Master of Science in Agriculture, Forestry, & Consumer Sciences
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The Master of Science Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree that offers advanced study in all areas of agriculture, forestry, and consumer sciences. This Master program provides an opportunity for students to expand on the knowledge and skills they acquired during undergraduate studies in the broad areas of food and fiber production.
Coursework options are broad and varied, with a program that enables students to tailor their education to fit individual career goals. This is a non-thesis program, which requires 36 hours of graduate level coursework. A minimum of 18 hours must be selected from graduate courses within two divisions of the Davis College, with no fewer than six hours in either division. A three-hour problem report may be included at the preference of the student and graduate committee members.
The Master of Science in Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences may benefit individuals who are seeking a higher paying position, wish to improve chances for admission to a College of Veterinary Medicine, want to make a career change, obtain a broad educational base in the diverse areas of environmental studies, or start an entrepreneurship. “This program is exactly what I was looking for. My goal is to become a veterinarian. I did not want to conduct a research project or write a thesis, but I did want to learn more and prepare myself to apply successfully to a college of veterinary medicine.”-Tina Teets, Graduate Student.
For more information, contact:
Office of the Associate Dean
Dr. Dennis Smith
(304)293-2691, ext. 4520
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The Davis College is composed of five divisions that address the different areas of agriculture, forestry, and consumer sciences. These divisions are: Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Family & Consumer Sciences, Forestry, Plant & Soil Sciences, and Resource Management. The Davis College has access to more than 3,000 acres of farmland and over 10,000 acres of forestland, which provide students with unlimited opportunities for gaining hands-on knowledge and experience. Housed within the Davis College are multiple teaching and research laboratories. The West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station conducts more than $9 million of research each year. The college annually awards more than $250,000 in scholarships.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum graduate admission requirements of West Virginia University, which includes a 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants to this degree program are asked to provide a 500 word Statement of Academic and Professional Goals and Objectives. If the student’s baccalaureate degree is not in a field sufficiently related to the proposed course of study, the division coordinator may recommend admission as a provisional student or completion of prerequisite undergraduate courses. Upon completion of the coursework, the candidate must pass either an oral or a written examination, given by the graduate advisory committee. Prime consideration is given to a program of study tailored to the career goals of the individual student.
Degree Requirements
Satisfactory completion of 36 hours of graduate coursework is required for the Master of Science in Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences. A minimum of 18 hours must be selected from among graduate courses available within two divisions of the Davis College, with no fewer than 6 hours in either division. No more than 12 hours of special topics or advanced study may be counted towards the degree. The student must maintain an overall grade-point average of 3.0 in all graduate courses approved by a graduate advisory committee. This committee shall consist of at least three members representing at least two divisions with at least two being members of the graduate faculty of the college.
Career Opportunities
Positions for employment are available in numerous settings including private industry, education, and federal and state government agencies. Graduates may find employment as educators, researchers, agriculturalists, extension agents, conservationists, or may start their own business. Many graduates also enter professional schools and doctoral programs.