International Agriculture

The Master of International Agriculture Program is a multidisciplinary degree program, preparing students for successful careers in global agriculture. Blending theory, practical knowledge, and hands-on experience, the program prepares students to make significant contributions to the field of international agriculture. There are two degree options within the Master of International Agriculture Program: Master of Agriculture and Master of Science.

The Master of Science in International Agriculture program accommodates those students who prefer to take theoretical courses preparing them for research. This program will provide students with the theoretical, science and research backgrounds necessary to design, implement, and manage agricultural programs in developed and developing countries. It allows participants to blend theory and practice to improve the lives of people.

A Master of Agriculture in International Agriculture prepares candidates for positions in the public and private sectors related to international agricultural development and marketing. Graduates work in international agribusinesses, non-profit organizations, development agencies, government and diplomatic service, education, agricultural extension, agricultural trade associations and commodity groups, and other positions in global agriculture.

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in Agriculture or a related field is required for admission. The candidate must meet requirements for acceptance into the Graduate College and be recommended by the departmental graduate committee responsible for the program.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for this degree are the same as those listed in the Catalog, Graduate College section, under "The Master's Degree."

In addition, each candidate approved for study under this program will be assigned an advisor, who will assist the student will developing an advisory committee with whom he or she will develop a plan of study in accordance with guidelines and requirements established in the department responsible for the program.

Karl Rich, PhD—Professor and Director

Master of Agriculture in International Agriculture (MAIA)

The Master of Agriculture in International Agriculture (MAIA) is a multidisciplinary degree program that provides students with the diverse background necessary to design, implement and manage agricultural programs in developed and developing areas. The program prepares candidates for positions in the public and private sectors related to international agricultural development and marketing. Graduates work in international agribusinesses, non-profit organizations, development agencies, government and diplomatic service, education, agricultural extension, agricultural trade associations and commodity groups and other positions in global agriculture. Others pursue a personal desire to make a difference in the world by doing agricultural development work in a developing country or working in areas recovering from a natural disaster. The MAIA is for students who prefer to blend theory and practice to improve the lives of people, develop professional skills and network through an international agricultural experience, develop a focus area to support professional goals, develop broader understanding of world cultures and issues, and engage in international travel.

Two alternatives exist for satisfying requirements for the MAIA degree:

1. 36 credit hours and a creative component, or

2. 36 credit hours, including six hours for a professional internship.

A minimum of 21 credit hours must be earned at the 5000-level or above. The creative component or professional internship are expected to be in the area of international agriculture. Each student must take a minimum of 14 semester credit hours of approved core courses and a minimum of 22 semester credit hours of focus area courses. Each student is required to complete an international experience of four weeks or longer.

Master of Science in International Agriculture (MSIA)

The Master of Science in International Agriculture is designed to prepare candidates for positions in the public and private sectors related to agricultural sciences and natural resources or for continuation into a doctoral program. The MSIA accommodates those students who prefer to take theoretical courses preparing them for research. This program will provide students with the theoretical, science and research background necessary to design, implement and manage agricultural programs in developed and developing countries. It allows participants to blend theory and practice to improve the lives of people. Advanced study leading to the Master of Science degree in the field of International Agriculture prepares students for such professional careers as business analyst; international trade and development specialist; college-level educator; agricultural extension specialist; and a professional working with non-profit organizations, government sectors, and agricultural commodity groups. The program is multidisciplinary allowing students the freedom to focus on the area of study they choose.

Three alternatives exist for satisfying requirements for the MSIA degree:

1. 30 credit hours, consisting of 24 hours of coursework and six hours for a thesis

2. 32 credit hours, consisting of 30 hours of coursework and two hours of formal report

3. 32 credit hours, consisting of 30 hours of coursework and two hours for a creative component

Degree candidates are expected to conduct research related to a topic on international agriculture. The requirements include one course in statistics or quantitative/qualitative analysis and one course in research methodology. Each student is required to complete an international experience of four weeks or longer.