Graduate Programs of Study
There are four graduate degree programs in the college: Master of Agricultural Education (non-thesis), M.S. Agribusiness, M.S. Forestry Sciences, and M.S. Agriculture with the following 10 specializations.
The specializations are: Agricultural Engineering Technology; Animal Science; Crop Science; Dairy Products Technology; Environmental Horticultural Science; Food Science and Nutrition; Irrigation; Plant Protection Science; Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management; and Soil Science. Although the program offers multiple specializations, there is a single degree; students may not earn more than one Master of Science degree in the College of Agriculture.
The thesis is based on independent, supervised research; students should contact individual departments to determine the availability of funding support for their research. The final copy of the thesis must meet the standards explained in the "Manual of Instructions for the Preparation and Submission of the Master's Thesis or Master's Project" available from the Cal Poly Research and Graduate Programs Office. At least one course in statistical methods and/or experimental design is required of students in a thesis curriculum.
Graduate students must file the formal program of study for the degree with the Graduate Studies Coordinator of the College of Agriculture no later than the end of the quarter in which the 12th unit of approved courses is completed. The formal program of study must include at least 45 units of committee-approved graduate coursework; at least half of the minimum units required must be at the 500 level. Students should refer to the course descriptions in this catalog for credit limitations of individual courses; for example, total credit for AG 500, Individual Study, is limited to six units. At least one course in statistical methods and/or experimental design is required of students in a thesis curriculum.
All candidates must maintain Continuous Enrollment and fulfill the Graduation Writing Requirement before the Master's degree is conferred.
For immediate assistance please call the CAFES Graduate Programs Assistant at 805-756-2427.