Prospective Students
Why Study with BRI?
It is our mission to conserve the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert borderlands through research, education, and outreach. Here, we turn research into action and students into professionals. Sul Ross State University’s education programs are already experiential, and BRI takes it further.
“I feel so fortunate to have landed here, because BRI has such an incredible reputation, and I know firsthand what a helpful and supportive environment this is. I would advise any student who may be considering pursuing a master’s degree at BRI to go for it!”
SRSU is known for its immersive, hands-on learning. As an academic unit of SRSU, BRI builds on that foundation by offering students authentic conservation experience that extends past the classroom and into the field. Whether you’re interested in an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the following skills through BRI:
- Research experience through participation in wildlife and rangeland conservation projects
- Field-based data collection including wildlife surveys and vegetation monitoring
- Use of modern tools and technology, such as GIS programs and data management software
- Research design and analysis, from developing questions to interpreting ecological data
- Science communication skills including technical writing, presentations, and public outreach
- Problem-solving and critical thinking applied to land and wildlife management challenges
- Teamwork and leadership in field crews and research teams
ACADEMIC PATHWAY
Undergraduate Program
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management are well prepared for entry-level and mid-level positions such as ranch manager or assistant ranch manager, conservation educator, research technician, wildlife or rangeland field technician, or natural resource specialist with private landowners, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and state or federal agencies. With additional professional experience or by pairing the undergraduate degree with a master’s degree, alumni can advance into leadership and decision-making roles.
Undergraduate students at Sul Ross State University have unique opportunities to engage with the Borderlands Research Institute while completing their degree. Through volunteer positions and the Borderlands Undergraduate Mentorship Program, students can work alongside BRI researchers and graduate students on active field projects across the Trans-Pecos region. Because many NRM faculty are also active researchers with BRI, students learn directly from scientists who are leading and mentoring students in both the classroom and field-based research. These experiences allow undergraduates to gain hands-on training in wildlife and habitat research methods while building professional skills and relationships.
BS in Natural Resource Mgmt, Conservation Biology
BS in Natural Resource Mgmt, Range and Wildlife ManagementGraduate Program
Alumni of the master’s program in Range and Wildlife Management are ready to step into leadership and decision-making roles. These may include wildlife biologist, range conservationist, research scientist, or program management roles that shape conservation strategies at local and regional levels. Through advanced training in applied research, data analysis, and science-based management, students are equipped with both technical knowledge and practical experience to begin impactful professional careers in the range and wildlife management field. Currently, BRI graduates influence wildlife management decisions on over 31 million acres in Texas, some 20% of the state’s acreage.
Master’s students at Sul Ross State University engage directly with the Borderlands Research Institute as an integral part of their graduate experience. Faculty in the Range and Wildlife Management program are also active BRI researchers, allowing students to work closely with professors on applied research projects. This close integration provides graduate students with professional mentorship, access to long-term datasets, and opportunities to collaborate with landowners, agencies, and conservation partners.
MS in Range & Wildlife Mgmt
 Undergraduate |
 Graduate |
|
|---|---|---|
| Degree Level | Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Natural Resource Management | Master of Science (M.S.) in Range and Wildlife Management |
| Focus | Broad foundation in natural resource systems, conservation, and land management | Advanced study of rangeland and wildlife systems with an emphasis on applied research and management |
| Emphasis | Core scientific principles, field skills, and practical applications | Tailored research project, data analysis, critical thinking, and advanced management strategies |
| Role of Research | Introductory exposure to research and applied projects | In-depth research often leading to a thesis or publishable work |
| Preparation For | Entry-level positions as an assistant or technician | Leadership roles, specialized positions, or further academic study |
MAP
This map highlights where BRI graduates have taken their education and experience, showcasing the wide reach of our alumni. From local roles in West Texas to positions across the country and even Japan, this map reflects how BRI training prepares students to contribute to natural resource management, research, conservation, and related fields in a variety of settings.
Student Experience
Students working with the Borderlands Research Institute gain hands-on experience through applied research, fieldwork, and community-engaged projects. From monitoring wildlife populations and assessing rangeland health to studying water resources and land-use practices, students can be actively involved in projects that address real-world natural resource challenges facing West Texas.
Through close mentorship with faculty and researchers, students develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and science communication while working in diverse field settings. These experiences prepare students for careers in natural resource management, conservation, and research, while offering opportunities to contribute to solutions that support working lands, wildlife, and communities.
“I was trying to figure out what I was going to do career-wise and where I would go to school. I learned about wildlife biology from the Big Bend National Park rangers, and I decided right then and there that I wanted to do something that puts me outside in a beautiful place like West Texas.”
Studying in Alpine means experiencing the benefits of a close-knit, small-town community where the student population is small and individual attention from faculty and mentors is a big part of a student’s experience. Nestled in the scenic high desert valley in the Big Bend region of Texas, Alpine blends a relaxed pace of life with rich cultural and outdoor opportunities, such as browsing local shops to catching live music, community events, and small-town baseball at historic Kokernot Field.
With easy access to natural attractions like Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, and world-renowned dark skies for stargazing, students find both inspiration and balance here. The town’s arts, festivals, and social scene complement academic life, creating a welcoming environment that supports personal growth, community connections, and unforgettable West Texas experiences.