Program Overview
Professional Science Master’s in Urban Agriculture
The PSM in Urban Agriculture program is an innovative graduate program that trains students to connect the dots between locally grown food, climate change, nutritional health, and economic empowerment while making urban farming a successful and sustainable business. The program offers students a chance to explore sustainable research techniques applied in action, whether it be at the 143-acre Firebird Research Farm in Beltsville, Maryland, our innovative urban farms in Wards 5, 7, and 8 of the District of Columbia, or the 20,000 sq. ft., food-producing green roof on the University’s Van Ness campus. In addition to required coursework, students can get hands-on experience through actively engaging in research projects implemented by the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education.
Degree Requirements
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and a background in business, economics, planning, mathematics, science, or engineering, are encouraged to apply to any of the PSM program tracks. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 35 – 36 credit hours, depending on the concentration, which can be completed within two years of full-time study. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides not only a deep knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological sciences applicable to urban systems, but it is ideal for skill-building in environmental policy, communication, business management, project management, ethics, and leadership.
All three PSM degrees are applied sciences, and they allow working professionals to bring their own professional experience into the program to advance or retool their careers.
Each PSM may be completed as a certificate. When combined with the required core and professional courses, students receive a PSM degree.