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Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management

Master of Science (M.S.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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Pursue a graduate degree in rangeland ecology and watershed management at UW

Ready to make a difference in the world of natural resource management, science and sustainability? UW’s rangeland ecology and watershed management graduate programs prepare students for scientific careers managing water, rangeland vegetation, forests and wildlife.

As part of our programs, students conduct field research and learn advanced data analysis tools to help interpret and share their findings. Graduates leave UW ready to sustainably manage complex ecosystems and pursue careers in resource management or academia.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Department

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences & Natural Resources
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

About the Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management Graduate Programs

The rangeland ecology and watershed management (REWM) graduate programs prioritize rigorous science coursework related to natural resource management, with a particular focus on rangeland vegetation, forests, water and wildlife.

Our programs prepare master’s and doctorate students to conduct scientific research and communicate with the public and potential clients. The master’s degree may be pursued via a thesis or non-thesis track.

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A group of students work in a river together

The master of science (M.S.) in rangeland ecology and watershed management is designed to provide graduate students with the expertise to communicate effectively with the public and clients, alongside the ability to conduct rigorous scientific research. Students can choose between two plans: Plan A (Thesis), which involves completing the necessary coursework and successfully defending a thesis through an oral examination, and Plan B (Non-thesis), available under special circumstances, which requires coursework and the preparation of professional papers, also defended orally.

View the full master of science in rangeland ecology and watershed management degree program curriculum.

The Ph.D. program emphasizes advanced research in rangeland ecology and watershed management, requiring comprehensive coursework, an approved research plan, a preliminary written examination, and a final oral examination. Both programs focus on fostering strong scientific inquiry and research capabilities.

View the full Ph.D. in rangeland ecology and watershed management degree program curriculum.

The master’s in ecology and watershed management has different requirements depending on whether you’re pursuing a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track requires an oral defense of your thesis. The non-thesis track requires an oral defense of a professional paper.

The Ph.D. in ecology and watershed management requires an approved research plan, a written examination and a final oral examination. All credits earned during a master’s degree that you’d like to count toward the Ph.D. must be approved by your graduate advisory committee.

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What can you do with an ecology and watershed management degree?

Graduates are prepared for a variety of fulfilling careers in natural resource management, sustainability, research and academia.

Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management Careers

Here are some of the careers our graduates have pursued:

  • Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management Careers
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Forestry
  • Mine Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism
  • Ranch or Range Livestock Manager
  • Real Estate/Land Manager
  • Restoration Ecologist
  • Range or Soil Conservationist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Watershed Ecologist
  • Wildland Fire Manager

 

 

Two graduate students out in the field

Where UW rangeland ecology and watershed management alumni are making an impact:

  • USDA NRCS
  • U.S. Bureau of Land Management
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Two Dot Environmental Consulting
  • State of Wyoming
  • Wyoming Game and Fish
  • Trihydro Corporation
  • University of Wyoming
  • City of Fort Collins
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Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management Graduate Program Highlights

UW’s ecology graduate programs prepare students for rigorous scientific careers while providing a supportive, unique educational environment. Here are a few things students love about our programs.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

UW’s ecology graduate programs are inherently experiential. Thanks to UW’s unique location, students have access to Wyoming’s landscapes and research sites. All REWM students complete field research and data analysis in their areas of interest. This research often occurs at the Laramie Research and Extension Center or the McGuire Ranch research site.

Exceptional Faculty

Our accomplished and dedicated faculty are one of the many things that make UW unique. The scientists that lead our rangeland ecology and watershed management graduate programs are no exception. They each complete cutting-edge research in their fields and support our students and their goals. Dr. David Christianson, Dr. Melanie Murphy and Dr. Jeff Beck all focus their research on management of wildlife populations. Dr. Fabian Nipggen and Dr. Tucker Furniss work on ecosystem processes.

Related Programs

Interested in a rangeland ecology and watershed management degree? These programs may also be of interest to you:

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Agricultural & Applied Economics

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2386

Email: brashfor@uwyo.edu