April 12, 2007

Virginia Tech offers online master’s degree in agriculture

BLACKSBURG—This harvest season some Virginia farmers might also be sowing seeds of knowledge to advance their careers.

Starting this fall, Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will offer an online master’s degree program in agriculture and life sciences for working professionals.

“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. “Students in the program will be able to work full time while they complete their degree at their pace.”

The college initially will offer five concentrations within the online degree program: biosecurity, bioregulations and public health; environmental science; education; plant science and pest management; and food safety. Requirements to earn the degree include 30 hours of coursework, as well as a project and report that the student must defend orally.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest farm organization, welcomed the announcement about the new program, said Andrew Smith, VFBF senior assistant director of governmental relations. The federation is a longtime supporter of agricultural programs at Virginia Tech.

“Too often in our industry individuals who have a desire to broaden their horizons are unable to access an advanced degree program in their chosen field,” Smith said. “Distance creates a huge barrier, especially once someone has begun their career.”

He called the new online program a bold and positive move with the potential to advance agriculture in Virginia as a whole.

“The industry of agriculture, though one of the oldest industries, continues to grow and mature,” he said. “The need for those who have continued their education beyond a bachelor’s degree is great. Advanced degrees not only benefit individuals with their career path, but also broaden the economic opportunities for our entire industry.”

For more information about the online master’s program, visit www.online.cals.vt.edu/masters.

Contact Smith at 804-290-1021 or Mack at 540-231-6879.