Rangeland Ecology and Management

The rangeland ecology and management major at USU is the only degree in Utah nationally accredited with the Society for Range Management. Range scientists and managers deal with natural resources on rangelands, which are the grasslands, deserts, woodlands, wetlands, and tundras that occupy a significant land area in the United States and around the world. Students learn to manage and conserve rangeland resources to ensure the sustained output of products and values, such as habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life, forage for livestock and wildlife, water for agricultural and municipal use, and scenic beauty for recreational activities. This degree program also teaches students how to restore lands damaged by past misuse.

Students pursuing a degree in rangeland ecology and management study biology, ecology, chemistry, math, ecosystems, soils, watershed science, vegetation measurement and management, livestock production, wildlife management, and natural resource economics and policy. These areas give them a broad, multidisciplinary education in all of the areas related to range science and management.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

Rangeland ecology and management gradutes are prepared to work as range managers for federal and state land management agencies, in ranch and livestock management, or in environmental consulting. 

• Range managers in the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service work with wildlife biologists, fire management specialists and ecologists to improve wildlife habitat, repair areas damaged by wildfires, and manage invasive weeds.
• In other agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, range managers work directly with ranchers to improve forage resources for livestock.
• Nongovernment organizations, such as the Nature Conservancy, hire range managers and scientists to conserve critical habitat for plants and animals on preserves throughout in the U.S. and abroad.

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.