Agricultural Sciences (M.S.)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences program at UNH provides students with a flexible course of study in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food systems, and related fields. The program focuses on acquiring essential knowledge and research experience in these areas, preparing students for diverse career opportunities in agriculture, food, and related industries. The program is thesis-based, allowing students to conduct substantial research and publish their findings in reputable journals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Science (M.S.)
in Agricultural Sciences graduate program, offered by the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS), provides students with a flexible course of study in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food systems, and related fields. The program focuses on acquiring essential knowledge and research experience in these areas.
• Objectives:
• Students will develop a solid foundation in basic and practical knowledge in one of the core emphasis areas:
• Plant and animal agricultural systems
• Food systems analysis
• Students will gain expertise in research methods and techniques in their chosen field of study.
• Students will become highly knowledgeable and competent professionals in fields related to agriculture and food.
• Students will develop leadership skills to collaborate and address local, regional, national, and global issues related to agriculture, food, and the environment.
• Program Description: The M.S.
program is thesis-based, allowing students to conduct substantial research and publish their findings in reputable journals. Students work closely with advisors and thesis committees to develop research proposals and complete their theses.

Outline:

• Content:
• Diverse components of plant and animal agricultural systems:
• Breeding and genetics
• Physiology
• Environmental interactions
• Organismal health
• Agroecology
• Pathology
• Food systems analysis:
• Social, economic, and environmental relationships that shape outcomes in plant and animal agricultural systems
• Food production, processing, aggregation, and distribution
• Access, consumption, and management of food waste
• Structure:
• Minimum of 30 graduate credits, including 6-10 research credits (ANFS 899 Master's Thesis)
• Core Course Requirements (11 credits):
• ANFS 899 Master's Thesis
• ANFS 901 Introduction to Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Graduate Studies
• ANFS 997 Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Seminar
• Competency Requirements (at least one course from each competency, 6 credits):
• Communication Competency: e.g., BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science, NR 905 Grant Writing
• Experimental Design and Analysis Competency: e.g., ANFS 933 Design, Analysis, and Interpretation of Experiments, SOC 902 Sociological Methods II: Research Design
• Electives: Students choose additional courses in consultation with their advisor and committee to specialize in a particular area.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Coursework: Students' understanding of course material is assessed through exams, quizzes, assignments, and projects.
• Thesis: Students demonstrate their research abilities, critical thinking skills, and communication skills through the development and defense of their Master's thesis.
• Seminar Presentations: Students present their research findings and engage in discussions at departmental seminars.
• Annual Evaluation: Students collaborate with their advisors to conduct annual evaluations to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and set goals.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Classroom instruction: Lectures, discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities
• Research supervision: Individualized guidance from advisors and thesis committees
• Seminar presentations: Opportunities for students to share their research findings and receive feedback.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of agricultural sciences and food systems, including:
• Animal and plant sciences
• Food science and nutrition
• Agricultural economics and policy
• Environmental science and sustainability
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on experiential learning through hands-on research projects, internships, and field experiences
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments and research centers at UNH
• Opportunities for students to present their research at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Careers:

• Career Paths: The program prepares students for diverse career opportunities in:
• Agriculture and food industry
• Research and development
• Education and extension
• Government and policy
• Non-profit organizations
• Consulting and management
• Job Titles: Graduates may hold positions such as:
• Agricultural scientists
• Food scientists
• Nutritionists
• Agricultural economists
• Policy analysts
• Research associates
• Extension educators