This program is available at the following locations:

• Corvallis
• Ecampus
• LaGrande

Rangeland sciences is about the study and sustainable management of rangelands across a variety of biomes, from arid deserts, to mesic grasslands, to tropical savannahs. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to provide advanced scientific knowledge regarding multiple ecological processes and social drivers influencing rangeland ecosystems around the globe. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to deeply understand and effectively manage rangelands for improved productivity and enhanced ecosystem resilience. The end goal is that students graduating from the program will be able to integrate contemporary rangeland ecology and management principles into a systems-based decision-making framework that promotes ecological resilience, sustainable societies, and thriving economies in socioecological rangeland ecosystems.

Major Code: 292

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Develop a vegetation monitoring plan, including sampling design, methods, analysis and interpretation, to meet land management objectives.
• Interpret a site evaluation using quantitative data and ecological principles to predict the effects of management actions on ecological processes.
• Calculate available forage and develop a grazing management plan that balances available forage with livestock and wildlife demand while meeting management objectives including delivery of ecological services.
• Formulate action plans to address complex natural resource challenges through the application of professional communication skills, consensus-building and facilitation of stakeholder participation.
• Evaluate habitat selection by animals throughout life history stages and season based on resource availability.

Departmental requirements may be utilized to satisfy baccalaureate core and non-departmental minor requirements.

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Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

¹

Certain classes may be used to satisfy both the baccalaureate core and the rangeland sciences core

²

No more than two courses (or lecture/lab combinations) from any one department may be used by a student to satisfy the Perspectives category of the core

³

The two courses used to fulfill the Synthesis requirement may not be in the same department

Major Code: 292

Degree plans are subject to change and the following is only an example of how students may complete their degree in four years. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best degree plan for them. Contact details for advisors can be found on the Academic Advising page.