- Ecological Restoration (ECOR)
This degree is designed for students preparing for a professional career in the restoration or reclamation of degraded or severely damaged lands. Job opportunities are available with environmental consulting companies, governmental and non-governmental land management organizations, regulatory agencies and private individuals. This curriculum provides a solid foundation for students planning to pursue an advanced degree in restoration ecology. The faculty in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management has expertise in restoration of rangelands and forests, natural resources management, and ecosystem ecology.
- Forestry (FORS)
Forest Resource Management is designed to both educate and train professionals to manage forests and conduct forest research. Whether the primary goal of forest management is timber, water, wildlife, or recreation, students graduating from this option will be well-equipped to provide the forest values which society demands. The educational program in Forest Resource Management option of the Forestry curriculum leading to a B.S. degree in Forestry is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes SAF as the specialized accrediting body for forestry education in the United States.
- Renewable Natural Resources (RENR)
The Renewable and Natural Resources degree is for students with a broad interest in natural resources and ecology, including forestry and associated values such as range and wildland, wildlife, recreation, water, and other environmental sciences. Students may design degree plans emphasizing natural resource management, social and public policy, or biophysical sciences.
- Rangeland Ecology and Management (RLEM)
Students majoring in Rangeland Ecology and Management are taught to integrate knowledge and technology in a systems approach to manage land for sustainable utilization of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on conservation and maintenance of biological diversity in wet to arid environments.
Ranch Management Option
This degree is designed for students preparing for careers in ranch management and agribusiness. This option emphasizes management and utilization of rangeland for livestock and wildlife production. It provides excellent preparation for students desiring to obtain a Master of Agriculture degree in ranch management. Employment opportunities are available on private ranches, businesses, and industries supporting ranches and with state and federal agencies.
Rangeland Resources Option
This degree is designed for students preparing for careers in the private, state and federal sectors in the area of natural resources conservation and management. It also provides good preparation for graduate study leading to positions in extension, teaching, research and consulting. It allows maximum flexibility to orient a degree program towards specific career interests. Students are encouraged to develop an emphasis area by selecting 24 hours of directed elective courses in related disciplines.
- Learn more about Rangeland Ecology and Management (RLEM)
- Download curriculum
- Program leader: Dr. Robert Knight
- Academic Advisor: Heather Janke
- Spatial Sciences (SPSA)
This degree gives students the knowledge and skills to use computer-based technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Remote Sensing. These technologies help natural and environmental resource managers in mapping geographical features, patterns, changes, and conditions for environmental decision-making, planning, and problem solving.
Minors and Certificates
- Minor in Rangeland Ecology and Management
A selection from among the following courses will constitute a minor field of study. (Note: the College of Agriculture and Life sciences requires a C or better in any course used for the minor.)
Select 16 hours from the following 300-400 level courses:
- ESSM 302 (3 hrs) ESSM 303 (3 hrs) or ESSM 304 (4 hrs) required
- ESSM 314 (3 hrs) required
- ESSM 415 (4 hrs) or RENR 410 (4 hrs) required
- ESSM 301 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 317 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 320 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 316 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 416 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 420 (3 hrs)
- Students are required to take either ESSM 302, ESSM 303 or ESSM 304 as part of the minor program.
- Students are required to take ESSM 314 as part of the minor program.
- A capstone course of RENR 410 or ESSM 415 is required as part of the minor.
- Minimum of 16 hours required.
- Must maintain a 2.0 or above in minor curriculum.
- RENR 205/215 and BIOL (any course) are prerequisites for several of the classes required for the minor in Rangeland Ecology & Management. Students must satisfy these prerequisites or have approval from the instructor prior to taking a class.
- Minor in Forest Science
Minimum of 15 hours required : A selection from among the following courses will constitute a minor field of study. (Note : the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences requires a C or better in any course used for the minor.)
Select 15 hours from the following courses:
- ESSM 203 (2 hours) required
- ESSM 309 (3 hrs) required
- ESSM 319 (4 hrs) required
- ESSM 405 (3 hrs) required
- ESSM 300 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 301 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 307 (3 hrs)
- ESSM 406 (3 hrs)
- Students are required to take ESSM 203, ESSM 309, and ESSM 319 as part of the minor program.
- A capstone course of ESSM 405 is required as part of the minor.
- Minimum of 15 hours required.
- Must maintain a 2.0 or above in minor curriculum.
- RENR 205/215 and BIOL (any course) are prerequisites for several of the classes required for the minor in Forest Science. Students must satisfy these prerequisites or have approval from the instructor prior to taking a class.
- Watershed Certificate
The goal of the watershed certificate is to provide a rigorous and high quality program that will produce graduates capable of working as a professional in watershed or hydrology fields, but with very solid scientific and ecological foundation. Graduates will be qualified to work in government or consulting or if they choose, be prepared to pursue graduate training in any watershed/hydrology science program. Training will be built on a solid foundation in watershed management and hydrology.
Required Courses (13 hrs required)
- ESSM 301: Wildland Watershed Management
- ESSM 305: Watershed Analysis and Planning
- GEOG 434: Hydrology and Environment
- GEOL 410: Hydrogeology
Suggested Electives: (Select 6 hrs) Check each course for required prerequisites.
- ATMO 201: Atmospheric Science
- BESC 320: Water and the Environment and Society
- BESC 403: Sampling and Environ. Monitoring
- ESSM 311: Biogeochemistry and Global Change
- ESSM 440: Wetland Delineation
- GEOG 324: Global Climate Regions
- GEOG 331: Geomorphology
- GEOG 361: Remote Sensing in Geosciences
- GEOG 370: Coastal Processes
- GEOG 400: Arid Lands Geomorphology
- GEOL 420: Environmental Geology
- RENR 444: Remote Sensing
- RENR 470: Environmental Impact Assessment
- SCSC 301: Soil Science
- WFSC 414: Ecology of Lakes and Rivers
- WFSC 428: Wetland Ecosystems Management