Ranching Systems Degree Student Application | 2027 Graduation Cohort

2024 Application Period: Oct. 1 - 15, 2024

The Ranching Systems Degree at Montana State University is a limited enrollment program with the goal of providing the high-quality, individually tailored educational opportunities to prepare students with the diverse array of skills in livestock production, rangeland ecology, business management and human resources needed by today’s ranch managers.

Application is open to sophomore students who have a minimum of 36 credits (including currently enrolled classes) in courses related to the Ranching Systems degree plan and have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better. If you have questions about your eligibility to apply, please contact Rachel Frost, frost@montana.edu.

Ranching Systems Degree Application Instructions 

The application process is a time for examining and expressing one’s commitment to the program, expectations of the experience, and career objectives. Remember, the application process is focused on potential, rather than immediate qualifications. Do not try to exaggerate previous experience or skills. The truth is the absolute best currency in the application process.

TIPS: Read the application carefully and follow directions completely! The Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success can help you with resume preparation. The MSU Writing Center can help with essay questions and cover letters. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources. 

1. Review the application instructions below or download them by clicking this link.

2.  Print and Complete the Application and Skills Assessment

3. Combine all required application files in the order below into a single pdf file and submit applications via email to the program lead by 11:59 of the final due date. Send completed applications to Rachel Frost, frost@montana.edu

  1. Cover Letter – introduce yourself and describe your background (both on and off-ranch). Tell us why you chose to apply for the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. What are your career goals and how will a B.S in Ranching Systems prepare you to achieve those goals?
  2. Résumé – limit to two pages; use the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success for feedback and proofing
  3. Application form – set of general questions, essay questions and skills assessment to be answered by all applicants. The form should be downloaded from the DSRMP Application page. The form is a Word document that you can input answers to directly.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives, (at least one letter should be from a previous employer / supervisor). A description of the ranching systems degree can be downloaded here.
  5. Current transcripts – include all secondary schools attended (these can be unofficial)

  • October 1st, 2024 - Applications open for admittance to Ranching Systems Program (2027 Cohort)
  • October 15th, 2024 – Applications due for Ranching Systems Program by 11:59 PM.
  • October 31, 2024 - Applicants screened as qualified or not-qualified based on their application portfolio, and GPA. Applicants reviewed by the DSRMP Steering Committee and dates set for interviews.
  • November 2024 (early in the month) - qualified applicants have in-person interview with Program Leader and Steering Committee
  • December 1, 2024 - applicants receive notification of acceptance
  • January - April 2025 – Host ranches review applications, phone interview students, and student visits the ranch. Students receive preliminary training in basic agriculture safety practices, leadership, and personal communication. Mentor orientation conducted virtually.
  • April 2025 – Students and ranches agree to site specific learning objectives and sign internship MOU.
  • May 2025 – Students begin internship.

  • Host ranches have the option to interview students for selection as an intern.
  • As much as possible, we will accommodate the needs of individual students and host ranches when pairing interns with locations.
  • We aspire to place students in locations where they will be stretched in their knowledge and experiences. When possible, students will be placed on host ranches that have different goals, management strategies, and resources than operations where they have worked previously. We presume students would prefer to be placed on a working ranch that offers maximum potential for expanding their experience and knowledge, rather than limit their learning opportunity in favor of a specific geographic preference.

Students may be dismissed from the DSRMP prior to graduation for the following reasons:

  • Failure to maintain a GPA of 2.75 (With the exception of personal or family tragedy)
  • Academic misconduct as defined by MSU Student Conduct Code
  • Engaging in any illegal activities while a DSRMP student
  • Failing an internship course

Essay Questions: (For viewing only. Download application here.)

Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. For the essay questions, be concise and limit your answers to no more than a single page for each question, double spaced in a 12- point font.

  1. ESSAY QUESTION: What do you believe are two essential professional skills that a ranch manager should possess?  What are your strengths and weaknesses relative to these skills and how will this degree program grow your strengths and help you address and overcome your weaknesses? 
  2. ESSAY QUESTION:  In your opinion, what are the two most important short-term (e.g. 2 years) and the two most pressing long-term (e.g. 10-20 years) issues / challenges facing the ranching industry in the US?
  3. ESSAY QUESTION: Acceptance into the DSRMP includes two summer sessions as an intern on a working ranch. Describe your ideal host ranch. What are your goals for the 12-week internship (what would you like to learn, what experience do you wish to gain, what skills would you like to build or acquire)? What is your plan for achieving these goals during the internship?

Skills Assessment (For viewing only. Download application and skills assessement here.)

Please check the box that best describes your experience in each of the following skills / activities:
“Competent” = can perform without supervision / help
“Have Done” = Done in the past, but would need help or additional training
“New to This” = No experience with this task or skill

Livestock Husbandry

 Competent

Have Done

New to this

 

Infrastructure

 Competent

Have Done

New to this

Horseback riding

 

 

 

 

Electric fence – set up and troubleshoot

 

 

 

Horseshoeing and / or hoof trimming

 

 

 

 

Barbed wire and net wire fencing & repair

 

 

 

Pasture roping / doctoring of livestock

 

 

 

 

Flood irrigation – ditch and dam maintenance

 

 

 

Pen roping

 

 

 

 

Pivot irrigation

 

 

 

Low-stress livestock handling

 

 

 

 

Wheel line irrigation

 

 

 

Administering vaccinations

 

 

 

 

Hand line irrigation

 

 

 

Basic wound care

 

 

 

 

Basic plumbing

 

 

 

Assisting with birth of calves / lambs

 

 

 

 

Basic electrical

 

 

 

Newborn animal care

 

 

 

 

Welding

 

 

 

Disease recognition and treatment

 

 

 

 

Carpentry

 

 

 

Heat detection for AI

 

 

 

 

Power hand tools (skillsaw, drill, impact, etc.)

 

 

 

AI breeding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intensive grazing management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Skills

 Competent

Have Done

New to this

 

Equipment operation & maintenance

 Competent

Have Done

New to this

Plant identification

 

 

 

 

Tractor

 

 

 

Rangeland monitoring

 

 

 

 

Hay equipment (swather, baler, rake)

 

 

 

Leather working / repair

 

 

 

 

Skidsteer operation

 

 

 

GPS/GIS mapping

 

 

 

 

ATV and UTV operation

 

 

 

Marketing and design

 

 

 

 

Trailer driving / backing

 

 

 

Second language

 

 

 

 

Trailer wiring

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Drive a stick shift transmission

 

 

 

Additional skills: list any skills that would be beneficial to ranch

 

 

 

 

Backhoe operation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drive a dump or semi-truck truck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change a flat tire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small engine repair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment maintenance – grease/oil, clean air filter, etc.

 

 

 

 

Montana State University Diversity Statement

Montana State University is committed to creating a culture of intellectual and personal growth. Because learning is enhanced when topics are examined from diverse perspectives and because individuals possess unique outlooks which reflect the world around us, Montana State University is dedicated to creating an inclusive community that embraces a rich mix in the composition of its student body, staff and faculty. The distinction in viewpoints that comes from differences in race, gender, age, language, socioeconomic status, religion, political affiliation and geographical background are appreciated and valued at MSU as important aspects of the campus community at every level and in every sector of the campus.

To this end, MSU welcomes international students and faculty and enthusiastically seeks engagement with peers from around the globe to expand our depth of understanding and share in the discovery of knowledge. MSU has an especially strong commitment to Native Peoples and actively engages in the development of social and educational initiatives to preserve the cultural integrity of all American Indian students, faculty and staff. MSU strives to advance the ideals of human worth and dignity for all by facilitating open discussion, supporting rational resolution of conflict and encouraging on-going examination of values.

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