total 120 credits for this degree

The degree map is a guide for the timely completion of your curricular requirements. Your academic advisor or department may be contacted for assistance in interpreting this map. This map is not reflective of your academic history or transcript and it is not official notification of completion of degree or certificate requirements. Please contact the Registrar's Office regarding your official degree/certificate completion status.

1. Graduates will be able to implement effective planning and problem-solving approaches individually and in teams that consider economic, social, and ecological impacts of rangeland projects and plans.
2. Graduates will be able to use spatial tools (including maps, GPS, GIS, and remote sensing) to observe and interpret ecosystems and aid in making management decisions.
3. Graduates will be proficient with rangeland inventories and perform field measurements of upland and riparian habitats in shrublands, grasslands, woodlands, and deserts.
4. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate plans and decisions in light of existing policies and laws.
5. Graduates demonstrate a sound understanding of science and the application of the scientific method to addressing natural resource questions.