Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS) program is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals, offering concentrations in the areas of:
During the application process, a prospective student should identify one of the concentration areas described below that best matches his or her interests and professional goals. The OMALS program offer eight different concentrations in the following areas:
1. Agribusiness | This concentration prepares individuals to analyze, assess, and contribute to the ever-evolving, broadly defined agribusiness industry by developing skills in management, marketing, economics, finance, policy, and economic analytics. Students will gain the skills necessary to contribute as employees or managers within the broad industry of agribusiness, including the sectors of input supply, farm production, and output marketing.
2. Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare | This concentration is designed for students who are interested in animal behavior and welfare in applied settings and want to expand their understanding of behavioral principles to improve the lives of animals and their caregivers. The coursework satisfies the course requirements to become an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society and the hands-on work can be geared towards satisfying the case-study or research paper requirements for certification.
3. Applied Nutrition and Physical Activity | The Applied Nutrition and Physical Activity concentration is designed for students with a science, health-related, community, or coaching/education background who wish to advance and expand their nutrition and physical activity knowledge and skills. Courses offer an evidence-based perspective on applied nutrition and exercise across the healthspan. A focus on critical inquiry, problem solving, leadership, and successful business practices in nutrition and physical activity is carried throughout.
4. Education | The Education concentration is designed for individuals desiring to advance their teaching/learning, leadership, extension and communications skill sets in this dynamic and evolving field. This in-depth program will provide concrete strategies for assisting individuals and communities with diverse needs and interests, and providing them with the abilities to acquire and retain the information shared, including youth and adult program management, program curriculum design, STEM integration in agriculture education, and service to international service and partnerships.
5. Environmental Science | The Environmental Science concentration will provide students with the knowledge and skills to solve real-world environmental issues. As a student in this program, you will interact with faculty and professionals in the field. Working through hands-on activities you will gain a greater understanding of environmental science theory and practical application. This tailored educational experience will position you to effectively and strategically lead in this field.
6. Food Safety and Biosecurity | The Food Safety and Biosecurity concentration will build on a student’s knowledge of food safety, security, sanitation, and microbiology. It is designed for individuals interested in the microbiological safety of food, water and the environment, including the development and enforcement of laws and regulations affecting food production and processing, the implementation of food safety management programs, and the biosecurity of food supplies in developing countries.
7. Leadership Studies | The Leadership Studies concentration prepares individuals with interdisciplinary skills to be well-rounded agricultural professionals, developing leaders, educators, and communicators to lead, teach and communicate about current agricultural issues facing society today. Students will gain the expertise necessary to lead in a diverse and multicultural environment. Programmatic emphasis is placed on leadership in a global society, problem-solving, and the role of agricultural professionals as agents of change in our communities throughout the world.
8. Plant Science and Pest Management | The Plant Science and Pest Management concentration will prepare students in agriculture-related roles to have a broader understanding of the diverse industry, including issues concerning production, business, economics, communication, pest management, and regulations. Students will gain a sophisticated understanding of this interdisciplinary field with specialized skills in areas such as weed science, plant pathology, and crop management.
For more information about our concentrations visit our website!
First Fridays with the OMALS Program
