Ph.D. IN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, CONCENTRATION: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Program Overview
Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production ractices with a site-specific application that will, over the long term, satisfy human food and fiber needs, enhance environmental quality, make the most efficient use of natural resources, sustain the economic viability of farm operations, and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to attain a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity, with minimal negative impact on the environment.
The Ph.D. in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences concentration ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES)’ is designed and delivered in a way that builds capabilities in core analytical, conceptual, communications and research skills, as well as provide the knowledge base required to develop careers in the broad area of sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences. The SAES concentration will produce scientists who will integrate knowledge in plant science, natural resources, soil science, microbiology, crop science, agronomy, Integrated Pest Management, biotechnology, economics, biological engineering, environmental science, etc., to teach, conduct research and practice agriculture that is environment friendly, while maintaining food security and profi tability in the 21st century and beyond.
Program Outcomes
The program will prepare graduates to:
Apply their critical thinking skills to solve complex issues impacting sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences.
Demonstrate effective communication skills through project and dissertation work and conference presentations. Conduct research or undertake advanced projects in an area of sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences.
Be active and effective leaders in their professional societies and will demonstrate and model disciplinary expertise.
Scholarly Engagement
Students and faculty publish routinely in respectable top-tier journals in their respective field of research.
In addition, faculty serve as panelists on NSF, USDA, DOD, EPA and other funding agencies; they also serve as editors and reviewers for various scientific journals. Faculty publications include books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed papers as well extension bulletins.
Faculty are well trained and recognized nationally and internationally. They represent a wide spectrum of ethnic and national backgrounds. Both faculty and students are active
in professional organizations and make numerous scientific and other presentations at
local, national and international conferences.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the program have opportunities in:
Numerous job opportunities exist in the different areas of emphasis of the MS program;
our graduates are readily recruited by industries, schools, universities, and state or federal
agencies including Cooperative Extension, USDA, EPA and many others as well as international organizations.
Many graduates also find employment in Community-based organizations (e.g., CSA, etc.).
For more information
Guochen Yang, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Carver Hall, Suite 224, #A
336-285-4853
yangg@ncat.edu
