Master of Agriculture in the Meat Industry
The Master of Agriculture (M.Agr.) degree is designed for a student who wants professional graduate training with a management orientation in agriculture, food and natural resources, and it is intended to emphasize the problem-solving skills involved in the use of science and technology to benefit humanity, not as a research degree.
The M. Agr. in the Meat Industry (MAgrMI) program is designed to provide baccalaureate-educated students with supplemental coursework in addition to practical experience (e.g., internships) to prepare them – as graduates – for a variety of careers in, and for future leadership of, the US meat industry. An essential goal of the program is to provide students with a core set of skills (in meat science, management, marketing, communication and leadership) considered to be vital in the meat industry, and to guide students in customizing the supporting internships based on specific career-path interests
Program Details
The MAgrMI program is intended to broaden and expand the knowledge and experience of young people who wish to enter the professional workforce of the US meat production, processing and sales industry as supervisory or middle-management personnel. Whereas traditional graduate programs in Meat Science (i.e., M.S. and Ph.D. programs) 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, the MAgrMI program will emphasize the process of accelerating the climb up the corporate management ladder by exposing baccalaureate-educated students to the tutelage of veteran industry experts with records of previous industry success.
In addition to supplemental coursework, the MAgrMI program will provide opportunities for direct interactions between/among students and industry experts via seminars, individual contacts, small-group interaction conclaves, and experience via industry internships. Opportunities will be created for students to “shadow” first-, second- and third-party audits and training sessions for animal welfare (e.g., PAACO, AMIF), food safety (e.g., HACCP) and Global Food Safety Initiative quality/hygiene/safety (e.g., BRC, SQF). To accomplish the latter objectives, the assistance of commercial auditing companies (e.g., Where Food Comes From, Progressive Beef, Validus, Food Safety Net Services) will be solicited. Internships will be requested through the auspices of government agencies (e.g., FSIS-USDA, AMS-USDA) and organizations/associations (e.g., SMA, USMEF, NAMI, NCBA, NPPC) as well as meat packing, processing and retailing organizations (e.g., JBS-USA, Cargill Meat Solutions, National Beef Company, Tyson, Safeway Stores, HEB, Kroger, Harris Ranch Beef Company, Nolan Ryan Beef Company, Meyer Natural Angus, Sysco). Both active and retired industry veterans (e.g., Todd Bacon, Alfred Bausch, Gina Bellinger, John Bellinger, Scott Boleman, Shanna Boleman, Rod Bowling, Ken Bull, Berry Carpenter, Glen Dolezal, Joe Don Eilers, David Grams, Jim Lanier, Molly McAdams, Herb Meischen, Brad Morgan, Nick Nickelson, Don Rea, Homer Recio, Billy Rosenthal, John Ruby, John Saunders, Leann Saunders, Phil Seng, Sharon Woods, Bob Zinke) who are experts in their respective areas will be asked to spend time, on campus, educating MAgrMI students.
- Degree: Master of Natural Resources in Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management (Non-Thesis)
- Credit Hours: 36 total credit hours
Graduate Admissions
Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts students in the highest class of job candidates.
International Students
Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams.
International Student Resources
Admissions Decisions
Students will receive an admissions decision either in a letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions or from the department.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
By submitting a financial aid application and a scholarship application, students are reviewed for all the types of financial aid that they are eligible for. Remember: each student’s financial aid eligibility may vary. The types of financial aid students are offered is based on the data provided on their financial aid and/or scholarship application.
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