Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology - Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management Montana State University

Overview

The Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology - Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management programme at Montana State University provides a comprehensive foundation in managing the complex relationships between livestock and wildlife. Students explore how these species share habitats across the western United States while developing expertise in rangeland ecology and vegetation types.

This degree offers a deep dive into the interactions of various species within their natural environments. Participants gain practical knowledge in soil science, hydrology, and rangeland livestock production to ensure sustainable land use. The curriculum is designed to address modern challenges in habitat restoration and wildlife nutrition.

Why Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology - Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management at Montana State University?

Montana State University is recognised as the top public university in the state, offering exceptional value and strong post-graduation salary prospects. The institution acts as a research leader, leveraging over $120 million annually to support pioneering studies across various departments and specialised centres.

Students have access to world-class facilities through the Department of Animal & Range Sciences. These include several experimental ranch facilities, such as the Red Bluff Ranch in Madison County and the Bandy Experimental Ranch near Missoula. These sites provide unique opportunities for field-based learning and ecological research.

The university also provides extensive career resources, with over 96% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within a year. Professional career coaches and the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success help students refine their communication skills and connect with a vast network of potential employers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 33782 per year
• National fee: USD 33782 per year
• Local fee: USD 8946 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Year One

• College Algebra
• Natural Resource Conservation
• Montana Range Plants
• Biological Diversity
• Economic Way of Thinking
• Animal Science
• Leadership Development for Agriculture
• Public Speaking
• General Chemistry
• General Chemistry Lab

Year Two

• Living Systems
• Range and Pasture Monitoring
• Natural Resource Ecology
• Soils
• Prof Business Communication
• College Writing II
• Intermediate Tech Writing
• Livestock in Sustain Systems
• Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Organic and Biochemistry Lab
• Identification of Seed Plants
• Biometry
• Statistics

Year Three

• GIS Science & Cartog
• Fire Ecology and Mgmt
• Wildlife and Livestock Habitat Restoration
• Agrostology
• Plant Systematics
• Wildlife-Livestock Nutrition
• Riparian Ecology & Management
• Vegetation of Western Wildlands
• Biomes of Western Wildlands
• Grazing Ecology and Management

Year Four

• Habitat Inventory and Analysis
• Landscape Pedology
• Range & Wildlife Policy and Planning
• Wildlife Habitat Management
• Wildlife Habitat Ecology
• Ecology
• Plant Physiology

Careers with Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology - Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management

Graduates from Montana State University are well-prepared for diverse professional paths within the environmental sector. Many alumni secure roles in federal land management, overseeing vast areas of public land to ensure ecological health and sustainable use.

Other common career destinations include wildlife management and natural resource conservation. These roles involve protecting biodiversity and managing the delicate balance between human activity and animal habitats. Graduates are also highly sought after for positions in natural resource restoration.

The programme's strong reputation ensures that students are competitive candidates for roles in both government agencies and private organisations. With the support of dedicated career coaching, students can transition into influential positions that shape the future of rangeland and wildlife ecology.