6/30/97

Contacts:
Ken Moore, Agronomy, (515) 294-5482
Richard Shibles, Agronomy, (515) 294-7232
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

NEW ISU AGRONOMY MASTER'S DEGREE TO BE DELIVERED VIA COMPUTER

AMES -- Agronomy professionals will soon be able to attain a master's degree via their home computer from Iowa State University.

At its June meeting, the Iowa State Board of Regents approved the Master of Science in Agronomy Professional Degree Program. ISU will offer the two-year program for the first time in the fall of 1998.

Students will access course materials and communicate with instructors and fellow students by computer. ISU agronomists are currently developing interactive courseware and networking that will help guide students through the program.

In a survey of ISU graduates who had earned bachelor's degrees in agronomy-related fields since 1980, "almost 60 percent indicated an interest in pursuing an advanced degree, but because of their careers and family commitments they felt they didn't have the luxury to return to campus," said Ken Moore, agronomy professor.

The degree program will emphasize practical, professional and technical skills involved in crop management, soil and water management, and integrated pest management. More details about the new program can be found on the World Wide Web at: http://masters.agron.iastate.edu/

News Releases Agriculture in Action Ag Online Communications Skills Home