COURSE CURRICULUM

The Forestry and Rangeland Stewardship major offers students the opportunity to specialize through several concentrations that provide deeper knowledge, practical skills, and focused preparation for careers in forest and rangeland management. These concentrations allow students to tailor their academic experience to specific interests while gaining hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and field experience that prepare them for professional roles after graduation.One concentration is Forest Biology, which focuses on the ecology and biological interactions within forest ecosystems. Students study the physical sciences alongside topics such as tree health management, rangeland ecogeography, and forest dynamics. This concentration also emphasizes the economic and policy aspects of forested areas, helping students understand how scientific knowledge is applied in decision-making. Strong training in writing and communication ensures students can effectively share scientific findings and analyses.The Forest Fire Science concentration explores forest ecosystems from a fire management perspective. Students learn about fire as both a natural ecological process and a management tool. Coursework includes weather and climate ecology, soil science, timber harvesting, and tree health, along with training in policy, communication, and public speaking. This prepares students to address wildfire risk, forest resilience, and land management challenges.Forest Management focuses on the practical administration of forestlands for state, federal, private, and conservation organizations. Students study forest productivity, economics, policy, and conservation, along with modern computer-based management tools. This concentration prepares graduates for roles that require balancing resource use with sustainability and environmental protection.Rangeland Conservation and Management emphasizes the stewardship of large, open landscapes. Students learn conservation strategies for ecosystems that support multiple economic and social uses. Coursework spans physical sciences, communication, and policy, preparing graduates to manage complex rangeland systems effectively.Rangeland and Forest Management integrates both forest and rangeland systems, preparing students for interdisciplinary careers in natural resource management. This concentration emphasizes multiple-use principles and equips students to work with government agencies or private organizations managing diverse landscapes.