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The Master of Science in Animal and Rangeland Sciences equips students for rewarding careers in scientific research, agricultural innovation, and sustainable land management. Graduates will gain expertise to tackle global challenges in food production, animal care, and responsible stewardship of nearly half the planet's land area across both the United States and worldwide. The program offers specialized tracks in animal science disciplines such as: nutritional science, physiological systems, genetic research, veterinary health, reproductive biology, animal welfare standards, livestock operations, and meat processing safety. For rangeland ecology, students can explore: watershed ecosystems, ecological principles, water resource management, habitat rehabilitation, spatial ecology, soil-vegetation dynamics, wildlife-livestock relationships, sustainable grazing practices, conservation planning, environmental assessment, invasive species control, and geospatial technologies. This program addresses the agriculture sector's growing demand for professionals who understand the entire food production chain.
Career opportunities exist with government agencies, environmental consultancies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, private landholders, and energy/mineral companies that require advanced expertise in rangeland systems and knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting public and private lands.
Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in applying scientific principles to address research and management challenges in sustainable agriculture and natural resource conservation.
Students will acquire skills to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive research projects and landscape-scale monitoring programs using rigorous scientific methodologies.
Participants will develop strong communication abilities to convey technical information effectively through digital platforms, publications, and professional presentations.
The program emphasizes ethical decision-making in both research design and practical management applications.
Students emphasizing rangeland ecology and management must have completed the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in animal science, rangeland science, or a closely related area.
An undergraduate/graduate grade point of 3.0 or higher.
Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score in the upper 50 percent, a TOEFL score of 550 (paper version) or 79 (internet version) for international students.
Application deadlines: November 1 (Spring) | February 1 (Fall)