Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences, Plan B, Pest Management Specialization

Program Overview

The Master's in Bioagricultural Sciences, Pest Management Specialization is a unique program that combines coursework and an internship to train students in managing biotic stresses in food production. Through this program, students gain expertise in entomology, plant pathology, and weed science, preparing them for careers as extension educators, import/export inspectors, crop advisors, and more. The program boasts a nearly 100% employment rate for graduates.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Bioagricultural Sciences, Plan B, Pest Management Specialization is a coursework and internship-based program designed to prepare students for careers in sustaining food and fiber production, ensuring agricultural biosecurity, and protecting natural ecosystems from pests, plant diseases, and weeds. The program emphasizes the importance of advanced training in agriculture and food systems, addressing the growing need for qualified professionals in these fields. The program's primary objective is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage biotic stresses in food production, including entomology, plant pathology, and weed science. It is the only internship-based Master's program in the United States that provides comprehensive training in all three areas. The program prepares students for roles such as extension educators, import/export inspectors, crop advisors, and various industry positions focused on managing insects, plant diseases, and weeds in agricultural systems. The program boasts a nearly 100% employment rate for its graduates.

Outline:

The program is structured around three sections:

Section 1: Core Foundation (15 credits)

• AB 551 Advanced Integrated Pest Management (4 credits): This course provides an in-depth understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) principles and practices.
• BSPM 587 Internship (13 credits): This internship provides practical experience in pest management, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
It includes a professional development plan for the internship.
• BSPM 698 Research (6 credits): This course focuses on research methodology and design, enabling students to conduct independent research projects.
• BSPM 792 Seminar (2 credits): This seminar series provides a platform for students to present their research findings and engage in discussions with peers and faculty.

Section 2: Agricultural Biology Electives (13-19 credits)

Students select 13-19 credits from a list of agricultural biology electives, ensuring a tailored learning experience based on their interests and career goals. The elective options include:

• AB 340 Insect Biotechnology
• AB 410 Understanding Pesticides
• AB 509 Herbicide Selectivity and Action
• AB 511 Microbiome of Plant Systems
• AB 515 Plant Biochemistry in Agriculture
• AB 521 Forest Health Issues
• AB 529 Pesticide Resistance Evolution and Management
• AB 554 Biology of Fungal Plant Pathogens
• AB 555 Topics in Plant Pathology--Plant Virology
• BSPM 302 Applied and General Entomology
• BSPM 308 Ecology and Management of Weeds
• BSPM 361 Elements of Plant Pathology
• BSPM 365 Integrated Tree Health Management
• BSPM 500 Foundations of Bioagricultural Sciences
• BSPM 502B Topics in Plant Pathology: Plant Bacteriology
• BSPM 526/BZ 526 Evolutionary Ecology
• BSPM 528 Invasive Plants/Weeds–Ecosystems to Molecules
• BSPM 550 Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
• BSPM 594 Independent Study

Section 3: General Electives (0-6 credits)

Students can choose to take 0-6 credits from a list of general electives, further expanding their knowledge base and skillset. The elective options include:

• AGED 525 Agricultural and Extension Teaching
• AGRI 630 Integrated Decision Making/Management Skills
• AREC 478 Agricultural Policy
• HORT 515/AGRI 515 Urban Horticulture
• FW 567 Wildlife Disease Ecology
• NR 577 Wetland Ecology and Restoration

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of career paths in the agricultural and food systems industries, including:

• Import/Export Inspectors: Ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products entering and leaving the country.
• Industry Roles: Work in various industry positions focused on managing insects, plant diseases, and weeds in agricultural systems.

Other:

The program emphasizes the importance of practical experience, with a required internship component that provides students with real-world application of their knowledge. The program also includes a professional paper, allowing students to delve deeper into a specific area of interest within pest management.