Agroforestry, land use practices that integrate crops and/or livestock with trees and shrubs to obtain useful products or services, is gaining recognition as an integral component of multifunctional working landscapes. While agroforestry has been gaining attention in the U.S. and worldwide, the need for trained professionals in agroforestry also has been expanding. Agroforestry, as a farming system that integrates crops and/or livestock with trees and shrubs, has a long history of interdisciplinary research at the University of Missouri. The program was developed to provide working professionals with advanced study and experience in agroforestry and related fields not readily available at other colleges and universities in the U.S. or abroad.
The interdisciplinary agroforestry emphasis area capitalizes on existing agroforestry research collaborations across The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Divisions and in particular, The School of Natural Resources (SNR) departments in building an academic program that attracts and serves quality graduate students from Missouri, the nation and the world. The agroforestry emphasis area offers both a MS thesis and non-thesis option. The campus-based thesis option is designed for individuals who wish to gain the skills required to conduct original research resulting in an MS thesis and refereed publications. The online non-thesis option is designed for professionals working in natural resources around the globe who already have an undergraduate degree in a related field. The online master’s program and graduate certificate have no on-campus/face-to-face requirements; the entire degree can be completed online. Visit the online webpage for more information.
First of its kind and Ranked #1
In addition to the campus-based thesis MS degree option, the online master’s degree program is unique and fills a void across the globe. To the best of our knowledge, there are no similar comprehensive English language based agroforestry programs elsewhere in the U.S. or abroad. In contrast, many institutions offer a single agroforestry course.
This ranking is based on value. Accredited online schools across the nation were analyzed, taking into consideration academic strength factors along with manually researched tuition rates in order to provide a list of colleges offering the best value to students. Inclusion on this list shows high academic standards and a commitment to affordability, two key factors important to prospective students. University of Missouri made the ranking at 1st for Master’s Degrees in Environmental Science. This recognition is based on the Master of Science in Natural Resources (Agroforestry Emphasis) online program. Within a short period of five years, this new SNR online MS program has admitted 74 students and graduated 23.
Agroforestry M.S. Graduates Can Expect
To possess the technical knowledge required to advise landowners, businesses and other organizations that seek to create multi-functional working landscapes to diversify products, markets and farm income; improve soil, water and air quality; sequester carbon; enhance and conserve land and water habitats for fish and habitat; and increase biodiversity.
To broaden career opportunities, successfully competing for both U.S. and international professional positions requiring an interdisciplinary master’s degree.
To increase their immediate and long-term earning potential.
The MU Center for Agroforestry
The Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri, established in 1998, is one the world’s leading centers contributing to the science and practice of agroforestry. Our faculty have many years of experience in research, education, outreach and economic development in the U.S. and internationally and are recognized experts in their fields.
Core Participating Faculty
Agroforestry Graduate Coordinator
Michael Gold, Ph.D.
- Noel Aloysius, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, SNR/Bioengineering
- Stephen Anderson, Ph.D., Professor, SNR
- Alba Argerich, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, SNR
- Ashely Conway, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, SNR/UMCA
- Zhen Cai, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, SNR/UMCA
- Mark V. Coggeshall, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor, SNR/UMCA
- Michael A. Gold, Ph.D., Research Professor and Associate Director, SNR/UMCA
- Hong S. He, Ph.D., Professor, SNR
- Damon Hall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, SNR
- Samniqueka Halsey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, SNR
- Mary Hendrickson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Rural Sociology
- Shibu Jose, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Dean, CAFNR
- Ben Knapp, Ph.D., Associate Professor, SNR
- Christine Li, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, SNR
- Chung-Ho Lin, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor, SNR/UMCA
- Sarah Lovell, Ph.D., Endowed Professor and Director, UMCA/SNR
- Laura McCann, Ph.D., Professor, Ag. Economics
- Allison Meyers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Animal Science
- Harley Naumann, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Plant Science
- Charles Nilon, Ph.D., Professor, SNR
- Rebecca North, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, SNR
- Ron Revord, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, SNR/UMCA
- Robin Rotman, JD., Assistant Professor, SNR
- Hank Stelzer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, SNR
- Ranjith Udawatta, Ph.D., Research Professor, SNR/UMCA
- P. Leszek Vincent, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor, Biochemistry
- Dusty Walter, Ph.D., CAFNR, Ag. Experiment Station
- Corinne Valdivia, Ph.D., Professor, Ag. Economics
- Ron Zalesny, Jr., Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, USFS