The M.S. program is geared toward teaching graduate students the tools necessary to conduct robust scientific research and communicate with the public and potential clients.  This program requires 30 credit hours (at least 12 from Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management) approved by the student's graduate advisory committee and an approved research plan.

Rangelands are complex ecosystems known for their unpredictable weather, varying topography, and a wide array of soils, wildlife habitat, and forage for domestic and wild herbivores. Rangeland managers must have the education, skills, and common sense to integrate information about the climate, topography, soils, plants, animals, watersheds, and land uses into usable management plans. Their decisions will influence present and future production of ecosystem goods and services from rangelands.

Managing rangeland requires a complete understanding of the water cycle and how users perceive water resources should be allocated. Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management offers you a unique opportunity to blend your rangeland ecology background with courses in wildland watershed management and hydrology.  Rangeland resource managers spend much of their time working outside, but also work in the office. Many hours are spent communicating with people. Good resource managers relate well with others, learn from the knowledge and experience of others, and share their knowledge.

Rangeland ecology and watershed management classes are conducted both on and off campus. Five instrumented field research stations and watersheds along an elevational gradient from the plains to the sub-alpine facilitate study of the interrelations of the aquatic-riparian-upland environment with changing land and water use.