Agricultural Sciences (M.S.)
https://colsa.unh.edu/agriculture-nutrition-food-systems/program/ms/agricultural-sciences
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Agricultural Sciences graduate program offered by the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS) offers a flexible course of study that provides education and research experience in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food systems, and related fields.
Emphasis is placed on acquiring basic and practical knowledge and research experience in one or more of the diverse components of plant and animal agricultural systems including: breeding and genetics, physiology, environmental interactions, organismal health, agroecology, and pathology. Student are exposed to production systems, including field based, hydroponics, and aquaculture, as well as post-harvest practices. The agricultural sciences graduate programs prepare students to become highly knowledgeable and competent in professional fields related to agriculture, and leaders in collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts to address local, regional, national and/or global agricultural issues.
With a M.S. in Agricultural Sciences, students are prepared to pursue careers in college teaching and research positions in industry and government. Students may work in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food production and distribution systems, teaching, public service, research in federal, state, and private organizations, or related fields.
The M.S. program is thesis-based, with the expectation of providing substantial research experience and the opportunity to publish new knowledge in the field of interest.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Agriculture Sciences students plan a program of study in conjunction with their advisor and Master’s Thesis Committee, including required courses and competencies. A minimum of 30 credits, including 6-10 research credits (ANFS 899 Master's Thesis), are required. A thesis proposal is developed within the first year for approval by the thesis committee. All M.S. students must write a thesis which must be accepted by the advisor(s), committee members, and the Graduate School. The degree is completed when the student has completed the required coursework, presented and passed a thesis defense, and the thesis is approved by the Master’s Thesis Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.
Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee and approved by the UNH Graduate School.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Course Requirements | ||
| ANFS 901 | Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies 1 | 1 |
| ANFS 997 | Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Seminar 2 | 1 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Competency Requirements 3 | ||
| In addition to the core requirements, students will be expected to demonstrate competency in areas of experimental design and analysis, and in scientific writing and communication. Supportive course offerings include: | ||
| BIOL 902 | Writing and Publishing Science | 2 |
| ANFS 933 | Design, Analysis, and Interpretation of Experiments | 4 |
| 1 | To be taken at the earliest opportunity, typically in the initial fall semester of the graduate program. |
| 2 | All students are required to register and participate in ANFS 997 Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Seminar (1 credit Pass/Fail) for a minimum of 3 credits. |
| 3 | Depending on the student, one or both of these competency requirements may have been fulfilled through other course work or professional experience as approved by the committee and ANFS graduate coordinator. |
Each student, in consultation with their graduate committee, will define one or more areas of informal specialization, and will take additional courses appropriate for their area(s) of specialization.
Additional Information/Requirements
All students in the Agricultural Sciences Graduate Programs are expected to present their research in ANFS departmental seminar at least twice (including the defense seminar). Students are also encouraged to present at professional conferences and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.
Annual Evaluation
The annual evaluation of graduate students ensures that students receive the mentorship they deserve and are making progress toward completion of their degrees. The annual evaluation of graduate students consists of a collaborative effort between faculty adviser and student to:
- Complete a self-assessment;
- Present a professional quality CV suitable for awards, job applications, and internships;
- Produce a narrative of service or other activities not captured on a CV;
- Develop annual goals.