College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Curricula in Rangeland Ecology and Management
Students majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Management are taught to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on conservation and maintenance of biological diversity in wet to arid environments and our sustainable production, conservation and function of land. Rangelands comprise approximately 50% of the land area of the United States and the world. Natural resources on rangelands provide many products and values for society including: livestock grazing, habitat for game and non-game wildlife, water for urban and agricultural uses, recreational opportunities, minerals, oil and gas. The expansiveness and diversity of rangelands require that knowledge and technology be drawn from numerous disciplines. Students majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Management are taught to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on conservation and maintenance of biological diversity in wet to arid environments.
Employment opportunities are varied. They include all aspects of natural resource management, including ranch management, environmental consulting, conservation and natural resource planning on private lands and with state and federal agencies. Students also find employment in agribusiness sales, marketing, agricultural finance real estate, consulting and reclamation. Students can also pursue professional careers in teaching agricultural science.
Two options in the Rangeland Ecology and Management curriculum provide the opportunity for specialization in a minor field.
Ranch Management Option. Designed for students preparing for careers in ranch management and agribusiness. This option emphasizes management and utilization of rangeland for livestock and wildlife production. It provides excellent preparation for students desiring to obtain a Master of Agriculture degree in ranch management. Employment opportunities are available on private ranches, businesses, and industries supporting ranches and with state and federal agencies.
Rangeland Resources Option. Designed for students preparing for careers in the private, state and federal sectors in the area of natural resources conservation and management. It also provides good preparation for graduate study leading to positions in extension, teaching, research and consulting. It allows maximum flexibility to orient a degree program towards specific career interests. Students are encouraged to develop an emphasis area by selecting 24 hours of directed elective courses in related disciplines. Several suggested emphasis areas for the Rangeland Resources Option follow.
Ecology. Designed for students to explore and specialize in a diverse array of ecological topics. They study plants and animals and the ecological principles essential for effective conservation, management and restoration of the land and associated natural resources. They are prepared for careers in resource monitoring, management and conservation with state and federal agencies and the private sector.
Ecological Restoration. Designed for students preparing for a professional career in the restoration or reclamation of degraded or severely damaged lands. Job opportunities are available with environmental consulting companies, governmental and non-governmental land management organizations, regulatory agencies and private individuals. This curriculum provides a solid foundation for students planning to pursue an advanced degree in restoration ecology, disturbed land reclamation or natural resources management.
Environmental Science. Designed for students preparing for professional careers in environmental management. The course work includes a basic foundation of ecological sciences, plant taxonomy and rangeland management with emphasis on plants, water and soils. Job opportunities are available in environmental consulting firms, public utility companies, municipalities and federal environmental agencies. The curriculum provides a good foundation for students planning to pursue graduate studies in watershed management, environmental sciences, pollution control or waste management.
Preveterinary Medicine. Prepares students for admission to the professional program in veterinary medicine. Students planning to work in large animal practice would benefit from studies in rangeland ecology and management. Students not entering the veterinary program could select another emphasis area.
Range/Soil Conservation. Designed to qualify students as range management specialists or soil conservationists with the federal government. The curriculum will provide students with competitive ratings with federal Civil Service for positions with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Various electives and work experience may be used to increase the rating score. Job opportunities are also available in private and state organizations.
Teaching. For students majoring in rangeland ecology and management who wish to teach. Directed electives may be chosen so that, following this curriculum, the student is eligible to enter the induction year as a teacher of agricultural science under the Texas Education Agency Plan. Off-campus student teaching is required.
Watershed Resources. For students preparing for a professional career in watershed management. Graduates qualify for employment as range management specialists and soil conservationists or, with proper selection of electives, as hydrologists. Opportunities are also available in environmental consulting firms, public utility companies, land reclamation firms, municipalities, secondary school education and private land management.
Wildlife. Designed for students emphasizing the wildlife production aspects of rangeland management. Students qualify for federal employment as wildlife biologists, wildlife refuge managers, range management specialists and soil conservationists. Job opportunities are available with federal and state agencies, private ranches, wildlife associations and environmental consulting firms.