The KRIRM curriculum requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours of graduate coursework in animal science, wildlife science, range science, business accounting, and finance.

Graduate curriculum may include, but is not limited to:

• Ranch Management
• Animal Science
• Systems Approach to Natural Resources Problem Solving
• Statistics

• Managerial Accounting
• Managerial Finance
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Advanced Range Livestock Production

• Theoretical Ecology of Large Mammals
• Information Systems Management
• Practicum in Ranch Management
• Habitat Management

"The fact that the foundation of the KRIRM program is Systems Thinking has proven invaluable to me, both in my role as ranch owner/manager and in my career in agricultural insurance. Systems Thinking teaches you to look for connections and to always keep the big picture in mind, which is helpful when managing people, natural resources, and animals."

- Jen Livsey, KRIRM Class of 2011; Co-Owner, Flying Diamond Ranch, CO

Students will attend lectureships offered through KRIRM’s outreach program. These events may take the form of weekly seminars, short-courses, or special one-time presentations. Students should expect to complete all of the below listed lectureships during the 2-year degree plan.

Lectureship topics may include:

• Real Estate Law for Ranchers
• Systems Thinking in Natural Resource Management
• Managing the Cow-Calf Business

• Prescribed Burning
• Grazing Management
• Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle

• Brush Management
• Managing Farm & Ranch Employees
• Equine Management
• Managing the Wildlife Enterprise

Students will be exposed to top industry experts as they discuss pertinent issues in ranch management. Students will also participate in the coordination and hosting of the annual event, which provides additional networking opportunities with symposium participants and speakers.

We serve the ranching industry by enlisting our student’s practical ranch management experience and in-depth training in business management to tackle real challenges and opportunities for operations across North America. These case studies allow our students to learn while serving as consultants and providing credible solutions for industry stakeholders. This extracurricular service-learning approach is at the core of the KRIRM model for education and outreach.

• B.S. degree with adequate course work in the field of interest
• Ranch management experience of at least 2 years is required; 5 to 10 years of experience is preferred
• A minimum score of 288 (verbal + quantitative) on the GRE
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Acceptance by a KRIRM graduate faculty member to guide the student’s program and serve as their major advisor
• Leveling courses may be required in areas where the applicant’s background is deficient

The King Ranch^® Institute for Ranch Management recruits mature and experienced students for its program. We encourage recent B.S. graduates to obtain at least 2 years of work experience in the ranching business before applying to KRIRM. We accept applications from December 1^st through March 31^st, and new students are selected in April each year. New students begin classes in August.

"After graduating with my bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State, I didn’t give any consideration to graduate school for 10 years. It was only when I realized that the opportunities for upward movement were extremely limited did I consider furthering my education. Spending two years at KRIRM isn’t exactly like putting your career on hold, it’s ultimately fast forwarding it by 10 years."

- Hank Willemsma, KRIRM Class of 2018; Ranch Manager, Matador Ranch, MT

If you are interested in applying to the program, please provide the following:

• A cover letter introducing yourself, describing your background, and explaining why you are interested in a ranching career
• Official copy of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts
• GRE score
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Résumé

Send application materials to:

King Ranch^® Institute for Ranch Management | Texas A&M University-Kingsville
700 University Blvd., MSC 137 | Kingsville, Texas 78363

The selection process is two-fold:

• Students must first be accepted into the KRIRM program by an appointed committee including members of the KRIRM Management Council.
• Students must then be accepted into the College of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Students must apply to TAMUK through the TAMUK Office of Admission and submit their Texas Online Application, official copy of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts, and GRE scores.

Selected candidates will receive scholarships totaling $96,000-$108,000 during their two-year enrollment in the program.