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 (LRES)

Effective management of agricultural and other managed land resources requires individuals to have sound fundamental understanding of the processes and relationships in land systems, combined with excellent skills in modern land inventory and analysis techniques including geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, and an appreciation for the intricacies of land resources and land use practices. The Land Resource Sciences curricula are designed to provide classroom, laboratory, and field training. Graduates of this program will: (i) possess a broad knowledge of land processes, (ii) be able to critically analyze and solve land resource problems, and (iii) work in teams to develop and implement effective land management strategies. They will be the premier land resource users and managers in the 21st century.

The Land Resource Sciences degree programs are administered by the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Agroecology Option

Agroecology explores how crops and pest organisms interact with their environment, and the application of technology to efficiently and sustainably produce crops. Agroecology focuses on application of principles of population and community ecology, as well as environmental science, to cropland ecosystems. The curriculum is based on the philosophy that to be able to successfully predict management outcomes and thus make informed recommendations, one must understand fundamental principles of evolution, ecology, soil science, agronomy, and pest management.

The curriculum originates from a base in biological science which includes a broad knowledge of organisms (including plants, animals and microorganisms) and the physical and chemical characteristics of environments. In the Agroecology curriculum, students will develop a knowledge of the diversity of organisms and how they interact in natural and managed ecosystems. Furthermore, the curriculum will build on this knowledge in courses that demonstrate the application of ecology and environmental science principles. Students will also learn how new technologies like remote sensing and geographic information systems are modernizing agriculture. In later stages of the curriculum, students may select from an array of upper division courses in natural ecosystems, cropping systems, pest management, applied ecology, and policy and planning that enable them to specialize in areas best-suited to their own career vision.

Career Opportunities:Environmental industries and consulting firms that solve problems associated with agroecosystems or agricultural practices. Government jobs in environmental management and policy making. Agricultural industry positions associated with precision agriculture, pest management, general agronomy, and information services. Graduate training that leads to independent research in basic and applied ecology, environmental biology, cropping systems, precision agriculture, ecologically-based pest management, or weed science.

Land Resources Analysis and Management Option

This option is for students interested in land resources and their management at landscape scales. All human activities depend on the world's land and water resource base. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all depend upon activities occurring and interacting across broad extents of the Earth's land surface. This curriculum is based on the philosophy that our well being requires knowledge-based decision making involving land and natural resources across these large areas. Students build on knowledge of the basic natural sciences with course work in geology, biology, geography, soils, and ecology. Then, courses in remote sensing, geographic information systems, global positioning and statistics provide tools for gathering, processing, analyzing, and displaying information about land resources across large areas. Finally, students learn how to integrate land resource information with social and financial realities to support balanced management decisions. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience with land, people and information through field trips, internships, and the capstone field course. The knowledge and skills of land resource analysis and management are needed wherever there are land resources. Graduates in the Land Resources Analysis and Management Option can be the environmental scientists and managers most capable of providing information for sound management of the land resource base.

Career Opportunities:Careers in natural resource management, environmental consulting, precision agriculture, watershed management, and land mapping, requiring professionals who can work outdoors on the land and indoors with data and computer applications dealing with geographic information systems and remote sensing. Employment with federal government land management agencies, such as the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Bureau of Reclamation; state agencies, such as departments of natural resources; local and regional planning organizations; private organizations which own and manage land (timber companies, ranches, farms, recreation areas); consulting firms; conservation organizations such as land trusts; and Congressional staffs. Graduate training leading to independent research in remote sensing, ecological processes, and soil and water science.

Curricula in Land Resource Sciences

• Agroecology Option
• Agroecology
• Land Resources Analysis and Management
• Soil Science Minor (Non-Teaching)

AGROECOLOGY OPTION

Because some of our courses are offered during alternate years, the proposed scheduling of course in junior and senior year 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.

LAND RESOURCES ANALYSIS & MANAGEMENT OPTION

Junior and Senior Electives

Complete a minimum of 20 credits of listed electives below, meeting the following requirements:

1. No more than four (4) credits from Human System electives count toward the 20 credit requirement.
2. Up to three (3) elective credits may be received for advisor approved LRES 470 or LRES 490.
3. At least fourteen (14) credits at the 300-level or above.

Because some of our courses are offered during alternate years, the proposed scheduling of courses in junior and senior years may be 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)

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