A person wearing a cowboy hat on horseback rides on the plains, silhoutted against the sky at dusk.

Ranching Systems

Explore topics in animal science, natural resource management, economics, business and communication with hands-on classroom and internship experiences to create well-rounded graduates ready to lead 21st century ranching enterprises.

Dan Scott Ranch Management Program – B.S. in Ranching Systems

The Ranching Systems degree through the Dan Scott Ranch Management program at Montana State prepares students for 21st century ranching by arming them with the diverse set of skills needed to adapt and innovate one of Montana’s most critical industries. The program is based on a systems-level approach that integrates coursework and hands-on learning in animal production, natural resource management, economics and business, as well as applied skills such as communication, lifelong learning and critical thinking in a student-centered curriculum.

 

 

The Dan Scott Ranch Management program at Montana State, launched in 2019, is the first program of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region. In addition to offering a degree in Ranching Systems, the program also offers outreach workshops and professional networking opportunities for the ranching community in Montana.

 

 

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Hands-On Experience
All students accepted into the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program are paired with working Montana ranches for two summer-long internships.

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The BART Farm
The 400-acre Bozeman Area Research & Teaching (BART) Farm is less than one mile from campus.

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University of the Yellowstone™
Montana State students make Montana, including nearby Yellowstone National Park, their classroom, laboratory and playground.

 

 

 

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment, and career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Careers

Ranching Systems graduates from Montana State University will be prepared for careers in:

  • Ranch Management
  • Livestock Marketing
  • Livestock Breeding
  • Natural Resource Management

To explore more career possibilities, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success has a variety of tools available, including self-assessment and working with career coaches.