Department of Animal & Range Sciences

http://animalrange.montana.edu/

Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments.  MSU does not have a single Department of Biology.  For additional options, see Chemistry (Biochemistry) in the College of Letters and Science, or Animal Science, Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Environmental Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology, and Plant Science in the College of Agriculture.

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

The animal science curricula are administered by the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. The curricula in animal science provide students with a firm foundation in the biological and natural sciences, animal breeding, reproductive physiology, nutrition and livestock production and management. Applications to production environments of the western United States are emphasized, including the close relationships among livestock, rangeland and natural resources. Three options are offered leading to a B.S. in Animal Science. Proper use of restricted electives allows students to tailor curricula to meet their individual needs.

Equine Science Option

The Equine Science Option emphasizes science and technology combined with practical aspects of management, horsemanship and training. Graduates of this program will have a firm foundation to meet the growing needs of the equine industry. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in breeding, nutrition, and management of facilities and land, as well as in the allied industries such as sales, feed, tack, and equipment. Students can tailor their program for more emphasis in biotechnology, business, or range management.

Livestock Management  & Industries Option

The Livestock Management & Industry Option stresses the application of science to livestock production, incorporating courses in agricultural economics and business. Emphasis is placed on the application of the principles of economics, range science, genetics, physiology and nutrition in sustainable livestock production systems and business and management skills as they relate to livestock enterprises and service industries closely allied to livestock production. It is designed to allow flexible course work choices to prepare graduates to manage livestock enterprises or for employment with companies producing and marketing livestock, animal feeds and health products, as well as employment with a variety of communication and service organizations such as breed associations, commodity groups, livestock publications and government agencies.

Science Option

The Science Option emphasizes greater depth in the basic sciences and is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in graduate training or professional school. Individual curricula can be tailored to provide excellent preparation for veterinary school, medical school, or graduate studies in animal biotechnology, physiology, nutrition or genetics.

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources & Rangeland Ecology

Students who complete the requirements for a B.S. degree in Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences will be eligible for a variety of natural resource jobs with state and federal agencies or private industries or will be eligible to pursue a Master of Science degree. The two options available within this degree offer students an opportunity to study the interaction of livestock and wildlife and their rangeland habitats. Emphasis is placed on soil, water and vegetation attributes which influence habitat ecology and management for livestock and wildlife. The curriculum in both these options has been designed to allow students to score at the highest level for employment with federal agencies. We are professionally accredited by the Society for Range Management.

Rangeland Ecology & Management Option

This option is designed to emphasize management of rangeland environments. Courses in resource inventory, watershed, rangeland restoration and vegetation ecology are required to give the student a background in ecological principles used to manage rangelands in the western United States. Students in this option can select courses which focus on production agriculture or other natural resource areas. This option is designed to train students for employment with state or federal land management agencies, as well as private industry or graduate school.

Wildlife Habitat Ecology & Management Option

This option provides students with a broad based background in wildlife habitat, rangeland ecology, and wildlife-livestock interactions common in the western United States. The focus will be on wildlife habitat, major vegetation types, rangeland livestock production, soils, and water within the framework of total resource management. Habitat management under a variety of uses and goals will be discussed. Courses specifically designed for this option include classes in wildlife habitat ecology, habitat restoration, wildlife-livestock habitat issues and wildlife-livestock nutrition. Students who graduate with a degree in this option will be eligible for employment in private industry, state and federal land agencies, or to pursue a Master of Science degree.

Bachelor of Science in Ranching Systems

Ranching Systems is designed to equip graduates to successfully enter the complex field of ranch management. The curriculum includes courses in livestock production, natural resource management, finances and business. To produce exceptional graduates, students in the Ranching Systems Degree must apply for admission to the program during their sophomore year to be eligible to continue to graduation. 

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Minors