Concentrations

Concentration Areas

Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS) offers eight concentrations that allow students to tailor the degree to their academic interests and professional goals. Concentration coursework accounts for 15 of the program’s 30 credit hours, with students selecting five courses from their chosen area of study.

Not sure which concentration is right for you? Request more information to learn more about each concentration and connect with an advisor.

Agribusiness

The Agribusiness concentration develops skills in management, marketing, economics, finance, policy, and economic analytics for careers across the agribusiness industry. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving within areas such as input supply, farm production, financial services, and agricultural marketing.

Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare

The Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare concentration is designed for students interested in animal behavior and welfare in applied settings. Coursework expands understanding of behavioral principles and their application to improving the lives of animals and their caregivers.

Applied Nutrition and Physical Activity

The Applied Nutrition and Physical Activity concentration develops evidence-based knowledge and skills in nutrition, exercise, health promotion, and public health. Students learn to translate current research into practical interventions, programs, and strategies that support health and well-being across the lifespan.

Education

The Education concentration develops skills in teaching and learning, leadership, extension, communication, and program development within agricultural and life sciences. Coursework emphasizes curriculum design, educational programming, technology integration, and strategies for engaging diverse youth and adult audiences.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science concentration builds interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills for addressing complex environmental issues. Coursework focuses on areas such as water and soil quality, environmental policy and regulation, ecosystem assessment, mitigation, and sustainable environmental management.

Food Safety and Biosecurity

The Food Safety and Biosecurity concentration develops advanced knowledge in food safety, sanitation, microbiology, regulation, and food biosecurity. Coursework prepares students to evaluate food safety practices, understand legal and regulatory issues, and design and assess food safety and biosecurity management programs.

Leadership Studies

The Leadership Studies concentration develops leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills for professionals working across agriculture and related fields. Coursework emphasizes leadership theory, social responsibility, collaboration, and leading effectively in diverse and multicultural environments.

Plant Science and Pest Management

The Plant Science and Pest Management concentration builds advanced knowledge across plant production, pest management, business, economics, communication, and regulation. Coursework includes specialized study in areas such as weed science, plant pathology, and crop management while preparing students to address complex issues across agricultural systems.