Online Range Ecology Masters Degree Courses

Range or range lands are large, barren lands that are not suitable for plant growth, and thereby for agriculture and cultivation. The main use of range lands is as a source of continuous forage for cattle. Ranges can also act as source of natural resources like minerals and timber. Also range lands can be converted as spaces for recreation and enjoyment. An ideal range land is one which provides all the above-mentioned uses. It should continuously provide foliage for domestic animals; it should provide natural resources; also it should have the spatial requirements to be converted as a recreational park. For converting a range land into a multi-purpose eco-system, it should be managed professionally and scientifically. A branch of science has emerged for this purpose. It is called the management of range ecology. Generally the management of range ecology is related with the sciences of environment and agriculture.

There are a number of universities and educational institutions in United States that offer post-graduate courses in management of range lands. Colorado State University, Nova Southeastern University, Washington State University, Oregon State University, Montana State University, University of Florida, Brigham Young University and University of Idaho are some of the popular universities in United States that offer post-graduate courses in range management. The number of students enrolling for the subject of range ecology and management is continuously increasing thanks to the good career prospects the subject offers in various government and ecological organizations.

The idea of distance education has gained an advantage when the personal computer and internet became common household items. Many universities are quick to spot the advent of technology and the opportunities it offers. Such universities began to offer online learning facility for their regular courses. In the online learning program, students can register themselves through the website of the university and choose a course that they like to learn. The university then sends study materials to the students through internet. Some universities even provide video conferencing facility for creating a real-life class-room learning atmosphere. There are several universities that allow students to obtain masters degree on range ecology and its management through internet even though this is not a common and traditional specialization like physics or zoology.

The Animal and Range Sciences Department of Montana State University offers a post-graduate degree course on animal and range sciences. The Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences offers an online masters degree course on environmental management, part of which involves management of range ecology, as part of the Duke Environmental Leadership Program. Nova Southeastern University offers an online distance learning program, through which one can enroll for masters degree on range ecology. The Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management of Oregon State University also offers a post-graduate course on range ecology and management. The course is accredited by the Society for Range Management, which is the premier institution of range land management in United States.

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