Grassland Management Certificate

Program Coordinator/Contact

Alexander (Sandy) Smart, Assistant Department Head and Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory 138, Box 2140B
605-688-6121

Program Information

Grasslands represent a fundamental resource of the region that determines the environmental and economic future of the Great Plains. Many of the managers or advisors on these grasslands have B.S. degrees in natural resources or agriculture and want to further develop their expertise in grassland management through university programs. However, constraints associated with their work schedule and responsibilities limit their ability to pursue conventional on-campus coursework and graduate degrees. The Grassland Management Graduate Certificate Program was developed to address the needs of working professionals as well as other students interested in distance education opportunities. Students will interact with their institutional advisors to develop a plan of study most beneficial to the student. Coursework may be transferred in on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the student’s advisor.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Effectively use oral and written communications to convey knowledge of grassland management.
• Demonstrate high level of analytical and critical thinking skills to enable problem solving in grassland management.
• Demonstrate quantitative skills including field sampling and data interpretation for effective analysis and management of natural resources.
• Demonstrate knowledge of ecological principles as a foundation for understanding and applying principles of natural resource management.

Course Delivery Format

This program is delivered fully online through the AG*IDEA Program, an affiliate of the Great Plains IDEA, a national consortium of universities offering programs and courses in agriculture disciplines. AG*IDEA’s fully online program provides flexibility, enabling students to balance career advancement with professional, social and financial commitments.