Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments.  MSU does not have a single Department of Biology.  For additional options see   Biological Sciences at MSU.

Department of Land Resources & Environmental Sciences

The Land Rehabilitation curriculum provides training in site remediation and restoration ecology, including soil remediation, revegetation, fluvial and riparian restoration, investigation of impacted geologic resources, amelioration of contaminated soils and water, integrated management of invasive species, and remediation of sites impacted by industrial, recreational, and land management activities. Emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of hydrologic, soil, and plant processes, from both a basic and an applied science approach. Coursework in the chemical, biological, and environmental sciences provides a foundation of knowledge. During the junior and senior years, students take courses in soil, water and plant sciences that range from molecular to landscapes in scale. Students will acquire skills in plant identification and landscape inventory including geographic information systems. Additionally, students select coursework from one of three focal areas: microbial/bioremediation science, soil and water science, and plant/vegetation science. Land rehabilitation is critically important to Montana, the surrounding region, and the United States. Graduates possess a broad knowledge of land rehabilitation processes, are able to critically analyze and solve problems, and can work in teams to develop and implement effective land management strategies. Studies in Land Rehabilitation will infuse students with critical knowledge and skills needed to analyze and manage lands requiring rehabilitation. Students will also receive foundation skills in writing, communication, arts, humanities and social sciences. Graduates in Land Rehabilitation will be very capable of making significant advances during the 21st century.

The Land Rehabilitation degree program is administered by the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Career Opportunities: Worker and manager for local, state, and federal agencies responsible for land rehabilitation and remediation, ecological restoration, invasive species management, and land resources management. Land reclamation managers for environmental consulting, mining, and highway construction companies. Stepping stone to Graduate School for independent research and advanced coursework in restoration ecology, soil sciences, geology, hydrology, ecology, and the plant sciences. Environmental consulting and non-profit organization related to restoration and conservation.

Curriculum in Land Rehabilitation

• Land Rehabilitation
• Soil Science Minor (Non-Teaching)

LAND REHABILITATION

Microbial/Bioremediation Focus

These 13 credits plus 2 from either soil/water focus, plant/revegetation focus or additional courses list.

Soil & Water Science Focus

These 12 credits plus 3 from either microbial/bioremediation focus, plant/revegetation focus, or additional courses list.

Plant/Revegetation Focus

These 9 credits plus 6 from either microbial/bioremediation focus, soil/water focus, or additional courses list.

Additional Courses

Because some of our courses are offered during alternate years, the proposed scheduling of courses in junior and senior years may need to be modified. Work with your advisor for your individual schedule.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; at least 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

SOIL SCIENCE MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

A total of 21 credits, including at least 15 credits from the following list:

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