Master of Science in Biological and Environmental Sciences - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) graduate specialization takes a systems-based, interdisciplinary approach to the biological and environmental sciences as applied to agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, nutrition, and food safety. Our diverse group of faculty, with contributors from both the natural and social sciences, use a broad array of approaches to help achieve economically and ecologically sustainable production, management, consumption, and utilization of plants and animals for the development of healthy communities.Areas of research include animal science, aquaculture, aquatic pathology, ecological anthropology, ethnobiology, entomology, fisheries, nutrition and food sciences, plant sciences, resource economics and policy, and integrated agriculture and food systems. SAFS benefits from the outstanding extension and outreach programs of the Rhode Island Agricultural Experiment Station, Rhode Island Sea Grant, and the Coastal Resources Center. We have established solid relationships with stakeholders (industry, local, state, and federal government, non-governmental organizations), and actively disseminate our research to stakeholders both locally and globally to facilitate the sustainable growth of the industry.Classes OfferedKingston CampusNarragansett Bay CampusDays and EveningsTime to CompletionFull-time: 2-3 years

Coursework in both natural and social sciences is expected. Admission is quite competitive and applicants with GPAs below 3.0 are rarely admitted Applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0 may be considered if there is other evidence of exceptional promise included with the application Possible sources of evidence include relevant professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation and or high GRE test scores 90th percentile or aboveThe percentage and number of admitted applicants varies over time depending on faculty commitments and funding available However over the last several years between 10-30 percent of applicants are admitted to the graduate programApplicants should have a bachelors degree in a biological or physical science natural resources science math engineering or other appropriate disciplineApplications include the followingAn unofficial copy of your transcripts Official copies are required after admission Instructions for submitting the official transcript will be provided in the admission letterAt the beginning of your personal statement please list the names of one or more potential advisors in boldface type Two reference letters Additional letters will be considered although only two are requiredConsider submitting any additional materials that provide direct evidence of relevant experience or writing ability such as published papers research posters or reports Please upload any such documents as supplemental materialsGREs are not required in order to apply to the BES program.TOEFL IBT -An overall score of 80 or above 82 for teaching assistantship consideration ANDMinimum scores in the following areas - Reading 19Writing 18Listening 17Speaking 18 the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20.If you are below the minimum in one area by two points or in two areas by one point but have an overall score of 80 or above the Dean will make a determination if you can be considered