Grassland Ecology and Management

Group walking through a grassy, wooded trail under bright sunlight.
The University of Nebraska is recognized as the birthplace of prairie ecology. Students in the Grassland Ecology and Management option learn the principles and techniques used to manage and monitor grasslands that support wildlife habitat, conservation efforts, livestock production and other ecosystem services. The program prepares students to help maintain healthy, diverse and resilient grassland ecosystems.
Grassland burn with flames and smoke; a person in yellow gear carrying a flame torch.

Program Features

Your Destination for Prairie Ecology

As the birthplace of prairie ecology, Nebraska offers a strong foundation in integrated grassland management. Students learn to balance multiple uses of grasslands, including water resources, wildlife habitats, foraging, recreation and aesthetics.

Prepare for the Workforce

The curriculum meets federal civil service requirements for rangeland management specialist positions and helps prepare students for careers with environmental consulting firms, natural resources districts, nonprofit organizations and local, state and federal natural resource agencies.

Diverse Learning Experiences

Students gain hands-on experience through coursework, seminars, capstone projects and optional internships. Opportunities with government agencies, research organizations and private industry help students apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.

Notable Courses

Soil Resources (PLAS 153)

Explore the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in relation to their uses, protection and roles or functions in broader plant-soil systems.

Range Management and Improvement (GRAS 340)

Learn principles of range management, including grazing systems, plant control methods, prescribed burning and grassland improvement practices.

Grassland Conservation: Planning and Management (NRES 438)

Apply grassland ecology principles to conservation planning and learn strategies for establishing and managing grassland ecosystems.

Introduction to Conservation Biology (NRES 211)

Examine how ecology, genetics, evolution and wildlife biology intersect with economics, politics and philosophy.

Wildland Plants (GRAS 442)

Identify, classify and learn to utilize wildland plants important to grassland and shrubland ecosystem management and production.

Water Science (NRES 281)

Study water science through natural and social science perspectives.

Wildlife Ecology and Management (NRES 311)

Explore applied ecology, conservation biology, population biology and enhancement of vertebrate, non-domestic animal populations through management.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Intern, Otter Creek Organic Farm, Avoca, Wisconsin
  • Pathways Program Intern, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Intern, Lower Loup Natural Resources District, Ord, Nebraska
  • Student Manager, Nine-Mile Prairie, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska

Careers

  • Preserve Assistant Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Ainsworth, Nebraska
  • Soil Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, David City, Nebraska
  • Private Lands Biologist, Pheasants Forever, Fairbury, Nebraska
  • Habitat Program Manager, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton, Nebraska

Graduate Schools

  • M.S in Natural Resource Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • M.S. in Wildlife, Aquatic and Wildlands Science, Texas Tech University
  • M.S. in Wildlife Biology, Fort Hayes State
  • M.S. in Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Grassland Ecology and Management, contact us.

Sue Ellen Pegg portrait
Contact Name
Sue Ellen Pegg
Contact Title
College Relations Director
Phone
Phone
402-472-0615
Email
Envelope
spegg2@unl.edu
Grassland Systems