University of Arkansas, Missouri State University offer dual-degree poultry science program

Missouri State Provost Frank Einhellig (left), University of Arkansas' Patrice Sims, Missouri State Dean of the William H. Darr College of Agriculture Ronald Del Vecchio, MIssouri State head of the Department of Animal Science Gary Webb and University of Arkansas' David Caldwell, head of the Department of Poultry Science and director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. (Source: University of Arkansas)

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. — The agriculture colleges at the University of Arkansas and Missouri State University recently created a dual-degree transfer program for any student, emphasizing poultry science.

The two schools joined forces to create a 3-plus-1 course curriculum that allows animal science majors at Missouri State to complete their senior year at the University of Arkansas in the poultry program. Those students will earn bachelor’s degrees from MSU in animal science and from Arkansas in agricultural, food and life sciences with a poultry science concentration.

“We offer one of the premier poultry science programs in the nation,” said Deacue Fields, dean of the Bumpers College at Arkansas. “The industry is demanding more degreed professionals and our graduates are highly sought after. Poultry is obviously a huge part of the agricultural industry and economy in Arkansas and Missouri and other surrounding areas. We are excited to be able to partner with Missouri State and its students and faculty on addressing an industry demand in our region and beyond.”

To qualify, students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and complete all pre-approved courses. They do have to pay tuition and fees for respective courses at both institutions.

Transferring students can choose a poultry science industry or a pre-professional concentration at Arkansas. The poultry science industry concentration requires 34 hours, while the pre-professional option requires 30 hours. Both include an internship and classes such as Poultry Production, Avian Anatomy, Egg & Meat Technology, Poultry Breeder, Poultry Diseases, and Poultry Nutrition.

Missouri State said its animal science program prepares graduates for careers in agricultural fields that focus on the care, treatment and use of animals. Programs focus on both the business and technical aspects of animal care, nutrition and breeding.

“The newly created memorandum of understanding between Missouri State University and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is a landmark cooperative agreement,” said Ronald Del Vecchio, dean of the Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State. “Students will be able to double major, earning two baccalaureate degrees from two top-tier institutions within a four-year time span. These students will benefit greatly from the experiences they will receive at both universities … and the job outlook for graduates in poultry science and animal science is strong.”