The Rangeland Management track combines the disciplines of ecology and range management to best promote the production, conservation, function and stewardship of rangelands found around the world. Our curriculum focuses on fundamental ecological and rangeland principles used in addressing leading challenges, such as watershed health, invasive exotic plant control and wildland fires. Included in this track is a summer field camp providing intense field experience to solidify principles students will need to pursue advanced coursework in focal management areas.
The Society for Rangeland Management has recognized this track as an accredited program, exceeding acceptable standards in the profession. Upon graduation, students will meet the basic qualifications to apply for certificates as a Certified Professional in Rangeland Management and Certified Range Management Consultants, providing competitive credentials in today’s job market. Students will be prepared to seek employment with government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or head into environmental and natural resources consulting or private sector ranch management.
Plan of Study Grid First Year |
Fall |
AGEC 105 | Introduction to Agricultural Economics | 3 |
BIOL 111 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
ENGL 104 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
MATH 140 | Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences 1 | 3 |
RWFM 101 | Exploring Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management | 1 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 |
Spring |
BIOL 112 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
ECCB 205 | Fundamentals of Ecology | 3 |
ECCB 215 | Fundamentals of Ecology--Laboratory | 1 |
MATH 142 | Business Calculus | 3 |
RWFM 202 | Concepts in Applied Plant Biology | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 |
Second Year |
Fall |
CHEM 119 | Fundamentals of Chemistry I | 4 |
ENGL 210
| Technical and Professional Writing
or Public Speaking | 3 |
POLS 206 | American National Government | 3 |
RWFM 305 | Principles and Practices of Wildlife and Fisheries Management | 3 |
| 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 |
Spring |
POLS 207 | State and Local Government | 3 |
RWFM 375 | Conservation of Natural Resources | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
2 | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
Summer |
RWFM 333 | Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Field Techniques | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 3 |
Third Year |
Fall |
RWFM 302 | Wildland Plants of North America | 3 |
RWFM 308 | Fish and Wildlife Laws and Administration | 3 |
RWFM 314 | Principles of Rangeland Management Around the World | 3 |
SCSC 301 | Soil Science | 4 |
2 | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 |
Spring |
RWFM 301 | Wildland Watershed Management | 3 |
RWFM 313 | Vegetation Sampling Methods and Designs in Ecosystems | 3 |
RWFM 317 | Vegetation Management | 3 |
RWFM 321 | Communicating Natural Resources | 3 |
STAT 302 | Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
Summer |
RWFM 484 | Internship | 1 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 1 |
Fourth Year |
Fall |
RWFM 316 | Range Ecology | 3 |
RWFM 351 | Geographic Information Systems for Resource Management | 3 |
RWFM 415 | Range Analysis and Management Planning | 4 |
| 3 |
| Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology of Grasses | |
| Aquatic Vegetation Identification and Management | |
| Plant Identification and Undergraduate Range Management Exam | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 13 |
Spring |
AGEC 325 | Principles of Farm and Ranch Management | 3 |
RWFM 349 | Rangeland and Wildlife Animal Nutrition | 3 |
RWFM 401 | Rangeland Plant and Herbivory Dynamics | 3 |
RWFM 481 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 13 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 |
Graduation requirements include a requirement for 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a Core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.