Poster: Professionalism Outreach: Professional Development
803-P
Master in Plant Health Management: education and training to meet 21st century trends and challenges in Extension and industry
M. LEWANDOWSKI (1), A. Dorrance (2), L. Canas (3), B. Kleinke (4), E. Roche (5), J. Schoenhals (6), S. Williams (1), F. Peduto Hand (1), J. Jasinksi (7), M. Gardiner (3), P. Paul (2), A. Londo (6) (1) The Ohio State University, Department of Plant Patholo
In response to the growing demand for qualified professionals to address emerging trends and challenges in plant health, the Master in Plant Health Management (MPHM) was established by the Department of Plant Pathology and the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University. The MPHM program, which is affiliated with the Professional Science Master's Association, is distinguished by an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates agricultural science coursework with professional development and workforce skills in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. An online option was added in 2014. The program has attracted a diverse population of students, many of whom are working professionals and non-traditional students. A new graduate associateship program was established with OSU Extension to recruit, educate and support future Extension educators to work in the field of agriculture and natural resources. Students work directly with Extension teams and mentors on projects that include agronomic field trials, ornamental pathology, and citizen science programs. The MPHM program's placement rate is very strong, with graduates working in Extension, industry and research.