Contact: Dr. Gary Smith, 979-845-1541, gary.smith@ag.tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION — Students seeking a Master of Agriculture in Animal Science at Texas A&M University now have the ability to choose to follow a curriculum specifically designed to emphasize the meat industry.
The new emphasis for the degree plan provides students with a bachelor’s degree supplemental coursework in addition to practical experience gained through internships to prepare them for a variety of careers in, and for future leadership of, the U.S. meat industry.
“The meat science program at Texas A&M is one of the leading programs of its kind in the nation. As such, we have a proven record of success focusing on the preparation of young scientists to conduct research, perform food quality/safety functions and initiate product development efforts,” said Dr. Russell Cross, head of animal science.
“By expanding the existing Master of Agriculture in Animal Science to include an emphasis in the meat industry, the meat science program is broadening and enhancing the knowledge of young people who wish to enter the professional workforce of the U.S. meat production, processing and sales industry as supervisory or middle-management personnel,” Cross said.
The Master of Agriculture with an emphasis in the meat industry program will focus on the process of accelerating the climb up the corporate management ladder by exposing students to the tutelage of veteran industry experts with records of previous industry success, said Dr. Gary Smith, visiting professor and chair of the Master of Agriculture with an emphasis in the Meat Industry executive committee.
Students will be required to complete 36 hours of coursework in meat science, management, marketing, communication and leadership, and two short-term professional internships within the meat industry that are customized to meet each student’s specific career interests. Students can complete a graduate certificate in Meat Science as a component of this degree plan.
“Through collaboration with our colleagues in the Departments of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Leadership, Management, Marketing and Poultry Science, students will be fundamentally exposed to interpersonal communication and employee management skills development, thereby enhancing their ability to relate to and supervise employees under their direction upon achieving full-time employment.”
In addition to being a continuation of a bachelor’s degree education emphasizing meat, animal or food science, the Master of Agriculture with an emphasis in the meat industry could be used as a refresher or retooling option for individuals who have industry experience wanting to advance their careers in the meat industry, Smith said.
For additional information regarding the Master of Agriculture in Animal Science with an emphasis in the meat industry, contact Dr. David Forrest d-forrest@tamu.edu or Dr. Gary Smith gary.smith@ag.tamu.edu at (979) 845-1541. The degree plan may be viewed at http://animalscience.tamu.edu.
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For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Courtney Coufal at cacoufal@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.