Skip Navigation
Home  |  A-Z Index

Master of Agriculture Degree Program

Related Information

The Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) degree program is designed for practitioners directly involved in agriculture and related industries. The M.Ag. degree is a 30-credit, non-thesis graduate program developed for the continuing education of mid-career professionals who desire expertise in the latest developments in agriculture and related disciplines.

The M.Ag. is a comprehensive degree that provides students the opportunity to study and learn in a variety of agriculture disciplines and/or interdisciplinary program areas. The flexibility of course offerings and program requirements provide practitioners with the opportunity to meet their learning and professional development needs.

There is no formalized set of course requirements for the degree as each student will have unique intentions and professional development needs. Students earning the M.Ag. must complete a minimum of 15 credits in a primary area of concentration and at least 9 credits in a secondary concentration area, both of with may be interdisciplinary. In addition, a technical project (3 - 6 credits) specific to the student's area of concentration that integrates coursework and learning experiences with agricultural practices is required. Students will have an adviser and a graduate committee similar to traditional masters programs.

Students admitted to the M.Ag. program must have earned an undergraduate degree in agriculture or closely related field, or significant practical experience in agriculture. A potential major professor/adviser must agree to work with a student before formal admittance to the program.

Application Process

Prior to enrolling in coursework, students must secure admissions to the University of Missouri's Graduate School and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). To apply, follow the application procedures described below.

  1. Apply online to the Graduate School.
  2. Submit the following supporting materials to:

    Master of Agriculture Program
    College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
    2-64 Agriculture Building
    University of Missouri
    Columbia, MO 65211

    1. Personal Data (Form A, Word)
    2. Educational Objectives: Provide a typed, one to two page statement of your educational objectives and/or professional development goals indicating why you wish to enroll in the Master of Agriculture program. This statement is vital to helping students meet their educational goals.
    3. Transcripts: Submit official transcripts of all course work, undergraduate and graduate, from colleges and universities previously attended.
    4. Recommendation/Letter of Support: A recommendation/letter of support (Form B, PDF) from three (3) individuals familiar with your ability and academic performance. At least one recommendation should be from a college or university faculty member who can reference applicant's academic aptitude; at least one recommendation from a supervisor or colleague who can reference applicant's professional experience and potential. Provide a separate Form B to each person providing a reference.

Course of Study and Degree Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 30 credits of approved graduate courses.
  • Complete a minimum of 15 credits in a primary concentration area (may be interdisciplinary).
  • Complete a minimum of 9 credits in a secondary concentration area (may be interdisciplinary).
  • Complete a technical project (3 to 6 credits) specific to the student's area of concentration that integrates coursework and learning experiences with agricultural practices.
  • Complete 15 credits from courses numbered at 8000 or 9000 level.
  • No more than 40 percent (12 credits) of the degree can be satisfied by a combination of special investigations, research, readings and/or problems courses.
  • A maximum of 6 credits may be transferred from another institution upon approval of the adviser, Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School.
  • Complete all graduate work attempted at MU with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • Courses may be taken on campus and/or completed through the use of distance education technologies, such as online courses offered through MU Direct.
  • Degree must be completed within a period of eight years beginning with the first semester of enrollment in which the student is accepted to a degree program.
  • Refer to the Graduate Catalog for a complete listing of degree requirements.

Learn More

To learn more, contact Bryan Garton, Assistant Dean, Academic Programs, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

  • Phone: 573-882-8301 or 1-888-MUCAFNR

Back to Top