Grassland Management Certificate

Location(s): Online

Students walking through grass.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Michele Dudash, 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.

Course Delivery Format

This program is delivered fully online through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a national consortium of universities offering programs and courses in agriculture disciplines. IDEA’s fully online program provides flexibility, enabling students to balance career advancement with professional, social, and financial commitments.

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.

Certificate Requirements

Complete a minimum of 12 credits from the following courses:

RANG 510 - Grassland Monitor and Assessment Credits: 2
RANG 520 - Watershed Management Credits: 3
RANG 521 - Grassland Fire Ecology Credits: 3
RANG 530 - Ecology of Invasive Species Credits: 3
RANG 540 - Grassland Plant Identification Credits: 2
RANG 710 - Principles of Forage Quality Credits: 3
RANG 750 - Grazing Ecology and Management Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 12

Additional Admission Requirements

TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

Additional Information

Students enrolled in SDSU certificate programs are not eligible for federal student financial aid. The non-federal alternative loan programs may be used for students meeting the lender criteria as found at www.sdstate.edu (search alternative loans). For further information, please contact the SDSU financial aid office at 605-688-4695 or finaid@sdstate.edu.