Blacksburg, Virginia
April 9, 2007
Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is
expanding its educational opportunities to include an online
master's degree program in agriculture and life sciences for
working professionals and others who are not able to participate
in an on-campus learning experience.
The degree program, which will provide broad, scientific-based
courses for professionals in agriculture, life sciences, and
related fields, will begin in fall 2007. Upon successful
completion of the program requirements, students will earn a
Master of Science degree in agriculture and life sciences.
"This online degree program will provide educational
opportunities currently unavailable to place-bound professionals
wanting to pursue an advanced degree. Our unique program
provides professionals the flexibility to earn a master's degree
with focus on a career-relevant area of specialization from the
convenience of their own home," said Sharron Quisenberry, dean
of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Over time, we
will be able to expand program areas, and thus, expand the
educational capabilities of the college and the university to
benefit professionals interested in a quality online education."
Students can choose from five concentrations: biosecurity,
bioregulations and public health; food safety; environmental
science; education; and plant science and pest management.
All courses will be offered in a distance-delivered format to
provide students the flexibility to study at their own pace.
"Offering the program entirely online makes it more accessible
for people already working in life sciences, agriculture, and
other related industries," said Tim Mack, associate dean for
Information Technology and Distance Learning in the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Students in the program will be
able to work full time while they complete their degree at their
pace."
The American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC) Degree and
Program Database lists 11 advanced online degree programs that
are offered nationally at other universities in the general
areas of food and agriculture. According to Mack, Virginia
Tech's online master's degree program offers a unique set of
concentrations that are different from what is offered by the
other online programs.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited
institution and have a 3.0 grade point average (4-point scale)
unless there are documented extenuating circumstances. Students
will be required to complete 30 hours of approved coursework,
plus a project and report, to earn the degree.
A student could complete the degree in about four years,
assuming he or she takes one or two courses per semester. All
students must orally defend their reports in a meeting with
their advisory committee.
For more information about the Agriculture and Life Sciences
master's degree program or to apply, visit the Online Masters of
Agricultural and Life Sciences webpage (http://www.online.cals.vt.edu/masters)
or contact Tim Mack, associate
dean for Information Technology and Distance Education, at (540)
231-6879.
Nationally ranked among the top research institutions of its
kind, Virginia Tech's College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences focuses on the science and
business of living systems through learning, discovery, and
engagement. The college's comprehensive curriculum gives more
than 2,200 students in a dozen academic departments a balanced
education that ranges from food and fiber production to
economics to human health. Students learn from the world's
leading agricultural scientists, who bring the latest science
and technology into the classroom. |
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