This program is intensive yet flexible enough to meet the needs of both conventional and non-traditional graduate students and focuses on educating participants in management of land, livestock, water, financial and human resources. The primary focus is on the ranching industry and is thus unique and complementary to the ILM program. In fact, the major philosophical differences that have historically separated individuals with these interests are rapidly disappearing. We anticipate that the interaction of students with broad and diverse backgrounds will add to the stimulating, interactive learning environment. The coursework consists of three classes, each specifically designed and taught for this degree.
Instruction takes place in the classroom and in the field.
A supervised internship is included as a requirement. Students will also participate in an international trip to understand agriculture in the international arena. A professional paper is required for completion of this degree program. The combination of the Integrated Ranch Resource Management Program and the Integrated Livestock Management Program provide a broad-based graduate program to address the overall objectives of the Center. Furthermore, the flexibility of a traditional thesis M.S. with interdisciplinary studies versus a completely interdisciplinary non-thesis M.S. provides opportunities to better address the differing needs and backgrounds of participating students.