2011-2012 Catalog
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
Master of Science Degree in Agricultural and Consumer Resources
This degree, offered in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Sciences is specifically designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Services and Development. It may also be advantageous for those who have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in an agricultural discipline and who desire to complete the requirements for a teaching certificate and a master's degree simultaneously. Professional agriculturalists of numerous occupations may find the degree appealing because of the flexibility of taking courses in one or more disciplines that best meet the needs of the agricultural professional. The major objective is to increase the professional competence of teachers of agriculture, extension agents, and others pursuing professional agricultural careers. This degree is offered both on campus and online.
Basic Degree Requirements
The degree offers students the option of a non-thesis or thesis program.
Non-Thesis Option
The typical curriculum for the non-thesis program comprises A CR 502, 520, 521, 540, 586, 598 and 599, ENTO 506, 516 and electives with a total of 36 hours of course work required for the degree. Non-thesis option students are required to complete a major project related to the agricultural and consumer resources area. The major project will be selected in cooperation with the committee chair and carried out with the approval of the remaining committee members.
Research Requirement. A CR 598 is required of all candidates for the master's degree. A student may also take as many as 6 credit hours of A CR 586 with approval of the student's advisor.
Comprehensive Examination General Policies. An oral presentation of the major project will be included during the oral examination process for non-thesis graduate students. A failed examination may be rescheduled with approval of committee.
Thesis Option
The typical curriculum for the thesis degree program involves an original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member and the preparation of a thesis in addition to prescribed course work. The degree may have a major advantage for students who plan further graduate study at the PhD level. Generally, students complete 18-21 hours of courses in agricultural education in addition to supporting course work for a total of 36 hours.
Research Requirement. A CR 598, 599, and 6 hours credit of 588 are required of all candidates.
Comprehensive Examination. Upon completion of the thesis, a final oral examination is scheduled with the advisory committee. Major emphasis will be directed toward defense of the thesis, although the examination will also include course work materials.
The oral examination may be attempted once per regular semester or summer. If the oral examination performance is not acceptable on first attempt, the specific area(s) of weakness will be identified to the candidate so that corrective action (additional review or required course work) may be taken before the next attempt.