Online Grassland Management Graduate Certificate

The Online Grasslands Management Graduate Certificate provides current and future grassland professionals a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on 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 an M.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. 

Who will benefit from this 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 Grassland 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.

"Great Plains 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, student in the grassland management graduate certificate program

What will I learn from this certificate 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. program.

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

AG IDEA Student Handbook

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

This graduate certificate provides current and future grassland professionals a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on conservation, utilization, and sustainability of managed grassland systems.  

Course List for Grassland Management Certificate