College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Range Science (M.S.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Range Science (M.S.)
From Grasslands to Greatness — Manage the Future of Rangeland Ecosystems
The Master of Science in Range Science at New Mexico State University prepares students to meet the growing global need for experts in sustainable rangeland management. Through an interdisciplinary approach that blends ecology, soil science, hydrology, and wildlife biology, students gain a deep understanding of how to conserve, restore, and manage rangeland ecosystems. With opportunities for field research, applied projects, and collaboration with federal and state agencies, NMSU’s program equips graduates to make meaningful contributions to both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
Admission Deadlines
February 15 (Fall Admission) and October 1 (Spring Admission)
- Total credits: 30-32
- Tracks: Thesis or Coursework Only
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates from the M.S. in Range Science program are well-prepared for careers that require strong applied research, problem-solving, and management skills. Possible career paths include:
- Range conservationist or manager for federal or state agencies (e.g., USDA, BLM, USFS)
- Natural resource specialist or environmental consultant
- Watershed and rangeland restoration manager
- Livestock and grazing systems planner
- Conservation or sustainability coordinator for public and private organizations
- Extension agent or range management educator
- Field research technician or data analyst in ecological monitoring
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Range Sciences? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.S. in Range Science at NMSU?
At NMSU, you’ll gain more than a degree — you’ll gain the expertise to manage real-world challenges in land and water conservation. With access to diverse Southwestern rangelands, cutting-edge labs, and mentoring from faculty renowned for applied research, you’ll develop a strong foundation in ecosystem science and policy. Whether you aspire to work in land management, environmental consulting, or applied research, NMSU’s M.S. in Range Science gives you the tools to lead in sustainable resource management.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Master of Science in Range Science requires a minimum of 30 credits and offers a thesis and non-thesis option.
- Thesis (research) option — At least one advanced statistics course or equivalent is required, as determined by the student’s graduate committee. The thesis research project must be approved by the student’s graduate committee.
- Non-thesis option — A minimum of 32 credits of graduate work is required to graduate. A final written report is required. The report will be on a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee. Research for the report may involve field work and data gathering but should also be strongly library- and literature-based.
Take classes like:
- RGSC 509 - Approaches to Rangeland Research
- RGSC 513 - Advanced Rangeland Ecology
- RGSC 516 - Arid Land Management
- RGSC 518 - Watershed Methods and Management
- RGSC 520 - Arid Land Plant Herbivore Interactions
- RGSC 551 - Earth Data Retrieval
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.