Grassland Systems University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

The Grassland Systems programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a comprehensive scientific foundation for the management and conservation of vital rangeland resources. Students engage with a holistic curriculum that integrates natural sciences, mathematics, and communications to address the complexities of modern grassland ecosystems.

Nebraska’s unique landscape, where grasslands comprise approximately 60% of the landmass, serves as a primary living laboratory for undergraduate students. This environment allows for significant experiential learning, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to manage diverse ecosystems that support wildlife, water resources, and agricultural productivity.

Why Grassland Systems at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The university is globally recognised as the birthplace of prairie ecology, offering a prestigious heritage for students entering this field. Facilities and teaching methods emphasise a systems-based orientation, allowing for specialisation in areas such as ruminant livestock, forage management, or resource economics.

Students benefit from strong institutional partnerships with state and federal agencies, research organisations, and private industry leaders. These connections facilitate high-quality internships and capstone experiences that bridge the gap between academic theory and professional grassland stewardship and conservation practices.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30330 per year
• National fee: USD 30330 per year
• Local fee: USD 11100 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World
• Statistics
• Soil Resources
• Genetics
• Grassland Ecology and Management
• Range Management and Improvement
• Great Plains Ecosystem
• Wildland Plants
• Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment
• Grassland Conservation: Planning and Management
• Resource and Environmental Economics
• Ecology
• Geospatial Technologies
• GIS
• Remote Sensing
• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Ecology and Management
• Water Science
• Plant Physiology
• Field Pedology
• Environmental Ethics
• Natural Resources Policy
• Animal Biology
• Plant Science
• Animal Biology and Industry
• Feeds and Feeding
• Physiology of Domestic Animals
• Animal Physiological Systems
• Animal Anatomy
• Animal Nutrition
• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Physiology and Management of Reproduction
• Beef Cow-Calf Management
• Beef Stocker and Feedlot Management
• Dairy Management
• Small Ruminant Management
• Farm and Ranch Management
• Commodity Marketing
• Farm Accounting, Analysis, and Tax Management
• Agricultural Finance
• Agricultural and Rural Property Appraisal
• Legal Aspects in Agriculture
• Forage Crop and Pasture Management

Careers with Grassland Systems

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles such as rangeland management specialists, soil conservationists, and habitat program managers. Many find employment with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, or within private agricultural enterprises as cattle operations managers and ranch consultants.

The curriculum also supports pathways into environmental consulting, extension education, and wildlife biology. Furthermore, the rigorous scientific training provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in ruminant nutrition, natural resource sciences, and various agricultural disciplines at leading global institutions.