Grasslands (including rangelands, pasturelands, and haylands) are the principal land resource type in the Great Plains, comprising 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.

• Rangeland Management Specialist/Conservationist – government agencies
• Land Steward – private organizations
• Ranch Manager
• Extension Educator
• Environmental Consultant
• Co-op Manager

The program is a 12-credit graduate certificate.

• Grassland Fire Ecology (3 credits)
• Grassland Monitoring and Assessment (2 credits)
• Grassland Plant Identification (2 credits)
• Grazing Ecology and Management (3 credits)
• Principles of Forage Quality & Evaluation for Grazing Livestock (3 credits)
• Watershed Management (3 credits)
• Ecology of Invasive Species (3 credits)

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