Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences

Overview of Program

We offer an online B.S. in Rangeland Sciences through Ecampus. Through hands-on coursework, experiential learning opportunities and applied learning of rangeland ecology and management, Oregon State University’s B.S. in Rangeland Science degree program will prepare you to pursue high-demand, outdoor career opportunities on both private and public lands in areas such as soil and water conservation, managing for ecosystem goods and services, wildlife habitat management and sustainable land stewardship.

Rangeland science is about the study and sustainable management of landscapes across a variety of biomes. The program takes an interdisciplinary, holistic approach that encompasses natural and human ecological systems. You gain the skills and knowledge that are needed to manage some of the most critical issues facing our global society.

This is the only program of its kind in the country to be delivered online, making it ideal for place bound students, working professionals or anyone looking to start or transition to a new career. 

Scope of Program 

• Baccalaureate core: 48 credits plus a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) of at least 3 credits
• Fundamentals of Rangeland Ecology & Management: 13 credits
• Plants, Soil & Water: 27 credits
• Animals: 7 credits 
• Socio-Economic: 6 credits
• Methods and Management: 16 credits
• General Math & Science: 21 credits
• Specialization: 30 credits: (Potential specializations: Wildlife Habitat Management, Disturbance and Restoration Ecology, Water Science & Management, Sustainable Land Stewardship: Maximizing Ecosystem Goods and Services, Pastoral Livestock Systems of the World)
• Experiential Learning: 4-6 credits
• Electives: up to 10 credits

Sample Course Topics 

• Plant Ecology
• Soil Science
• Rangeland and Natural Resource Economics
• Recreation Resource Management
• Watershed Management & Ecohydrology
• Fish and Wildlife Conservation
• Wildland Plant Identification
• Shrubland or Grassland Ecology
• Rangeland Inventory and Analysis
• Systems Thinking
• Wildland Restoration
• Rangeland Management Planning
• Rangeland Management GIS Applications
• Technology Innovation 

Career Paths 

• Rangeland Conservationist
• Soil & Water Conservationist
• Ranch Manager or Livestock Producer
• Wild Horse and Burro Specialist
• Park Naturalist
• Wildlife Habitat Specialist
• Invasive Species Specialist
• Restoration Consultant
• Ecological Inventory & Monitoring Consultant
• Watershed Manager
• Rangeland Ecologist
• Wildfire Ecologist
• Park Naturalist
• Environmental Consultant
• Ecosystem Scientist
• Rangeland Economist
• Extension Agent
• Natural Resource Manager
• Rangeland GIS Specialist