Home  Programs Graduate Degree Programs Plant and Soil Sciences, M.S.
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Off-Campus Master of Science Degree in Plant and Soil Sciences
As environmental issues take center stage on global political and economic arenas, there’s more demand than ever for scientists with the ability to analyze, manage and conserve the land. This part-time program, designed for working professionals, readies you for certification as a Professional Soil Scientist and prepares you for careers in soil conservation, environmental consultancy, landscape design, agricultural management and other growing fields. Complete your coursework online from home, meeting periodically with your classmates and our award-winning faculty for short-term, hands-on training in the field. Gain technical expertise and enjoy outstanding opportunities with government research agencies, public institutions and private companies committed to sustaining the health and productivity of this vital resource. Note: Although students in this off-campus program earn their master’s degree in plant and soil sciences, the curriculum is limited to the area of soil science. Program DetailsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as geology, engineering, public health, biology, or environmental sciences. Format: Courses are offered regularly at a central Massachusetts location (often Worcester). Some courses, including soil morphology and mapping, may travel throughout southern New England. In general, two courses are offered each fall and spring, for a total of four 3-credit courses per year. Some wetland courses may be taught during the summer semester. No courses are taught during the winter break. Curriculum: Courses are generally identical to those at the Amherst campus. They are offered in rotation, enabling students to take at least 6 different courses over a two-year cycle. Regular offerings include:
Courses may not be taken pass/fail. Credits: 30 credits required to complete the program. Fees: This Master’s program requires students to take courses totaling 30 credits. The fee per credit is currently $417. There is an additional non-refundable registration fee of $45 each term. The registration fee is paid only once each term, regardless of how many courses a student enrolls in. Faculty: Instructors in the off-campus program hold advanced degrees, most often a Ph.D., in their specialty area. Some work in the private sector or for the federal government, and many also teach their courses at the Amherst campus. Spring 2012 Classes By Program For more information: |