Animal and Rangeland Sciences, M.S.

I. Contact Information

Sherman Swanson, Professor
Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences
College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
sswanson@cabnr.unr.edu
(775) 784-4057

II. Brief Introduction

The Animal and Rangeland Sciences Masters of Science Program will prepare students for successful careers in fundamental and applied sciences, agriculture, rangeland management. Graduates will be prepared to address critical regional and worldwide needs to sustainably feed people, care for animals and agricultural enterprises, and manage 40% of both the U.S. and Earth’s terrestrial surface for multiple uses and values. Students may focus on various sub-disciplines related to animal science including: animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, health, reproduction, welfare, livestock production, meat industry and food safety. Specific areas of study within the rangeland ecology and management specialty include: riparian ecosystems, ecology, hydrology, restoration, landscape ecology, soil-plant relations, rangeland animal and wildlife interactions, grazing and habitat management, planning, management, monitoring, invasive species, and remote sensing. Graduates are needed to meet the needs of the agriculture industry from farm/ranch to plate.

Additionally, State and Federal agencies, consulting, non-governmental organizations, secondary/higher education/research, private landowners, and the energy and mineral sectors are seeking advanced degree graduates with skills and knowledge in rangeland science, and an understanding of the complexity of laws and policies governing public and private rangelands. 

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to apply scientific concepts to research questions related to the sustainable management of agricultural and natural resources.
2. Students will be able to plan and execute experiments using appropriate scientific and statistical approaches to address research questions relevant to their thesis or dissertation projects.
3. Students will be able to effectively compose and articulate scientific concepts trough written and oral communication.
4. Students will be able to evaluate and apply professional ethics in the design and application of their research.

IV. Admission Requirements

• Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 300, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), or 100 (internet version) for international students). Each student must have an advisor among the ARS faculty before they are accepted into the Program.
• Students must meet a set of coursework requirements consistent with career objectives in either animal science or rangeland ecology and management. Required undergraduate classes must be taken prior to admittance or while in their MS program.
• Students emphasizing animal science must complete course work in physical sciences (6 credits), university mathematics including calculus (6 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (6 credits), and biology, agriculture, or natural resources (24 credits, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, soils, hydrology, ecology or plant or animal science).
• Students emphasizing rangeland ecology and management, must have completed an undergraduate degree or complete coursework that qualifies them under the US Office of Personnel Management GS-454 series (Rangeland Management Specialist).

V. Program Requirements

Students for the M.S. in Animal and Rangeland Sciences (ARS) must satisfy the general requirements of the Graduate School. Candidates must select a M.S. graduate committee consisting of at least three members of the graduate faculty, including the Advisor. At least two members represent the area of specialization; one member serves as the Graduate School Representative. Courses should be selected to complement the student’s fields of interest and enhance his/her conceptual and research skills. Two degree plans are available: Plan A (30 credits) includes a thesis on original research; Plan B (32 credits) replaces the thesis with a non-thesis option. Each candidate will be required to make a formal prospectus presentation (study plan) to their committee.

NOTE: Each student will write and defend in public their thesis or professional paper. The student’s advising committee will pass judgement about the quality and sufficience of the thesis or professional paper and its defense. The thesis must also be accepted by the graduate school.

VI. Total Units (30-32 units)

• Plan A: 30 units
• Plan B: 32 units