Master's Program
Be part of a legacy.
The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) offers the premier Master of Science in Ranch Management degree. We teach those with ranching experience to become progressive leaders and exceptional managers. The curriculum and instruction at KRIRM prepares graduate students to manage complex ranching operations, and to positively impact the lives of people on those ranches and in the communities the ranches support.
The Master of Science in Ranch Management program is built around a model of systems thinking and is designed to broaden the skills and comfort zone of our students. This multi-disciplinary, systems approach allows students to understand the interconnectedness of every aspect in the ranching business. Our curriculum sharpens students’ skills and knowledge in the areas of animal science, wildlife science, range science, business, accounting, finance, and leadership.
Graduate Curriculum
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
External Learning Opportunities
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.
External learning opportunities include summer internships at ranches across the United States, projects that focus on real issues facing our partnering ranches, and workshops with industry professionals that cover a variety of ranch-related topics. During the final semester, students focus their efforts on an in-depth capstone project with a partnering ranch.
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.
Event 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
- Holt Cat® Symposium on Excellence in Ranch Management
Admission Requirements
- B.S. degree with adequate course work in the field of interest
- 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
- While prior experience is not required, preference will be given to applicants with ranch work/management experience
Application Process
The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management teaches those with ranching experience to become progressive leaders and exceptional managers.
Accepting applications from December 1st through March 31st
Submission Materials Needed:
- Statement of Purpose/Cover Letter
- Resume or CV
- Three Recommendation Letters
- You will add recommender email addresses and the recommender will be prompted to upload letter.
- Unofficial Transcript(s)
- Must submit transcripts from EVERY college/university you have received college credits from
If you are interested in applying to the program, please visit the Application Guide below:
Scholarships
All KRIRM students will receive a fellowship worth $48,000 to $54,000 annually.
Alumni Testimonials
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