Online Range Ecology Degree Courses

Range (also known as range lands) is a barren land that is not fit for agriculture and cultivation. Range land is mainly utilized as a source of continuous forage for cattle. Ranges can also provide natural resources like minerals and timber. Also these can be utilized as spaces for recreation and enjoyment. An ideal range land should provide almost all of the above-mentioned utilities. It should act as a source of foliage for domestic and other types of animals; it should provide natural resources; also it should have the facilities to be converted as a park or any other recreational spot. For making a range land ideal for all these purposes, a stream of science has emerged. It is called the management of range ecology. Generally the management of range ecology is associated with environment and agriculture.

There are a number of universities and educational institutions in United States that offer courses in management of range lands. Montana State University, University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, Texas A and M University are some of the major universities in United States that provide excellent bachelor-level and post-graduate courses in range management. As the specialization of range ecology and management has good career prospects with various government and ecological organizations, the number of students opting for range management course has been continuously on the rise.

With personal computer and internet becoming common household accessories, the idea of distance education has gained a new dimension. Many technologically advanced universities started providing online learning facility for their regular courses. A student can register himself or herself through the official website of the university and select a course that he or she wants to study. The university then sends notes and lectures through e-mail. Some universities even arrange video conferencing facility for simulating real-life class-room learning atmosphere. Although range ecology and its management is not a common and conventional specialization like bio-technology or molecular physics, there are several universities that allow students to pursue studies on range ecology and its management through internet.

The Animal and Range Sciences Department of Montana State University provides an excellent online degree course on range ecology. The department offers diverse research and training material in range ecology, habitat management, watershed management, grazing management and plant-animal interactions. University of Idaho also offers an online degree course on range ecology. Similarly Oregon State University provides an online degree course and management with a curriculum that is intended to prepare students to think about the range ecology critically and comprehend the mutually beneficial interactions between living species and soil. Colorado State University has a bachelor-level study program and management that emphasizes on biodiversity, environmental ethics, environmental planning, and range management.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about online ecology courses, please visit Ecology for Students for current articles and discussions.