University General Course Catalog 2024-2025
Animal and Rangeland Sciences, M.S.
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 Return to: Programs in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
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.
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Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- apply scientific concepts to research and management questions related to the sustainable management of animal agriculture and natural resources.
- develop, plan, and execute experiments and monitoring and assessment management protocols for large landscapes that use appropriate science and statistical approaches.
- effectively compose and articulate scientific concepts through multiple media outlets, including online digital as well as written and oral communications.
- evaluate and apply professional ethics in the design and application of their research and management plans.
Contact Information
Plan A Research Thesis MS Contact:
Robert A. Washington-Allen, Associate Professor
Graduate Program Director
(979) 571-4330
rwashingtonallen@unr.edu
Plan B Non-Thesis Hybrid MS Contact:
Yvette Gibson
Range and Fire Ecology Education Program
970-880-4202
ygibson@unr.edu
Graduate Handbook *
Admission Requirements
- Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), or 100 (internet version) for international students). The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for entry into this graduate program. However, should a student have GRE scores, they will be complementary to the other items in their entry portfolio. 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).
I. 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 (30 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. A. Plan A includes a research thesis (30 units minimum)
- Maximum of 12 graduate units completed prior to admission to graduate standing may be applied to a master’s degree program of study.
- Maximum of 18 graduate credits completed from a relevant University of Nevada, Reno graduate certificate may be applied to a master’s degree program of study.
- Maximum of 6 graduate S/U units may apply towards a master’s degree, excluding S/U units allowed for professional paper and thesis units, but including transfer units.
- Minimum of 20 units of acceptable graduate courses in addition to 6-10 AGSC 797 thesis units for total of approximately 30 units. Minor exceptions to 30-unit requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require best practices justification.
- At least 18 units earned in courses offered by the University of Nevada, Reno.
- At least 9 units, exclusive of thesis, at 700 level.
- With program director approval, internship/externship experiences can count for thesis units.
B. Plan B Non-Thesis (30 units minimum)
- The Plan B Hybrid Non-Thesis MS option is primarily for working professionals within the natural resource field.
- Approximately 30 units of acceptable graduate courses including a culminating experience such as a professional paper or project for no more than 2 units of AGSC 796. Minor exceptions to the 30-unit requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require best practices justification.
- At least 18 units are earned in courses offered by the University of Nevada, Reno.
- At least 12 of the 30 units at 700 level.
II. Total Units (30-units)
- Plan A: 30 units
- Plan B: 30 units
Note(s):
* Curriculum requirements in the catalog supersede the Graduate handbook. |
Return to: Programs in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources
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