Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business

Contact

Paul Christensen
515-294-8745
seedgrad@iastate.edu

Seed Science and Technology Certificate Program

The objective of this Seed Science and Technology Graduate Certificate is to provide graduate level study in the science and technology used in the seed industry. This certifiicate is oriented toward individuals with a business background who want to understand the technical side of their industry in more depth so that they can better apply their knowledge, skills and experience. Seed science in this case includes not only the science associated with seed production and use, but also plant breeding and plant biotechnology. The course in Quality, Production and Research Management will address special aspects of operational management of the technical side of the business.

General Description of the Seed Science and Technology Graduate Certificate

The Seed Science and Technology Certificate content represents approximately half of the content of the Master of Science Seed Technology and Business program. The program’s curriculum satisfies the formal requirements for a Master of Science degree established by ISU’s Graduate College and applies academic rigor to instruction, in an integrated program.

In this case, we use the word certificate in two different but compatible meanings. One is as a significant step on the path to a master’s degree, and the other is as independent recognition of progress in study of seed science and technology issued by the ISU Graduate College. The certificate may be either the final objective of the student or an intermediate stop on his/her way to a master’s degree.

Seed Science and Technology Graduate Certificate Courses

The courses in the certificate program are offered by the same professors that teach the courses in the Seed Technology and Business courses. In many cases the students will be in the same sections.

The curriculum is divided into sections on seed science and seed technology.