About the Program

About the OMALS Program

Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS) is a 100% online graduate program offered through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The program is designed to help working professionals and students seeking advanced study build expertise across agricultural and life sciences. Students can tailor their degree to their academic interests and professional goals by choosing one of eight specialized concentrations.

OMALS combines graduate coursework with applied learning in food, agricultural, environmental, and human sciences. The program is designed to:

• Provide an integrated advanced interdisciplinary education.
• Develop effective multi-dimensional communication skills.
• Foster critical thinking and develop research skills to address complex issues.
• Develop ethical leaders in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to Virginia Tech's OMALS program should have completed or be nearing completion of a B.S. degree in agricultural and life sciences or a closely related field. Applicants are expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and strong scientific writing and communication skills.

The GRE is not required for admission to the OMALS program.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who fall slightly below the admission requirements may be admitted provisionally at the recommendation of the department. Provisional status is permitted for a maximum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to continue in the OMALS degree program.

Commonwealth Campus Pathway

Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 should apply through Commonwealth Campus as non-degree-seeking students. This pathway allows students to complete graduate coursework and improve their academic record before applying to the OMALS degree program. Eligible credits earned through Commonwealth Campus may be transferred into the degree program.

Degree Requirements and Completion Timeline

The OMALS program is composed of 30 credit hours: 15 credits of core coursework and 15 credits within the chosen concentration. The degree is designed to offer flexible pacing around individual schedules and can be completed in as few as three semesters or over a period of up to five years. Courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, providing flexibility in planning a path to degree completion. Refer to the courses page for a full list of program offerings.