2026 OMALS Program Update
The Online Master of Science in Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS) program has updated its curriculum to provide a more professionally relevant learning experience. As part of this revision, the 6 credits of Project and Report requirement have been removed and replaced with additional coursework that strengthens practical and applied skills and evidence-based practice. The total credits required for the degree remain unchanged. The updates to the program curriculum:
- Replace the project/report with applied coursework
- Provide a clearer, more consistent path to degree completion
- Enhance skills in critical inquiry, research, and professional practice
- Increase flexibility for students balancing work, life, and academic goals
We’re committed to supporting you throughout this transition. If you have questions about how these changes affect your academic pathway, we are ready to help.
If you feel that a project and report would still benefit you (you want the option of pursuing a PhD or a specific certification), you are welcome to complete a project and report under the new program requirements with program and committee chair approval.
Fall 2021 to Spring 2026 Program Requirements
- Professional Practice in ALS (ALS 5174)
- 3
- Community Food Systems: Critical Inquiry (ALS 5234)
- 3
- Research Methodology: ALS 5134, ALS 5214, OR APSC 5184
- 3
- Project and Report
- 6
-
- Concentration Courses (choose 5 from course listing)
- 15
- Total
- 30
Summer 2026 and beyond Requirements
- Professional Practice in ALS (ALS 5174)
- 3
- Community Food Systems: Critical Inquiry (ALS 5234)
- 3
- Evidence-based Research Approaches in ALS (ALS 5134)
- 3
- Complex Challenges in ALS (ALS 5184)
- 3
- ALS Practices and Applications (ALS 5194)
- 3
- Concentration Courses (choose 5 from course listing)
- 15
- Total
- 30