Students investigate habitat restoration and management, population biology and dynamics, conservation genetics, and behavioral ecology in multiple-use programs on public and private lands. The course of study stresses the maintenance of biological diversity, conservation and management. This course of study provides students with the background in the physical, biological, chemical and ecological sciences necessary in understanding the conditions and dynamics of our environment. Students conduct technical analyses of air, soil, water and waste samples to identify environmental contaminants, measure concentrations, and determine their hazardous characteristics and toxic properties. Emphasis is placed on the socioeconomic and technical forestry principles involved in the production and use of forest lands, including wood, water, wildlife habitat and forage.
Courses provide students with the diverse background necessary to manage rangelands.
Rangeland management studies include specialization in range plants and ecology, range evaluation methods, and range management principles and practices. The areas of emphasis correspond to recognized professions in the broad fields of natural resources management, hydrology, conservation biology and environmental science with specific professional and civil service requirements. As a rule, electives can be taken to meet special interests of the student. A student may choose a substantial number of courses in related fields such as business, law, agriculture, economics or public relations. The curriculum consists of lower-division courses to meet the university and departmental requirements.