Master of Science [M.S] [Agriculture] From Washington State University

The program offered by is completely web-based and can be completed from anywhere in the world, although students may choose to take courses on the Pullman campus. Outstanding faculty participation from a diverse array of academic disciplines makes the program truly interdisciplinary. Faculty are a included from animal science, crop and soil sciences, entomology, horticulture, landscape architecture, plant pathology, food science, and economic sciences. With support from an advising committee, students have the opportunity to tailor their coursework to meet their personal and professional learning goals.

To enable students to become outstanding educators and practitioners in agricultural disciplines, the program will foster the development of excellent communication and teaching skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of research approaches used to address agricultural issues.

Both non-thesis (coursework emphasis) and thesis (research emphasis) tracks are available to students pursuing the MS in Agriculture degree. The non-thesis plan is generally more suitable for distance students.

The non-thesis option requires the completion of additional coursework, preparation of an independent project paper, and an oral defense of concepts discussed in the independent project paper or immersion-based training, and relevant course work. The non-thesis option provides students who do not intend to develop comprehensive research skills with an opportunity to obtain an advanced degree of similar quality and depth as a thesis-based master’s degree program. Additional coursework and the independent project/paper or immersion-based training are substituted for the intensive thesis experience. The non-thesis option is designed for students with relevant experience in industry who are interested in expanding their expertise in a particular agricultural discipline. Knowledge acquired through this experience will likely be used by successful candidates to improve performance or expand opportunities for advancement in a current employment situation, or to support a student with redirecting their career opportunities towards a new discipline.

Students interested in a thesis plan should address this in their application ‘Statement of Purpose.’ In general, the thesis option requires both the successful completion of coursework, and the preparation and oral defense of the thesis based on a research project the student conducted. The thesis option is ideal for people who are interested in pursuing or expanding a professional career involving the scientific aspects of an agricultural discipline. The thesis plan also is suitable for individuals who intend to continue their graduate education.

Career

Graduates may find employment in government agencies, national labs, academia, private business, and agricultural consulting.

Our alumni occupy positions in business and industry, production and business management, teaching, extension, federal and state government, community colleges, school administration, and as owners of independent businesses.