Agriculture students at Missouri State University who want to learn more about poultry science will now have the option thanks to a new partnership.

MSU’s William H. Darr College of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and its department of poultry science at the University of Arkansas (U of A) have joined forces to create a dual-degree transfer program with an emphasis on poultry science.

The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding recently.

“The newly created MOU between MSU and U of A is a landmark cooperative agreement,” said Dr. Ronald Del Vecchio, dean of the Darr College of Agriculture. “Students will be able to double-major, earning two baccalaureate degrees from two top-tier institutions within a four-year time span.”

Bumpers College Dean Dr. Deacue Fields said they’re excited to partner with Missouri State, and its students and faculty on addressing an industry demand in this region and beyond.

“We offer one of the premier poultry science programs in the nation,” Fields added. “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, but also in Missouri and other surrounding areas.”

About the program

The 3+1 course curriculum allows animal science majors at MSU to complete their senior year at the U of A in the poultry program and earn degrees from both universities.

Graduates will earn bachelor’s degrees from MSU in animal science and from the U of A in agricultural, food and life sciences with a poultry science concentration. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75, complete all pre-approved courses, and pay tuition and fees for respective courses at MSU and the U of A.

Transferring students can choose a poultry science industry or a pre-professional concentration.

The former requires 34 hours, while the latter requires 30 hours. Both include an internship, along with classes, such as Poultry Production, Avian Anatomy, Egg & Meat Technology, Poultry Breeder, Poultry Diseases and Poultry Nutrition, among others.

Dr. David Caldwell, head of U of A department of poultry science, said they’re eager to begin working with colleagues at Missouri State to develop robust enrollment in this new program.

“Throughout the years, our department has been fortunate to enroll some exceptional students from the state of Missouri, many of whom have gone on to important positions in the commercial poultry industry. We look forward to guiding participating students toward rewarding careers in poultry science within the commercial poultry industry.”

MSU’s animal science program prepares graduates for careers in agricultural fields that focus on the care, treatment and use of animals.

From livestock to horses, to companion animals and pre-veterinary medicine, the department blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences working with the college’s own cattle and horses. Programs focus on both the business and technical aspects of animal care, nutrition and breeding.

Agreement terms

Among the terms are:

• MSU advises all new and continuing animal science students, and provides faculty mentoring.
• MSU establishes a selection committee for the program and accepts a minimum of 30 poultry science hours from the U of A.
• U of A provides advising and faculty mentoring to students.
• U of A assists transferring students with scholarships and internship opportunities.
• U of A offers tours of its campus and facilities, and visits MSU for recruiting sessions.