Ames, Iowa
July 26, 2007
This week
Iowa State University began
offering the first class in its new global master's degree in
seed technology and business.
The interdisciplinary degree is a cooperative effort between the
colleges of Business and Agriculture and Life Sciences. It
combines business courses similar to those in the first year of
a master's of business administration program with classes
relating to scientific and technical subjects in seed and
genetic improvement. Classes are offered through the Internet.
"We are excited to have this new multi-college interdepartmental
program under way," said Manjit Misra, director of the Seed
Science Center. "This program integrates technical and business
subjects into a single graduate program for seed that does not
exist anywhere else. Such integration will contribute to
students' ability to make decisions in the real world".
The program has attracted 23 students from the United States and
four other continents, and from a variety of seed organizations.
"The students are attracted to a program that is focused on seed
and seed-related science and technology, that's available over
the Internet and paced so that they can continue to work at
their regular jobs," said Mike Crum, associate dean of the
College of Business. "Many of the students have been sponsored
by their employers. Employers are interested in new educational
approaches that will prepare students to undertake innovative
roles in their organizations and in the seed sector."
The program's scope is global in keeping with changes in the
marketplace for seed.
"All around the world the seed industry is in transition," said
Paul Christensen, program manager. "In the developing world, the
roles of governments in seed are changing, and that's changing
the roles of others involved. Everywhere, technology is changing
seed opportunities for all those involved in the seed sector.
These changes are increasing the need for well-prepared,
informed decision-makers."
Students participating in the master's program are required to
complete 36 credits of coursework, including three credits for
the creative component. Two graduate certificates, one in seed
science and technology and one in seed business management, also
are being offered as part of the program. The certificates are
designed to enhance students existing experience and training.
Additional information is available at:
http://www.seeds.iastate.edu/class/. |
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