Range science is one of the newest and most exciting fields in agriculture and natural resources. The range science program at SDSU provides students with current professional training in the management of rangelands. It provides a strong foundation for a career in land use management.

The range science program is unique from those offered by other departments at SDSU in that it combines several specialized fields of expertise. In addition to Range Science courses, students take much of their course work in a variety of disciplines, becoming knowledgeable in animal science, wildlife science, soils, botany, and ecology.

Careers

Career opportunities for range science graduates are numerous and varied. Graduates of the program may pursue careers in natural resource conservation, livestock production, ranch management, wildlife habitat development, mine land reclamation, and soil conservation. Job opportunities exist in the private sector as well as with state or federal agencies. Many graduates seek employment as range conservationists with federal land management or conservation agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Park Service.

Placement success for recent SDSU range science graduates has been extremely high. The number of permanent positions available to future range science graduates is expected to increase, with the growing state, regional, and national concern over the conservation and management of our natural resources. Summer positions for range science students are plentiful, particularly with range research stations, federal agencies, and private consulting firms.

Degrees offered

The Animal and Range Sciences Department offers a bachelor of science degree in range sciences. The goal of the range science program is to educate students who can compete successfully for range-related jobs in South Dakota, the western United States, and throughout the world. The Animal and Range Sciences program emphasizes the protection of the natural resources and the effective management and economic improvement of rangeland resources. It covers a broad spectrum of university courses centering on the concept of "multiple-use" resource management.

Study Options

The program for every range science major includes the basic core requirement courses which fulfill departmental, college and university requirements. Students also choose one of three emphasis:  rangeland resource conservation, range livestock production, and rangeland ecology and habitat management.  Courses are similar for all range science students through the first or second semester of the sophomore year, after which most students begin concentrating on courses in their emphasis area.

The range livestock production emphasis is designed to accommodate students who intend to be involved in ranch management after graduation.  It integrates coursework from Range Management, Animal Science, Business/Economics, and other important disciplines that impact ranching in this region.  Students will leave this program with the well-rounded background necessary to better deal with the complex problems faced  by ranch managers.  This emphasis was developed in response to interest and requests from students, livestock producers, and producer groups for a curriculum more suited to the needs of students intending to make range livestock management their careers.

The rangeland resource conservation emphasis is designed to meet the needs of students intending to work as Rangeland Management Specialists in state or federal agencies.  This emphasis provides students the opportunity to meet the standards for range conservationist positions with federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Students are also well prepared for work with the Extension Service, as well as with state agencies involved in land management and regulation.  Students in this emphasis are encouraged to earn internship credits through summer employment with federal or state land management agencies.

The rangeland ecology and habitat management emphasis is designed for students who interests is in grassland/rangeland ecology.  The program provides a broad perspective of rangeland resources, and focuses on their value and the multiple use demands currently placed on them.  Students can focus on any of several interest areas including rangeland habitat management for wildlife and the impact of rangeland management on the environment and water quality.  This program provides students with a well-rounded education in grassland/rangeland ecology and the management of habitats in those ecosystems..

A minor in Range Science may also be earned by completing 18 credits.   Twelve of these credits must be Range Science courses approved by the department.