Regents approve new CALS master’s program

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences announces the approval of a new agroecology master’s program.

Agroecology is the field of study that focuses on the intersections between agriculture and the broader social, biological and physical systems involved. The new program is designed to prepare students to understand, study and facilitate discussions about the complex issues that are quickly becoming part of modern-day agriculture, including water quality, animal welfare, labor protections for workers, herbicides, organic certification standards and genetically modified crops.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to lead the complex negotiations necessary to resolve conflicts among farmers, agribusinesses, environmental organizations and other nongovernmental organizations, as well as federal, state and local governments.

The program was recently approved by the Board of Regents and is the first new CALS master’s program in 10 years.