Rangeland Sciences Degree Check Sheet
Benefits of our program include small class sizes with tremendous faculty interaction at a lower cost.
Rangeland is a diverse and dynamic set of ecosystems that range from high mountain meadows to lowland deserts. Rangelands produce a wide variety of products including beautiful recreational scenery, sustainable and productive forage, clean and adequate water, and improved wildlife habitat to name a few. With ~80% of the western U.S. classified as rangeland and over 40% of the world considered Rangelands OSU’s Rangeland Science degree provides diverse and in-demand professional opportunities.
The Rangeland Sciences degree provides an opportunity to emphasize areas such as rangeland restoration, habitat, watershed landscape, soils and grazing management. Students will also improve their communication and problem solving skills required to succeed in the field of Rangeland Science.
Rangeland Sciences curriculum revolves around field-based, applied courses and laboratories. Students will be exposed to various ecosystems and practices of multi-use rangeland management. Completion of the Rangeland Sciences degree will satisfy current minimal federal requirements for Range Conservationist positions.
Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate understanding of ecological processes responsible for ecosystem function in arid/semi-arid environments.
Student Learning Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the hydrologic cycle and describe the factors that influence hydrology in arid/semi-arid environments.
Student Learning Outcome 3: Students will be able to design a sustainable grazing management plan, a wildlife habitat restoration plan, or address a specific related issue using a systems approach.
Student Learning Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate use and competency using common rangeland analysis methods.
Student Learning Outcome 5: Students will be able to identify a subset of up to 100 rangeland plants, correctly spell both common and scientific names, and describe plant species auto-ecological characteristics.
Career Paths
Rangeland Science students are qualified for, but not limited to:
- Fire prevention specialist
- Ranch manager
- Fish & game enforcement
- Range conservationist (Federal & State)
- Land manager (Federal, State & Private)
- Remote sensing technician
- Natural resource manager
- Soil & water conservationist
- Park naturalist
- Wildlife biologist
- Private range manager