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Online Grassland Management Graduate Certificate

The online grasslands management graduate certificate provides current and future grassland professionals with a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on the conservation, utilization, and sustainability of managed grassland systems. Our online courses provide flexibility for busy adults who don’t have access or time to attend on-campus classes.

Whether you want to enhance a major or jump-start a master's degree in ecology, agriculture, or natural resources with specialized courses, or are a professional looking to advance in your career, the grasslands management graduate certificate promises an understanding of core concepts in grassland ecology and management. 

Program Summary

Cost per credit hour:

2024-2025: $610
Learn more

Graduate Certificate

12 Hours

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    What You Will Learn

    Students choose four courses to complete this graduate certificate. Some topics include fire ecology and management, improved grassland diversity and health, ecology and management of grazing lands, evaluating forage quality, and watershed management.

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    How You Will Learn

    Designed for working professionals, our courses are 100% online. You'll engage in coursework through a virtual classroom, with offerings available from five reputable universities. Start and end dates may vary depending on the universities instructing your courses each semester.

University Contacts

Click on the campus coordinator name to get their contact information. Click on the university name to learn more about how IDEA works at that campus.

Kansas State University
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
North Dakota State University
Oklahoma State University
South Dakota State University
Summer/Fall Courses Course Planner Apply Now

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

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.

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.

Travis Jones is a student in the Grassland Management program"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

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.

IDEA Student Handbook

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

"For decades I’ve visited the Nebraska Sandhills in pursuit of waterfowl and upland game.  Wanting to learn more about the land and its inhabitants, I completed the graduate certificate in grasslands management offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln through IDEA.  Upon completion of this program, I’ve gained a far greater appreciation and understanding for this area and its people, and was inspired to continue my education by earning a master’s degree online in wildlife and fisheries biology."

Michael Murphy, Senior Analyst, LinQuest Corporation

Meet Our Faculty

You will learn from expert faculty who bring real-life experience to the coursework and are committed to helping you transition your learning beyond the online classroom into your career.

HearWhat Our Students Say

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Michael Murphy
Grassland Management Graduate Certificate

For decades I’ve visited the Nebraska Sandhills in pursuit of waterfowl and upland game. Wanting to learn more about the land and its inhabitants, I completed the graduate certificate in grassland management offered...through IDEA. I’ve gained a far greater appreciation and understanding for this area and its people, and was inspired to continue my education by earning a master’s degree online in wildlife and fisheries biology.

Travis Jones
Travis Jones
Grassland Management Graduate Certificate

"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."