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Texas Tech University

Master of Science in
Ranch Management

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Where Managing Natural Resources Meets the Future of Ranching

As national and global populations continue to grow, the coupling of livestock production with wildlife management in holistic ranch management approaches has become paramount. Therefore, the next generation of ranch managers must be well trained in the best practices and application of appropriate skills to ensure the tradition and relevance of ranching in the western U.S.

Our goal is to build a relevant, stakeholder-driven graduate ranch management program that emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning.

This program is specifically designed to include formal classes in:

  • Wildlife
  • Range and ranch management
  • Animal science
  • Ag business
  • Leadership
  • Presentations from industry-leading guest speakers
  • Hands-on experience through capstone internships with partner ranches across the Western United States.
This graduate degree combines natural resources management, economics and animal science into one comprehensive program. Students will join a two-year program in which they will earn a masters degree through classroom training and boots-on-the-ground experience with real working ranches.

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Required Internship

Based on recommendations from the 15-member TTU Ranch Management Advisory Board, Master’s in Ranch Management students are required to complete two six-month internships on ranches mutually agreed upon by the Master’s student and Dr. Rusk. Following are two sequences students can follow to complete the two required internships:

  1. Upon completing the academic coursework during two consecutive semesters on the Texas Tech University campus, Master’s in Ranch Management students will spend 6 months on each of two ranches gaining boots-on-the-ground ranching experience by working as an intern for an experienced ranch manager/owner.
  1. Prior to coming to Texas Tech University for two semesters of classroom training, Master’s in Ranch Management students will spend 6 months on a ranch gaining boots-on-the-ground ranching experience by working as an intern for an experienced ranch manager/owner. After completing this ranch management internship, Master’s in Ranch Management students will come to Texas Tech University for two semesters to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of academic coursework.

Once students have been accepted into the TTU Master’s in Ranch Management Program, Dr. Rusk will consult with them about the two sequences listed above, and a determination will be made regarding which sequence each student will follow. 

Students are required to commit to at least six months of work on each ranch. Compensation consists of a monthly payment of $1000 or more, housing, and workers' compensation insurance provided by the ranch.

Students will interact regularly with the ranch owner/manager to discuss ranch decisions and provide input. At each ranch, students are required to formulate a comprehensive ranch management plan aimed at enhancing the overall profitability of the ranch. Dr. Rusk will be available for consultations regarding student proposals and to provide guidance. The completed ranch management plan will then be presented to the ranch owner/manager when the internship is complete.

Scholarship

Every M.S. student in Ranch Management will receive scholarships to cover tuition and offset fees and living expenses.

Ready to take the next step?

To learn more about this program, contact Dr. Clint Rusk.

Clint Rusk, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Ranch Management Program
clrusk@ttu.edu 
(806) 834-7619
Goddard, Room 204

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