Students: Graduate Programs

Graduate study is offered at both the masters and doctoral levels. The Master of Science (MS) in agricultural and applied economics and the Master of Science (MS) in environmental economics degrees require 27 hours minimum of course work and three hours of thesis. A Master of Agribusiness (MAB) degree consists of a minimum of 36 hours of course work including a technical report in lieu of a formal thesis. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree consists of a minimum of 63 hours of course work beyond the bachelor's degree, satisfactory performance on written and oral examinations, and a formal dissertation.

Website:
Agribusiness Graduate Program

Department:
Agricultural & Applied Economics

Coordinator:
Michael Wetzstein
mwetz@uga.edu
706-542-0758

Graduate study leading to a Master of Science in agricultural and applied economics or environmental economics provides students with a wide range of educational opportunities that will help them address issues of production and distribution of food and fiber, natural resource and environmental management and quality of rural life. Students prepare for leadership careers by developing a high degree of economic comprehension and decision-making. Applications of economic theory and econometrics to resolve economic problems are the major areas of focus for courses in the department. Graduates hold key positions in both the private and public sectors in the state, nation and world.

Website:
Agricultural & Applied Economics Graduate Program

Department:
Agricultural & Applied Economics

Coordinator:
Michael Wetzstein
mwetz@uga.edu
706-542-0758

The Master of Agricultural Leadership degree is designed for students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge and increased skill level in the field of leadership and leadership development, cooperation, negotiation, conflict resolution and issues debate. The program's overall objective is to provide graduate-level training for those individuals seeking leadership positions with agricultural agencies, producer groups, government agencies and related businesses. Students will learn leadership development theory, critical evaluation, crisis communication skills, organizational development, ethical problem solving and management and about current agricultural and environmental issues. Candidates must complete an approved program of 36-semester hours of graduate work. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.

Website:
Agricultural Leadership Graduate Program

Department:
Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication

Coordinator:
Dennis Duncan
dwd@uga.edu
706-542-1204

The Master of Animal and Dairy Science degree is a non-thesis program designed to give students advanced academic and professional training in food animal production and management. This is a terminal degree program designed for those who desire advanced instruction in animal sciences but are not specifically interested in a research career. Most students in this degree program use it to gain food and companion animal knowledge as well as experience to enhance their opportunities to be accepted into veterinary school. Other opportunities for students with this degree include careers in extension, teaching, animal technical and laboratory support and in the animal nutrition and pharmaceutical industries.

Website:
Animal & Dairy Science Graduate Program

Department:
Animal & Dairy Science

Coordinator:
Michael Azain
mazain@uga.edu
706-542-0963

A Master of Science in animal science can be focused on growth and developmental biology, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, meats or muscle biology, nutrition and/or reproductive physiology of animals (cattle, horses, swine and laboratory animals). Graduate students have access to specialized facilities, including genomics and/or proteomics, meat science technology center, core nutrition labs, environmentally controlled large and small animal facilities in Athens and beef and dairy cattle, swine and horse research and teaching farms in Athens and Tifton. The degree program is flexible enough for students who may want to consider it a terminal degree or those who want to use it as preparation for a PhD.

Website:
Animal Science Graduate Program

Department:
Animal & Dairy Science

Coordinator:
Michael Azain
mazain@uga.edu
706-542-0963

The Master of Crop and Soil Science degree is a non-thesis program requiring specified graduate level coursework, including an internship or a special problems course. This option is for individuals interested in obtaining advanced knowledge but who do not wish to conduct research. Areas of major specialization in crop science are plant breeding and genetics, physiology, weed control, crop production and management and forage quality and use. Areas of major specialization in soils are chemistry, physics, environmental physics, classification and genesis, soil erosion and conservation, fertility and plant nutrition, microbiology and mineralogy. Cooperative studies are encouraged with other UGA departments, the Institute of Ecology, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and area federal research laboratories.

Website:
Crop and Soil Science Graduate Program

Department:
Crop & Soil Sciences

Coordinator:
Miguel Cabrera
mcabrera@uga.edu
706-542-1242

The Master of Crop and Soil Science degree is a non-thesis program requiring specified graduate level coursework, including an internship or a special problems course. This option is for individuals interested in obtaining advanced knowledge but who do not wish to conduct research. Areas of major specialization in crop science are plant breeding and genetics, physiology, weed control, crop production and management and forage quality and use. Areas of major specialization in soils are chemistry, physics, environmental physics, classification and genesis, soil erosion and conservation, fertility and plant nutrition, microbiology and mineralogy. Cooperative studies are encouraged with other UGA departments, the Institute of Ecology, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and area federal research laboratories.

Website:
Crop and Soil Science Graduate Program

Department:
Crop & Soil Sciences

Coordinator:
Miguel Cabrera
mcabrera@uga.edu
706-542-1242

A Master of Science in dairy science is a thesis degree program that can be focused on quantitative genetics, nutrition or reproductive physiology of dairy cattle. Research programs are applied at improving productivity, profitability and sustainability of dairy cattle. Facilities, laboratories and equipment give students in-depth research training in all program areas. Specialized facilities include core nutrition labs, environmentally controlled large and small animal facilities on campus and dairy cattle research and teaching farms located near campus and at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Tifton. The degree program is flexible enough for students who may want to consider it a terminal degree or who want to use it as preparation for a PhD.

Website:
Dairy Science Graduate Program

Department:
Animal & Dairy Science

Coordinator:
Michael Azain
mazain@uga.edu
706-542-0963

The Master of Science in entomology degree emphasizes study in insect biological control, ecology, molecular entomology, systematics/taxonomy and vector biology. Insects destroy nearly one-third of the food we produce and serve as vectors for many pathogens that cause widespread and debilitating parasitic diseases. Insects also pollinate more than 60 percent of all flowering plants, enrich soils and are vital components of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. In Athens, faculty joint staffed with the Institute of Ecology, departments of genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology, Museum of Natural History and interdisciplinary toxicology program enable students to earn a degree in entomology with training in related disciplines. Students may also carry out research under the direction of Griffin or Tifton campus faculty.

Website:
Entomology Graduate Program

Department:
Entomology

Coordinator:
Mark Brown
mrbrown@uga.edu
706-542-2317

In this program you will understand and explore how economic relationships interact with private and public institutions in the use and management of our natural resources and our environment. You will learn how to address issues involving both renewable resources including food, forests, water, solar radiation, and wind, and resources in fixed supply including land and fossil-fuels. These problems and issues include resource conservation and sustainability, private and public land use planning and management, air and water pollution control, energy production and consumption, and maintaining ecosystems and ecosystem services. Preparing a thesis in one of these areas will provide you the ability and confidence to address any and all environmental issues.

Website:
Environmental Economics Graduate Program

Department:
Agricultural & Applied Economics

Coordinator:
Michael Wetzstein
mwetz@uga.edu
706-542-0758

Since the application of science and engineering is important in properly selecting, preparing, processing, packaging, distributing and using foods, students selecting the Master of Science in food science degree must be able to delve into problems involving chemistry, microbiology, engineering and other sciences – and more applied problems concerning food production, stability or toxicology. Programs of study are designed for each individual to best use his or her prior training and career objectives. The food science and technology division occupies facilities in Athens and Griffin. Faculty in the division are scientists and engineers with expertise in several fundamental and applied disciplines offering a diverse selection of courses and research programs.

Website:
Food Science Graduate Program

Department:
Food Science & Technology

Coordinator:
Mark Harrison
mahfst@uga.edu
706-542-1088

The Master of Food Technology is a non-thesis degree program designed for students who are working professionals, who may or may not have formal education in food science and who may have degrees in chemistry, biology, microbiology, nutrition, dietetics, chemical engineering, environmental sciences or other science-related fields. To accommodate working professionals, classes are offered in the evening at the UGA Gwinnett campus. The proposed degree will benefit those who wish to upgrade and update their knowledge, those with new job responsibilities and those with new positions outside their degree area. A formal research project is not required, and emphasis will be placed on preparatory coursework for specific workplace training.

Website:
Food Technology Graduate Program

Department:
Food Science & Technology

Coordinator:
Mark Harrison
mahfst@uga.edu
706-542-1088

The Master of Science in horticulture degree gives students the opportunity to be apart of active teaching and research programs in ornamental horticulture, floriculture, fruits, vegetables and nut crops. Students can specialize in plant breeding, physiology, plant development, biotechnology, postharvest physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, integrated pest management, weed control, water relations, crop production and management and product use. The department has faculty located at the Athens, Tifton and Griffin campuses and other locations. Facilities include three well-equipped experiment stations, the State Botanical Garden and several field research centers representing state climate. The department has strong interdisciplinary research programs with other UGA departments, and cooperative work is available with three federal research laboratories.

Website:
Horticulture Graduate Program

Department:
Horticulture

Coordinator:
Marc Van Iersel
mvanier@uga.edu
706 583 0284

The Master of Science in plant breeding, genetics and genomics allows students to study the breeding, genetics and genomics of plants in-depth. The core curriculum is designed to ensure broad training and flexibility to emphasize topical areas of greatest interest to individual students. Each student will conduct their thesis work under the supervision of his or her major professor and an advisory committee. Admitted students will receive competitive assistantships and a waiver of tuition. The degree program requires a minimum of 24 hours of coursework, 6 hours of research credit and one hour of seminar credit.

Website:
Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program

Department:
Biological & Agricultural Engineering

Coordinator:
H. Wilde
dwilde@uga.edu
706-542-5816

The Master of Science in plant pathology is "biology with a purpose": a highly dynamic science at the interface of microbiology, plant biology, molecular genetics and production agriculture. UGA offers one of the best plant pathology graduate programs in the United States. Students have a variety of opportunities in areas that range from applied, field-based research to lab-based approaches aimed at understanding pathogens and their interactions with host plants at the molecular level. Graduate students can specialize in mycology, bacteriology, nematology, virology, genetics, molecular plant-microbe interactions, epidemiology and integrated disease management. Our faculty work closely with each student to design an individualized program that meets the student's career goals.

Website:
Plant Pathology Graduate Program

Department:
Plant Pathology

Coordinator:
Harald Scherm
scherm@uga.edu
706-410-4314

The Master of Plant Protection and Pest Management is a professional non-thesis degree program taught between the departments of entomology, crop and soil sciences and plant pathology. It is designed to produce graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary training in integrated pest management (IPM) of insect, plant disease and weed pests of agricultural, commercial and home commodities. IPM using a blend of pest control strategies including pesticides, transgenic crops, cultural operations and biological control is stressed in coursework. The MPPPM program is not a research-oriented degree, but graduates have successfully pursued Ph.D. degrees related to IPM. An IPM-oriented internship is part of the program of study.

Website:
Plant Protection & Pest Management Graduate Program

Department:
Entomology

Coordinator:
David Langston
dlangsto@uga.edu
229-386-7495

The Master of Science in poultry science degree offers excellent opportunities for graduate study for qualified students with degrees in biology, chemistry, poultry science and economics. Graduate programs are offered in poultry products, nutrition, microbiology, molecular biology, mycotoxicology, genetics, physiology, management and parasitology. Facilities for graduate training include laboratories for studies in cellular and molecular biology, enzymology, lipid and mineral metabolism, environmental and reproductive physiology, physiological and population genetics and in avian diseases and parasites. Experimental poultry facilities are also available for studies.

Website:
Poultry Science Graduate Program

Department:
Poultry Science

Coordinator:
Kristen Navara
knavara@uga.edu
706-542-1369

The Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program at UGA is comprised of graduate students, faculty, staff scientists and post-doctoral fellows from several departments within the university. In the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, these departments are crop and soil sciences, entomology and plant pathology. Our goal is to provide strong interdisciplinary graduate training, research and service programs in toxicology. The Master of Science program is committed to a high quality graduate education and excellence in research, and both faculty and graduate students have received national recognition for their endeavors.

Website:
Toxicology Graduate Program

Department:
Crop & Soil Sciences, Entomology, Plant Pathology

Coordinator:
None listed

Graduate study is offered at both the masters and doctoral levels. The Master of Science (MS) in agricultural and applied economics and the Master of Science (MS) in environmental economics degrees require 27 hours minimum of course work and three hours of thesis. A Master of Agribusiness (MAB) degree consists of a minimum of 36 hours of course work including a technical report in lieu of a formal thesis. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree consists of a minimum of 63 hours of course work beyond the bachelor's degree, satisfactory performance on written and oral examinations, and a formal dissertation.

Website:
Agribusiness Graduate Program

Department:
Agricultural & Applied Economics

Coordinator:
Michael Wetzstein
mwetz@uga.edu
706-542-0758

Graduate study in agricultural and applied economics leading to a Doctor of Philosophy degree provides students with a wide range of educational opportunities that will help them address issues of production and distribution of food and fiber, natural resource and environmental management and quality of rural life. Students prepare for leadership careers by developing a high degree of economic comprehension and decision-making. Applications of economic theory and econometrics to resolve economic problems are the major areas of focus for courses in the department. Graduates hold key positions in both the private and public sectors in the state, nation and world.

Website:
Agricultural & Applied Economics Graduate Program

Department:
Agricultural & Applied Economics

Coordinator:
Michael Wetzstein
mwetz@uga.edu
706-542-0758

A doctorate in animal and dairy science can be focused on growth and developmental biology, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, meats or muscle biology, nutrition and/or reproductive physiology of animals (cattle, horses, swine and laboratory animals). Dissertation research programs are applied at improving food animal productivity, profitability and sustainability or using animal models for human research applications. Facilities, laboratories and equipment are in place for in-depth research in all program areas. Specialized facilities include genomics and/or proteomics, a meat science technology center, core laboratories in ruminant and monogastric nutrition, environmentally controlled large and small animal facilities in Athens and beef and dairy cattle, swine and horse research and teaching farms in Athens and Tifton.

Website:
Animal & Dairy Science Graduate Program

Department:
Animal & Dairy Science

Coordinator:
Michael Azain
mazain@uga.edu
706-542-0963

The doctoral program in animal nutrition is interdepartmental through the departments of animal and dairy science and poultry science. It embraces both basic and applied phases of nutrition including metabolism, biochemistry and physiology of minerals, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins in monogastric and ruminant animals. Strong collateral support through course offerings and research cooperation is also available in biochemistry, physiology, genetics, statistics, veterinary medicine and microbiology. Facilities for research include nutritional, biochemical and physiological laboratories, experimental animal quarters and instrumentation for many types of metabolic studies including, for example, the use of isotopes. The goal is to allow students to develop their creative ability, knowledge and motivation to enable them to make major contributions and assume leadership in the nutrition profession.

Website:
Animal Nutrition Graduate Program

Department:
Animal & Dairy Science

Coordinator:
Gene Pesti
gpesti@uga.edu
706-542-1351

The doctoral program in crop and soil science helps prepare graduate students who will be responsible for the world's food, feed and fiber supply and for conservation of soil and water resources. Graduate students will conduct basic and applied research programs in crop, soil, turf and environmental sciences. Areas of major specialization in crop science are plant breeding and genetics, physiology, weed control, crop production and management and forage quality and use. Areas of major specialization in soils are chemistry, physics, environmental physics, classification and genesis, soil erosion and conservation, fertility and plant nutrition, microbiology and mineralogy. Cooperative studies are encouraged with other UGA departments, the Institute of Ecology, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and federal research laboratories in the area.

Website:
Crop and Soil Science Graduate Program

Department:
Crop & Soil Sciences

Coordinator:
Miguel Cabrera
mcabrera@uga.edu
706-542-1242

The Department of Entomology offers a wide range of courses and research programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Our goal is to support and encourage students who want a career in government agencies, academic institutions or the private sector by providing them with as broad a background as possible in the many facets of insect biology. Programs encompass all levels of biological organization from the molecular to ecosystems. Areas of emphasis include biological control, ecology, molecular entomology, systematics/taxonomy and vector biology. The PhD is a research degree requiring coursework plus original research leading to a thesis. We take great pride in the progress and development of our students and the high quality of their research and publications.

Website:
Entomology Graduate Program

Department:
Entomology

Coordinator:
Mark Brown
mrbrown@uga.edu
706-542-2317

Since the application of science and engineering is important in properly selecting, preparing, processing, packaging, distributing and using foods, students selecting the doctoral program in food science degree must be able to delve into problems involving chemistry, microbiology, engineering and other sciences – and more applied problems concerning food production, stability or toxicology. Programs of study are designed for each individual to best use his or her prior training and career objectives. The food science and technology division occupies facilities in Athens and Griffin. Faculty in the division are scientists and engineers with expertise in several fundamental and applied disciplines offering a diverse selection of courses and research programs.

Website:
Food Science Graduate Program

Department:
Food Science & Technology

Coordinator:
Mark Harrison
mahfst@uga.edu
706-542-1088

The doctoral program in horticulture gives students the opportunity to be apart of active teaching and research programs in ornamental horticulture, floriculture, fruits, vegetables and nut crops. Students can specialize in plant breeding, physiology, plant development, biotechnology, postharvest physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, integrated pest management, weed control, water relations, crop production and management and product use. The department has faculty located at the Athens, Tifton and Griffin campuses and other locations. Facilities include three well-equipped experiment stations, the State Botanical Garden and several field research centers representing state climate. The department has strong interdisciplinary research programs with other UGA departments, and cooperative work is available with three federal research laboratories.

Website:
Horticulture Graduate Program

Department:
Horticulture

Coordinator:
Marc Van Iersel
mvanier@uga.edu
706 583 0284

Plant breeding, genetics and genomics is the science of creating new and improved plant varieties that are higher yielding, more disease resistant, more nutritious or simply of greater ornamental value. Institute faculty actively train graduate students, develop new crop varieties and conduct basic research on the genetics and understanding of crop traits important to agriculture and humankind. The Institute has a strong philosophy that modern plant breeding should be integrated with modern genomics and biotechnology to achieve maximum efficiency. The curricula for the doctoral program has been specifically designed to train students in plant breeding or in supporting areas of plant genetics and genomics, taking advantage of all the latest technological developments in the field.

Website:
Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program

Department:
Biological & Agricultural Engineering

Coordinator:
H. Wilde
dwilde@uga.edu
706-542-5816

The doctoral program in plant pathology is "biology with a purpose": a highly dynamic science at the interface of microbiology, plant biology, molecular genetics and production agriculture. UGA offers one of the best plant pathology graduate programs in the United States. Students have a variety of opportunities in areas that range from applied, field-based research to lab-based approaches aimed at understanding pathogens and their interactions with host plants at the molecular level. Graduate students can specialize in mycology, bacteriology, nematology, virology, genetics, molecular plant-microbe interactions, epidemiology and integrated disease management. Our faculty work closely with each student to design an individualized program that meets the student's career goals.

Website:
Plant Pathology Graduate Program

Department:
Plant Pathology

Coordinator:
Harald Scherm
scherm@uga.edu
706-410-4314

The doctoral program in poultry science offers excellent opportunities for graduate study for qualified students with degrees in biology, chemistry, poultry science and economics. Graduate programs are offered in poultry products, nutrition, microbiology, molecular biology, mycotoxicology, genetics, physiology, management and parasitology. Facilities for graduate training include laboratories for studies in cellular and molecular biology, enzymology, lipid and mineral metabolism, environmental and reproductive physiology, physiological and population genetics and in avian diseases and parasites. Experimental poultry facilities are also available for studies.

Website:
Poultry Science Graduate Program

Department:
Poultry Science

Coordinator:
Kristen Navara
knavara@uga.edu
706-542-1369

The Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program at UGA is comprised of graduate students, faculty, staff scientists and post-doctoral fellows from several departments within the university. In the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, these departments are crop and soil sciences, entomology and plant pathology. The doctoral program consists of two primary areas of focus: human and animal toxicology and environmental toxicology. Core courses for both tracks in the doctoral program are introductory toxicology, toxicology of agricultural and industrial chemicals, intermediate or advanced biochemistry, and environmental statistics or design of experiments for research workers.

Website:
Toxicology Graduate Program

Department:
Crop & Soil Sciences, Entomology, Plant Pathology

Coordinator:
None listed