Online Grassland Management Graduate Certificate

Who will benefit from the grasslands management graduate certificate?

• Rangeland management specialists and conservationists in federal and state agencies
• Ranch managers or landowners of expansive grasslands
• Land stewards working for private organizations
• Extension educators in the Great Plains
• Wildlife habitat managers
• Integrated crop-livestock producers
• Environmental consultants
• Graduate students in agriculture and natural resource degree programs

"The grassland management certificate gave me the opportunity to embrace the broader scope of forage and range science with online university courses located in a diverse range of environments (geographically speaking).  This fact provided me with unique perspectives from both instructors and classmates that I was immediately able to integrate into my work.  IDEA allowed me to achieve several personal and career goals while working and prioritizing my growing family and my spouse who also has a career.  I am most grateful for the IDEA program at a time in my life where the need for flexibility and mobility in a graduate program was important."
Tyler Rice, earned a graduate certificate in the grassland management program

Why should I care about grassland management?

Grasslands (including rangelands, pasturelands, and haylands) are the principal land resource types in the Great Plains, composing more than 50% of the land surface area. The major use of the region's grasslands is livestock grazing. The beef cattle industry is prominent in the Great Plains, making up more than 50% of the U.S. beef cow inventory.

Grasslands in the region are also critically important for providing wildlife habitat, recreation, high-quality water and air, and other environmental services. Grasslands represent a fundamental resource of the region that determines the environmental and economic future of the Great Plains states.

"IDEA benefits students and the learning process by providing diverse and engaged instruction. The format allows for students of different backgrounds and knowledge bases the ability to interact and share experiences that are unique locally and regionally. I have enjoyed learning with my classmates from different professions and hearing their perspectives, this has definitely enhanced my learning experience."
Travis Jones, earned a graduate certificate in the grassland management program

What will I learn from the grasslands management program?

• Fire ecology and management
• Productivity and maintenance of grassland resources
• Improved grassland diversity and health
• Grassland monitoring
• Ecology and management of grazing lands
• Identification of grassland plants
• Evaluating forage quality
• Watershed management
• Invasive species ecology

Learn how Laura Rubeck, a former grasslands management student through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earned her graduate certificate while balancing work and life with school.

Program Information at Participating Universities

This unique 12-credit hour certificate pulls together university professors from different parts of the Great Plains and students from throughout the world, giving you the opportunity to learn about more than just your part of the globe. Learn more about the programs at each participating university.

• Kansas State University
• North Dakota State University
• Oklahoma State University
• South Dakota State University
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln

IDEA Student Handbook

Certificate titles vary by university. Consult each university for the title as it will appear on the certificate.