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News Headline June 30, 2008
Earn an Organic Ag Certificate Online
Washington State University offers undergraduate and non-degree programs
Kim Kidwell, Ph.D., is associate dean for academic programs at WSU's College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. She told Wines & Vines that seven students are enrolled in the first required class, and the department has already received many inquiries about the fall semester. So far, she said, "Our concern is about hitting the minimum enrollment" for the program. "I dream about the day that we'll have to think about limiting registration."
Although students can enroll in an online degree programs at WSU, Kidwell pointed out that the organic agriculture certificate has drawn the interest of many people with degrees who already are working in agricultural jobs or on their own farms, and the certificate program is designed to accommodate a student who can plan their distance learning over a period of years. Janet Kendall, director of WSU's Center for Distance and Professional Education, said she'd spoken to one potential applicant who manages three vineyards near Washington's Benton City.
The non-degree certificate requires a total of 18 credits, including the required Soils 101 course and Sustainable Small Farming and Ranching, plus a professional internship at an approved farm, orchard, nursery, greenhouse or organic business. Each of these will contribute three credits, and students can choose among nine other electives to complete the additional nine credits needed for a certificate.
"I would think that the Food Safety & Quality course would be of particular interest to those involved in viticulture and enology," Kidwell said. Other electives include field analysis of sustainable food systems, agricultural entrepreneurship, fundamentals of macroeconomics, ecological soil management, soil fertility and composting. Since some courses are prerequisite to others, "It's probably not humanly possible" to complete the certificate in a single semester, especially for someone who's already employed. Some students may take as long as two or three years to earn their certificate, she said.
Kidwell said that, since many applicants already are working in agriculture, she's fielded numerous inquiries from those who'd like to do their "internship" at their current place of employment. "We'd prefer for people to figure out how to expand their experience," she said, but acknowledged that many students face time constrictions. "We're trying to be more creative about this. The structure is open to creativity, not just doing the same old things. Doing what you're already doing is not good value, education-wise."
She noted that the program has received inquiries from all over the world. "It's fascinating--and scary," she said. "What becomes difficult for us are the different cropping systems, and different environmental issues, particularly for grapegrowing." Having students scattered across time zones can also be a problem, as can students with various native languages. Still, Kidwell said, this diverse population of students also has its advantages. "It will broaden the experience," she said. "We'll get insight from many different areas. With this world view, the conversation is different."
According to wsu.edu, the U.S. organic food industry has grown at a rate of nearly 20% each year for more than a decade, and experts predict the trend will continue or accelerate. This growth makes it challenging to find employees who understand the unique approaches used in organic agriculture. The online certificate "is ideal for professionals working in agriculture or related fields who require in-depth knowledge of organic systems," and those seeking careers in organic agriculture, as well as those interested in community supported agriculture.
Although many people working in agriculture careers in Washington state and across the country already hold bachelor's degrees, Kidwell believes these and others may wish to expand their skill sets to include organic agriculture.
"This certificate fills that need," she said. "Those who complete the certificate will hold the credential they need to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country." Application details and forms are available at online.wsu.edu/future_students/applications.aspx.
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