Distance Education
CALS offers several degree and certificate programs in convenient online formats.
Enhanced training and education can meet the increasing demand for highly trained professionals and leaders in agricultural and life sciences. However, many practicing professionals and others are place-bound and unable to access traditional on-campus educational opportunities.
Today’s evolving industry calls for complex technical information and knowledge, making continuous professional development critical for new employees and current professionals.
To learn more, download the Distance Education Strategic Plan.
Explore the Programs
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NC State University offers distance graduate degrees, graduate certificates and distance undergraduate certificates, with courses using a variety of distance education formats. Detailed descriptions of the degree and certificate programs are available through the 12 CALS departments. View all of the CALS distance offerings at the dropdowns below.
Undergraduate Programs
| Degree | Program Name | Dir. of Undergraduate Program | Course Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS | Agricultural Science | Joseph Donaldson | Link |
Undergraduate Certificates
| Degree | Certificate Name | Program Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTA | Agribusiness Management (Associate) | John Russ | Link |
| Agricultural Business Management (Post-Bac) | John Russ | Link | |
| CTU | Agricultural Business Management | John Russ | Link |
| CTU | Agricultural Leadership | Jackie Bruce | Link |
| CTU | Animal Nutrition | Shannon Pratt Phillips | Link |
| CTU | Crop Science | David Crouse | Link |
| CTU | Feed Milling | Adam Fahrenholz | Link |
| CTU | Food Safety & Quality Management | Clint Stevenson | Link |
| CTU | Fundamentals of Entomology | Clyde Sorenson | Link |
| CTU | General Horticulture | Issac Lewis | Link |
| CTU | Plant Pests, Pathogens, and People | David Shew Clyde Sorenson | Link |
| CTU | Regulatory Science in Agriculture | Keith Edmisten | Link |
| CTU | Soil Science | David Crouse | Link |
Graduate Programs
| Degree | Degree Name | Dir. of Graduate Program | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR | Master of Agricultural Education and Human Sciences | Joseph Donaldson | Link |
| MR | Master of Animal Science | Shannon Pratt Phillips | Link |
| MR | Master of Biological and Agricultural Engineering | John Classen | Link |
| MR | Master of Horticultural Science | Gina Fernandez | Link |
| MR | Master of Nutrition | Suzie Goodell | Link |
| MR | Master of Soil Science | Mike Mullen | Link |
Graduate Certificates
| Certificate | Certificate Name | Program Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensure in Education for Agricultural Professionals | Travis Park | Link | |
| CTG | Agricultural and Extension Education | Joseph Donaldson | Link |
| CTG | Agriculture Data Science | Daniela Jones | Link |
| CTG | Family Life Education and Coaching | Jessica Williams | Link |
| CTG | Feed Science | Adam Fahrenholz | Link |
| CTG | Horticultural Science | Helen Kraus | Link |
| CTG | Leadership and Volunteer Management | Jessica Williams | Link |
| CTG | Leadership in Agriculture and Human Sciences | Jackie Bruce | Link |
| CTG | Regulatory Science in Agriculture | Keith Edmisten | Link |
| CTG | Watershed Assessment and Restoration | John Classen | Link |
| CTG | Youth Development and Leadership | Jessica Williams | Link |
How to Register
There are three ways to access and register for distance education courses in CALS:
- Most courses are scheduled through Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA). Available distance education courses, tuition rates, registration information and other student support information are provided.
- Several distance education courses are also scheduled through Registration and Records, similar to in-person courses.
- For example, if you want to enroll in BIO181, enter the “Schedule of Courses” and scroll down until you find the BIO181 sections where “Distance Education-Internet” is listed under “Room.”
- These are the same courses listed under DELTA. Tuition for these courses differs and can be found at http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/cashier/tuition/.
- If enrolled in an IDEA degree or certificate program, courses are available through NC State or cooperating universities. Tuition information is also provided.
Other Distance Education Pathways
CALS Community of Practice
CALS Community of Practice is one of many strategies in the new Distance Education Strategic Plan. The strategy will build a community around pedagogy, teaching resources, educational trends and research.
The practice is held virtually twice a semester. Guest speakers can raise awareness of various educational topics within the college. They are welcome to host a formal presentation or lead an informal discussion about teaching resources, research, helpful educational tips and more.
CALS Community of Practice promotes the efforts of CALS faculty, celebrates educational success, shares resources and research that aid in educational efforts and builds a strong community of educators and supporters that serve the college.
