The IARD field was created in 1974 to provide a MPS degree program primarily for professionals interested in the multidisciplinary dimensions of rural development in developing countries, such as those employed by governments and non-governmental organizations. It is also a minor field for broadening and enriching advanced degree programs in disciplinary majors. The curriculum is especially relevant to experienced practitioners from any country who require broad-gauged perspectives and knowledge about agriculture and development. The MPS IARD graduate program provides various forums for critically analyzing alternative strategies and for learning about practices, technologies, approaches, and trends in agriculture and rural development efforts around the world. The program also provides opportunities to review and update skills in a discipline or other specialty.
The MPS IARD graduate program is designed for people who have already embarked on an international career and whose professional plans include upgrading relevant skills and knowledge important to their future needs. With help from the Special Committee of faculty advisors, students tailor programs to suit their objectives from a wide selection of courses in the College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) and other colleges. MPS candidates carry out an applied special project under either a field-based option (typically involving an international component) or a course-based option, not an MS- or Ph.D.-style research thesis.
Forming the Special Committee
The student must have formed the Special Committee, which comprises at least 2 faculty members, prior to the second semester of study. The chairperson of the Special Committee must be a member of the IARD field. The second member of the Special Committee must come from outside the Chairperson’s department. Sometimes the needed multidisciplinarity is best accomplished by constituting a Special Committee with more than 2 members.
Faculty members of the Special Committee are responsible for advising the student in the development of a comprehensive plan of study consistent with the degree requirements. The Committee also guides and approves the problem-solving project and may appraise the student’s progress by means of oral or written examinations. Deadlines For Submitting the Special Committee Selection Form:
Special Committee of Faculty Advisors
Each student is supervised by a Special Committee consisting of at least two faculty members from different disciplines, one of whom is the chairperson. The chairperson must be a member of the IARD field, which consists of about 50 faculty from many disciplines in the agricultural and social sciences. The Special Committee is responsible for advising the student, supervising progress, and evaluating completion of formal degree requirements, including evaluating the problem-solving special project which generally culminates the IARD program.
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