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Ontario Agricultural College launches new Master of Plant Agriculture program

Sep 1, 2023 | 3:16 PM

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is launching a new master’s program.

The Master of Plant Agriculture program is scheduled to start in the fall of 2024 and will focus on advanced expertise in plant breeding, crop production, and plant science.

“We are consistently hearing that employers are seeking graduates that have the scientific knowledge as well as the hands-on training in plant and agricultural science,” said Dr. John Cranfield, acting dean of OAC. “This program will fill this gap and provide graduates with valuable skills in collaboration and communication needed for career success.”

The College said the program will be more hands-on rather than one that requires academic research. They will continue to offer their thesis-based MSc and PhD in plant agriculture to help students wishing to pursue careers in research in the private or public sector.

Interested students can study full-time or part-time and can select their own courses that match their interests.

“Our department has world-class faculty with very strong connections to the sector and access to a network of research stations and state-of-the-art facilities across Ontario,” said Dr. Hugh Earl, chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture. “This will benefit our graduate students as it enhances the opportunities for professional networking and hands-on learning.”

The program still needs final approval from the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance before officially taking in its first students next year.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow