Range Science
This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.
Program Description
The Range Science program in the School of Natural Resource Sciences offers graduate study leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Advanced work may involve specialized training in the following areas: rangeland ecology, fire ecology, plant community dynamics, restoration of ecosystem services, ecosystem reclamation, and wildlife population dynamics in rangelands.
Student research and academic programs are tailored to individual student needs and interests. Interdisciplinary approaches to range science programs are fostered.
The Range Science graduate program is open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing that meet the Graduate School requirements.
Financial Assistance
Research assistantships are available. Applicants are considered on the basis of scholarship and potential to undertake advanced study and research. To be considered for an assistantship, a completed Graduate School application, official transcripts, three letters of reference, and a TOEFL score for international applicants must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than April 15.
Each student must choose an adviser, usually based upon area of academic and research interest, within the first program year. By the end of the first year of residence, the student must have selected an advisory/supervisory committee and have an approved graduate plan of study, including a research proposal. The advisory/supervisory committee advises the student and administers the graduate exams to the student. Students are referred to the Range Science Graduate Student Handbook for information regarding additional requirements.
Master of Science Program
The range science program has two options for the M.S. degree: the thesis option and the comprehensive study option. The M.S. program requires completion of 30 semester credits of approved graduate and letter-graded course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The M.S. candidates are required to take an oral examination which covers both the research and academic subject matter covered in their program.
Candidates for the M.S. normally complete their degree requirements in two years.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A - Thesis Option | 30 | |
| Didatic Courses (numbered 601-689, 691; 700-789, 791; 800-889, 891) | 16 | |
| Additional Credits | 2 | |
| RNG 798 | Master's Thesis | 6-10 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Plan B - Comprehensive Study Option | 30 | |
| Didatic Courses (numbered 601-689, 691; 700-789, 791; 800-889, 891) | 21 | |
| Additional Credits | 6-8 | |
| RNG 797 | Master's Paper | 1-3 |
Doctoral Program
The Ph.D. program requires the completion of 90 semester credits (or the equivalent) of graduate approved and letter graded course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Candidates for the Ph.D. are required to take a preliminary written and oral examination directed toward the academic subject matter of their chosen discipline and a final defense of a research based thesis.
Candidates for the Ph.D. generally complete their degree requirements in three to four years.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's to Ph.D. | 60 | |
| Didactic coursework (numbered 601-689, 691; 700-789,791; 800-889, 891) | 15 | |
| Additional courses | 30-44 | |
| RNG 899 | Doctoral Dissertation | 1-15 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's to Ph.D. | 90 | |
| Didactic coursework (numbered 601-689, 691; 700-789,791; 800-889, 891) | 27 | |
15 of these credits must be at the 700 or 800 level | ||
| Additional courses | 48-62 | |
| RNG 899 | Doctoral Dissertation | 1-15 |
Torre J. Hovick, Ph.D.
Oklahoma State University, 2014
Research Interests: Global change, Avian Ecology, Fire Ecology, Rangeland Management
Ryan F. Limb, Ph.D.
Oklahoma State University, 2008
Research Interests: Fire Ecology, Plant Community Ecology, Grassland Disturbance & Restoration Ecology, Invasive Species Ecology & Management
Kevin K. Sedivec, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1994
Research Interests: Plant Community Ecology, Grazing and Wildlife Interaction, Reclamation of Energy Developed Lands, Range Nutrition, Range Monitoring
Adjunct Faculty
Benjamin Geaumont, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2009
Hettinger Research and Extension Center
Research Area/Activity: Interactions Between Agriculture, Wildlife, and the Environment
John Hendrickson, Ph.D.
Texas A&M University, 1996
USDA, Mandan, ND
Research Area/Activity: Rangeland Ecology and Management
Devan A. McGranahan, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2011
Research Interests: Fire behavior and ecology, plant community ecology, fire and grazing management, and effects of global environmental change in rangeland ecosystems worldwide
Chris Schauer, Ph.D.
Oregon State University, 2003
Hettinger Research Extension Center
Research Area/Activity: Nutritional Management of Grazing Livestock
Lance Vermeire, Ph.D.
Texas Tech University, 2002
USDA-ARS Fort Keogh, Miles City, MT
Research Area/Activity: Grazing Ecology, Prescribed Fire, Drought Effects on Rangelands