RANGELAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
The Department of Wildland Resources
Range scientists and managers deal with natural resources on rangelands - grasslands, deserts, woodlands, wetlands, and tundras - that occupy a significant land area in the United States and around the world. Range ecology and management students learn to manage and conserve rangeland resources to ensure the sustained output of products and values such as habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life, forage for livestock and wildlife, water for agricultural and municipal use, and scenic beauty for recreational activities.
This degree program also teaches students how to restore lands damaged by past misuse. Current students are encouraged to visit the Wildland Resources Department homepage for current news and information or the Wildland Resources Department's Undergraduate Programs homepage for additional information.
The curriculum meets the USA Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management requirements for the Rangeland Management Series.
View Degree Program in the USU General Catalog
FAQ
What is Rangeland Ecology and Management?
Rangelands include grasslands, shrublands, deserts, tundras, riparian areas, and wetlands. They provide a variety of goods and services, including wildlife habitat, livestock forage, water, mineral resources, recreation, open space, and natural beauty.
The goal of rangeland ecology and management is to conserve and manage these lands so they will continue to be productive for years to come.
What type of students study Rangeland Ecology and Management?
Students who …
- Want to apply science to the restoration and protection of landscapes.
- Want to understand the ecology and management of deserts, grasslands and shrublands.
- Are interested in private ranching.
- Want to prepare for graduate study, law school or an MBA.
What do Rangeland Ecology and Management majors study?
Range students get a solid foundation in:
- Biology
- Ecology
- Chemistry
- Math
Then move to more advanced courses in:
- Plant and animal ecology.
- Techniques for vegetation measurement, and management.
- Rangeland ecosystems
Students broaden themselves by taking courses in:
- Soils
- Watershed science
- Livestock production
- Natural resource economics and policy
- Wildlife management
- Courses that improve their communication skills.
What type of jobs do graduates get?
The curriculum meets the USA Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management requirements for the Rangeland Management Series.
- Rangeland managers for private ranches, state and federal lands, and for non-profit organizations.
- Private livestock operations
- Private consulting firms.
- Restoring fire damaged rangelands for Bureau of Land Management or USDA Forest Service
- Non-governmental organizations such as The Nature Conservancy.
What are recent graduates doing?
- Bureau of Land Management
- USDA Forest Service
- Non-profit organization; Quivera Corp
- Ranch Manager, Sun Ranch, Montana
- Utah State Range Conservationist; Natural
- Resources Conservation Service
Shelly brings years of experience in academic advising, and her love for the outdoors to help students succeed in their educations and future careers.
- Semester-by-semester planning
- Connecting with clubs
- Changing your major
- Academic success resources
- Career planning
- Graduate school planning
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Selecting degree program electives
