Ranch Management & Agricultural Leadership

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Foster your interest in our College Of Agriculture with maximum flexibility

Students earning a B.S. in Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership (RMAL) acquire practical agricultural knowledge.  A strong foundation in animal science, ag business and range management sets students up for success in many fields. Coursework is paired with applied learning and experience based opportunities to develop communication, leadership and other critical skills.

Embracing the spirit of innovation and collaboration, RMAL ignites a passion for knowledge across the agricultural spectrum, fostering a holistic learning experience like no other.

 

What is Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership?

Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership is an interdisciplinary program with significant hands-on opportunities. RMAL majors study an array of specialties that contribute to successful ranch management and are required by today’s professionals. Students learn about agricultural leadership and develop exemplary interpersonal skills by practicing awareness, effective teamwork, and critical thinking.  Broadly defined, RMAL is the blending of resource management, business operations, and problem-solving for successful stewardship of natural resources and sustainable livestock production.

The competencies identified for this program are highly valued across the agribusiness industry, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and state and federal agencies, as well as providing significant value to family operations. 

 

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A Faculty with a baby lamb

Faculty teaching into the RMAL program are passionate about their areas of expertise and committed to embedding opportunities for developing leadership skills into their courses.  Their knowledge of field-specific demands helps them support student problem solving projects from across the industry spectrum.

To enrich students' experiences and foster a well-rounded skill set, the RMAL program actively engages in collaborative partnerships with industry innovators, as well as faculty members from other colleges across campus.

 

RMAL students take a variety of courses to get a well-rounded education. Some courses of interest include Public Policy & Regulatory Considerations for Ranch & Rangeland Management, Advanced Integrated Ranch & Rangeland Problem Solving & Planning and Leadership & Collaboration Strategies to Address Contemporary Challenges in Agriculture.

By bringing together different areas of study and focusing on how people work together, the program prepares graduates for success through applied learning activities and hands-on experiences. Through interactive exercises, mentorship opportunities and internships, students enhance their collaboration, talent development and employee retention skills.

View more RMAL community-based learning opportunities.

View the full ranch management and agricultural leadership bachelors curriculum.

 

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RMAL Degree Coming Fall 2024

The Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership B.S. will be available to students starting the Fall 2024 semester, with the full RMAL degree plan appearing in the 2024-25 catalog. If you're interested in this degree, have questions, want to register for existing classes that are in the RMAL degree plan or want to discuss the degree further, please contact our associate director Randall Violett.  

Speak with us today!

What can you do with a B.S. in Ranch Management & Ag Leadership?

The ranch management and agricultural leadership degree is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in today's dynamic landscape of ranch management and agricultural leadership. This transformative program positions graduates as leaders capable of shaping the future of ranch management and agricultural leadership.

Ranch Management & Ag Leadership Careers

  • Ranch Manager
  • Rancher
  • Resource Manager for State and Federal agencies
  • Rangeland Management Specialist (Federal 0454)
  • Agricultural Manager 
  • Ag Lender
  • Landman
  • Sales Representative in Wholesale & Manufacturing
  • Community Developer

 

 

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Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program Highlights

Students attend UW for quality education with world-class opportunities. RMAL offers hands-on education, peer to peer learning, and industry networking on top of these many other benefits.

Here are just a few reasons you should consider getting your RMAL degree at UW:  

Experiential Learning

RMAL offers students an exceptional opportunity to participate in two to three carefully curated internships, providing comprehensive exposure to different aspects of the industry. These internships focus on agencies related to agriculture and ranching, industries supporting the field and management experiences within livestock operations. By offering this immersive and diverse internship program, RMAL ensures students experience multiple perspectives, gaining practical experience, industry insights and valuable management skills applicable across the agricultural and ranching landscape.

Networking & Student Groups

Student organizations help peers connect and learn from each other outside the classroom. There are a number of clubs that would be of interest to aspiring ranch managers and ag enthusiasts including the Ranch Horse Team, Student Range Club and the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association.  These groups bring students together to explore their interests and provide a sense of community while promoting social engagement. Additionally, our university proudly hosts two well respected organizations, the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity and the Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority. These groups provide students with invaluable opportunities for networking, professional growth, and fostering lifelong connections within the agricultural community.

Smaller Class Sizes

UW provides invaluable one-on-one opportunities with faculty, fostering an environment where students can truly thrive and unlock their full potential. Unlike large classroom settings, at UW, individual attention is prioritized, ensuring students receive personalized guidance to identify and nurture their leadership skills,  so they can emerge as standout individuals in their fields.

Financial Support

The College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources offers exceptional opportunities for students through the Brand of Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships, tailored for students within the college, recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of agriculture.  After completing an application in WYO Scholarships, as a CALSNR student you will be directed to a form for the Excellence Scholarship. Other scholarships and opportunities are also available to students.

 


Contact Us

We're Eager to Help!

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

Ranch Management and Ag Leadership

Dr. Randall Violett

Department 3354

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-4239

Email: rviolett@uwyo.edu