PUllman, Washington
April 22, 2008
Washington State University, the first institution in the
country to offer an academic major in organic agriculture, is
now offering the nation’s first online certificate in organic
agriculture.
“The U.S. organic food industry has grown at a rate of 20 to 30
percent each year for more than a decade and is really
challenged to find employees who understand the unique
approaches used in organic agriculture,” said Kim Kidwell,
associate dean for academic programs in the College of
Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “Those who
complete the certificate will hold the credential they need to
succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries in the
country.”
Kidwell noted that many of those working in agriculture in
Washington and throughout the United States already hold a
bachelor’s degree, but may wish to expand their skill set to
include organic agriculture. “This certificate fills that need,”
she said.
The program’s first core course, Soils 101, “Organic Gardening
and Farming,” will be available summer semester, which begins
May 5. The foundation course was developed by WSU Regents
Professor John Reganold, an international leader in organic
agriculture.
Admission to WSU is required to enroll in courses and to earn
the certificate, and participants may apply as non-degree
seeking students. More information is available at WSU’s Center
for Distance and Professional Education Web site at
online.wsu.edu or by calling (800) 222-4978.
Other courses in the program focus on topics ranging from
economics and resolving environmental conflicts to ecological
soil management and crop growth and development. The program
also includes an “on ground” practicum or professional
internship in organic agriculture.
CDPE Director Janet Kendall said offering the organic
agriculture courses online makes them available to a global
audience. “Anyone from around the state or around the world with
an interest in organic agriculture can participate. As long as
they have Internet access, they can take courses,” she said.
Students at WSU campuses also can pursue the online certificate.
“We anticipate that many students in a variety of disciplines
will find value in adding this certificate to their course of
study,” Kendall said. |
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