Grassland Systems
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College
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Hours Required
120 credit hours -
Areas of Focus
Grazing Livestock Systems, Grassland Ecology and Management
The Nebraska Difference
A 130-year legacy of prairie research and teaching
Learn among 20,000 acres of grassland properties across Nebraska.
Get hands-on prescribed fire training and earn red card certification.
Program Features
Find your path to strengthening grasslands and creating a healthier, more sustainable world. As a Grassland Systems major, you’ll choose at least one program option to focus your studies and align with your career goals.
Grassland Ecology and Management
This option emphasizes the vital role plants, animals and soil play in shaping grassland landscapes. You’ll dive deeper into land management strategies, preparing to lead in the conservation and stewardship of these essential ecosystems.
Grazing Livestock Systems
This option explores the connections among ruminant livestock production, rangeland ecology and business management. You’ll graduate ready for a career in forage-based livestock production, including ranch management, extension education and financial advising—helping grow a thriving agricultural economy.
Technical Training & Applied Field Operations
The Center for Grassland Studies serves as a hub for practical conservation, using fire as a transformative management tool. Go beyond hands-on learning and earn federally recognized certifications through the Center’s wildland firefighter training and prescribed fire course.
Notable Courses
Introduction to Grassland Ecology and Management (NRES 245)
Applying ecological principles and social values to managing grasslands, you will develop a knowledge and appreciation for the various grassland management uses and techniques.
Range Management and Improvement (GRAS 340)
The principles of range management within the ecosystem framework.
Wildland Plants (GRAS 442)
Importance of wildland plants to grassland and shrubland conservation, management and production. Distribution, utilization, classification and identification. Use and recognition of plants by indigenous peoples.
Great Plains Ecosystem (GRAS 440)
Characteristics of Great Plains ecosystems, interrelationships of ecological factors and processes and application in grassland management. Interactions of fire, vegetation, grazing animals and wildlife.
Grassland Conservation: Planning and Management (NRES 438)
An integrative capstone course that works with range and natural resources professionals to plan and apply diverse strategies to achieve long-term grassland management goals.
Internship Experience in Grazing Livestock Systems (GRAS 490)
A structured practical experience under the supervision of a professional in grazing livestock systems.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Intern, Sandhill Task Force, Broken Bow, NE
- Intern, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE
- Intern, Panhandle Research, Extension, & Education Center, Scottsbluff, NE Nebraska
- Beef Sales Intern, Cargill Meat Solutions, Wichita KS
- Cabela's Apprenticeship Research Program, Nebraska
- Intern, Nebraska Forest Service, Lincoln NE
Career Paths
- Agricultural Extension Specialist
- Habitat Manager
- Range Conservationist
- Rangeland Management Specialist
- Grassland and Fire Ecologist
- Ranch Manager
Graduate Opportunities
- Ph.D. Animal Science
- M.S. Natural Resources Science
- M.S. Agronomy
- M.A.S. Applied Science
- D.P.H. Plant Health
- M.S. Range and Forage Science
Featured Faculty
Nicholas McMillan, Assistant Professor
Nicholas McMillan is a grazing lands ecologist in the Center for Grassland Studies and teaches courses related to grassland management and ecology. Nicholas received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Clemson University and attended Oklahoma State University for his Ph.D., where he studied how fire and grazing affect biodiversity and livestock production in the tallgrass prairie. Nicholas is also the advisor of Range Club.
Academics & Experiential Learning
- Receive certification in wildland fire fighting and prescribed fire training.
- Participate in research and management on over 20,000 acres of university-owned ranches and prairies.
Career Preparedness
- Join the Range Club to compete nationally at the Society for Range Management.
- Pursue an internship with a scientist, government agency, conservation organization or ranching operation.
Community
- Advise and assist with a community garden and community grasslands.
- Develop grassland curriculum and hands-on materials for K-12 schools.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Grassland Systems major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Sue Ellen Pegg
- Contact Title
- College Relations Director
- Phone
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