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With a bachelor's degree in rangeland ecology and management, you'll learn how to use science to guide decision-making in natural resource management. Graduates of the program have the knowledge and skills for a career working to conserve and restore rangeland ecosystems.
During your first year, you'll take classes in basic sciences, such as biology, chemistry and math. You'll also take an introduction course in natural resources and environmental science. As you move through the major, you'll take courses addressing critical issues in water resource management, sustainability and restoration of rangeland resources, soils, and rangeland animals, among other topics.
Your major will also take you out of the classroom into labs and field research in places such as the Main Station Field Lab in Reno, which contains more than 800 acres of farmland and is home to herds of cattle and sheep. A range of field sites and outdoor labs provide you with diverse environments to learn and experiment in real-world settings, preparing you for a hands-on career when you graduate.
In the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, you'll receive valuable hands-on experience that prepares you for a successful career in high-demand industries. With four departments and nearly 200 courses in agriculture, veterinary and rangeland sciences; biochemistry and molecular biology; natural resources and environmental science; and nutrition, we're ready to help you grow your future.
A minor in rangeland ecology and management is ideal for students in related majors, such as environmental sciences, biology and wildlife ecology, to gain experience in the unique characteristics and qualities of rangelands. In addition to gaining a foundation in the field, you'll have the flexibility to select coursework that complements your major or matches up with your personal interests and career goals, whether you want to study livestock and animals, water resource management, or plants and vegetation.
Graduates of the rangeland ecology and management major are employed by both governmental agencies and private or nonprofit organizations. The program prepares graduates for U.S. civil service careers as range and soil conservationists. With a few additional courses, you can also meet civil service requirements for soil scientists and ecologists.
Civil service careers may involve working for the Bureau of Land Management, the Natural Resource Conservation Service or the Forest Service in a career focused on land management, conservation or land use policy. Conservation scientists generally are responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, working with citizens and local governments to develop land use plans, and safeguarding natural resources.
Increased risk of wildfire in the Western U.S. is likely to drive demand for these rangeland management careers in coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also reported that conservation scientists and foresters had a median annual salary of $63,750 in 2021.
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
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