The Rangeland Ecology undergraduate program emphasizes interdisciplinary study of, and research on, the world's rangelands. These rangelands occupy nearly 50 percent of the earth's land surface and consist of natural grasslands, savannas, shrublands, riparian areas, deserts, tundra, alpine communities, and coastal marshes.

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Rangeland Ecology Major

This program was the first in the nation to be accredited by the Society for Range Management and is the only undergraduate degree program in ecology.

Colorado provides an ideal setting for the study of rangeland ecology and management. East of the Colorado State University campus are the shortgrass plains where buffalo co-evolved with the natural grasslands. West of the campus are the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which contain high elevation grassland parks and riparian areas. Within a 100-mile radius of the campus are six national forests, a national grassland, Rocky Mountain National Park, and several wilderness areas. These sites provide students a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide variety of rangeland ecosystems.

Students in the Rangeland Ecology program have the opportunity to take summer courses at the Pingree Park Campus in the Rocky Mountains, participate in field trips to various research sites in Colorado, and enjoy both the social and educational activities of the Colorado State Range Ecology Club.

Students are prepared to understand and manage the animal, soil and vegetation resources on rangelands for state and federal land managing agencies as well as a variety of private companies and non-governmental agencies.  

The curricula meets U.S. Civil Service requirements for range conservationist and soil conservationist. It is possible, with a few additional courses, to meet U.S. Civil Service requirements for soil scientist and ecologist. Students with such training are generally employed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, or private industry (e.g., conservation groups, reclamation firms, private consulting companies, etc.).  

Upon graduation students will:

• have developed an in-depth understanding of basic plant and animal biology and physical sciences as they relate to the field of rangeland science;
• understand the important concepts of ecology and rangeland management;
• understand economics and how to use it to evaluate alternatives;
• be skilled in problem solving and decision making; and
• have developed communication, political, and interpersonal skills to make their education effective.

Four concentrations can be selected within the Rangeland Ecology major. Each of the four concentrations leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Range and Forest Management...checksheet

Range and forest management prepares students in multiple-use principles to manage and administer both rangeland and forest resources for federal and state government agencies or private businesses.

Restoration Ecology...checksheet

Restoration ecology provides students with skills important to restoration and rehabilitation of damaged rangeland ecosystems.

Rangeland Management...checksheet

Rangeland management focuses on multi-use rangeland management issues and techniques.

Rangeland Science...checksheet

The science concentration prepares students for research and graduate studies in rangeland management and rangeland science.

Minor in Range Ecology...checksheet

The Rangeland Ecology minor allows students in related majors to develop expertise in rangeland science. This background is especially valuable to students who will be managing rangelands from the viewpoint of wildlife, recreation, watershed, the livestock industry, or other user perspectives.

Career Opportunities

Examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to: restoration ecologist, rangeland scientist, range management specialist, soil conservationist, soil scientist, rangeland conservationist, plant ecologist, riparian ecologist, ranch management, researcher, commercial sales and service representative, consultants, mine rehabilitation specialist, international rangeland specialist and many more. 

Rangeland Ecology careers are available with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, various state and city agencies, and private industries such as mining companies, ranches, and environmental consultants. These agencies and firms monitor livestock and wildlife grazing, identify and measure plant communities and soil conditions, manage ranches, restore mined land, manage forests, and appraise real estate.

The numerous summer jobs that are available to Rangeland Ecology majors and minors allow students to gain valuable work experience in a wide variety of rangeland and forest opportunities. Successful seasonal employment can give students additional marketability through improved skills and experience. Warner College of Natural Resources maintains a Career Office available to students.