March 21-22, 2002

 

ITEM 114-2002-R0302��� ����������� Authorization to Create a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Animal and Range Sciences; Montana State University-Bozeman

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University-Bozeman to award a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Animal and Range Sciences.

 

EXPLANATION:����������������������� The Department of Animal and Range Science at Montana State University seeks to initiate an academic program leading to a Ph.D. in Animal and Range Sciences.� Faculty, staff and resources position the department to deliver a unique program that: 1) exploits a multi-disciplinary scientific approach to the dynamic interactions between livestock production/marketing systems and natural resource management, and 2) prepares leaders to address some of the most critical issues facing livestock production and natural resource management in Montana and the Northwest.� Two options will emphasize scientific discovery, synthesis and application, with research projects ranging from fundamental to applied, molecular to landscapes.� The Animal Science Option revolves around range livestock production, value-added animal products, and value-based marketing.� The Range Science Option focuses on rangeland plant, soil, water, livestock and wildlife ecology.� Nineteen professors holding Ph.D. degrees will deliver the program.� Currently, four Ph.D. students are being trained in collaboration with other units, three new students are ready to start programs, and current grants could support five Ph.D. students.� A variety of domestic and international employment opportunities exist for graduates.�

 

No additional faculty or staff are needed to deliver the program.� Added operating expenses will be covered by:� 1) reallocation of some resources from our M.S. program, and 2) grants and contracts.� Livestock and range resources of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station are excellent, while library, laboratory and office resources are adequate to launch the program.� A Ph.D. program will greatly improve the department's ability to: 1) fill open faculty positions with the best scientists available, 2) recruit more students into academic programs, and 3) secure more extramural funding.