Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at Montana State University!
Click here to view our online brochure and printable download.
Why Animal and Range Sciences?
Our well-respected undergraduate programs are designed to introduce you to a wide range of agricultural and natural resource courses and options in animal science, ranching systems, and natural resources and rangeland ecology that can serve as a springboard to many opportunities — some you may have already considered and others you might not know are possible.
This past fall, the Department of Animal and Range Sciences saw an 11% increase in enrollment, the largest increase of any other department at Montana State University.
Our faculty and staff are dedicated to all aspects of the animal production industry, including livestock, water, range and pasture, wildlife management, nutrition, reproduction, and meat products. Through engaging course instruction — inside and outside of the classroom — we pass this dedication onto our students.
We place the highest priority on student education and career advancement, evidenced by our robust curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, investment in facilities and field laboratories, low student-instructor ratio, and our commitment to helping students gain valuable work experience.
Graduates of our programs find meaningful and impactful careers that combine their interests, skills and knowledge. Take a look at our career page for some examples.
We offer Bachelor of Science degrees in:
Animal Science: Major and Minor
- Livestock Management and Industry Option Requirements
- Science Option Requirements
- Equine Science Option Requirements
- Animal Science Minor (Non-teaching) Requirements
- Genetics Minor (Non-teaching) Requirements
Natural Resources & Rangeland Ecology: Major & Minor
- Rangeland Ecology and Management Requirements
- Wildlife Habitat Ecology and Management Requirements
- Rangeland Ecology Minor (Non-teaching) Requirements
Dan Scott Ranch Managment Program
Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Our department offers undergraduate courses in the following areas:
- Animal Science (ANSC)
- Equine Horsemanship (EQUH)
- Equine Science (EQUS)
- Natural Resources Science and Management (NRSM)
- Fish & Wildlife Science and Management (WILD)
Worried About Expenses?
The College of Agriculture offers more scholarships than any other college at MSU's Bozeman campus. Priority applications are by due February 1.
Visit Us
We invite you to tour our department and facilities, visit with faculty, students and staff, explore our vibrant campus, sit in on our engaging classes, and check out our comfortable residence halls.
For more information about our degree programs or to schedule a visit, contact:

Denise Thompson
Animal & Range Sciences
Montana State University
P.O. Box 172900
Bozeman, MT 59717-2900
(406) 994-5582
About MSU and Bozeman
Montana State University is a top-tier research university located in beautiful Bozeman, a city with a small-town vibe and big-city amenities. With a stunning backdrop of mountains, myriad fishing and hunting opportunities, ample powder for ski enthusiasts, hiking and biking trails around every corner, world-class museums, a vibrant nightlife, locally owned restaurants, and Yellowstone National Park in our backyard, it's easy to see why MSU and Bozeman consistently appear high on "best of" lists ranking educational institutions and quality of life.
Recent mentions include:
- Top 10 Military Friendly School: Military.Friendly.com (2023)
- Best Global Universities: U.S. News & World Reports (2021)
- Best National Universities: U.S. News & World Reports(2021)
- Best Places to Live: Livability (2022)
- Best College for Outdoor Adventurers: College Choice (2020)
- America's Top Colleges:Forbes (2018)
- America's Best Value Colleges: Forbes (2018)