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 Animal and Range Sciences

Students who complete the requirements for a B.S. degree in Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences will be eligible for a variety of natural resource jobs with state and federal agencies or private industries, or pursue a Master of Science degree. The two options available within this degree offer students an opportunity to study the interaction of livestock and wildlife and their rangeland habitats. Emphasis is placed on soil, water and vegetation attributes which influence habitat ecology and management for livestock and wildlife. The curriculum in both these options has been designed to allow students to score at the highest level for employment with federal agencies.

Rangeland Ecology and Management Option

This option is designed to emphasize management of rangeland environments. Courses in resource inventory, watershed, rangeland restoration and vegetation ecology are required to give the student a background in ecological principles used to manage rangelands in the western United States. Students in this option can select courses which focus on production agriculture or other natural resource areas. This option is designed to train students for employment with state or federal land management agencies, as well as private industry or graduate school.

Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management Option

This option provides students with a broad based background in wildlife habitat, rangeland ecology, and wildlife-livestock interactions common in the western United States. The focus will be on wildlife habitat, major vegetation types, rangeland livestock production, soils, and water within the framework of total resource management. Habitat management under a variety of uses and goals will be discussed. Courses specifically designed for this option include classes in wildlife habitat ecology, habitat restoration, wildlife-livestock habitat issues and wildlife-livestock nutrition. Students who graduate with a degree in this option will be eligible for employment in private industry, state and federal land agencies, or pursue a Master of Science degree.

Curricula in Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology

Rangeland Ecology and Management Option

Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management Option

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. University core requirements must be completed.

Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology Minor (Non-Teaching)

A Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology Minor does not meet qualifications for professional employment with federal agencies. All students are responsible for meeting prerequisites for upper division courses.

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