Masters-level agricultural biosecurity education for location-bound adult learners
G. KULDAU (1). (1) Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, U.S.A.
Online education presents an invaluable opportunity to location bound adult learners seeking to extend their education. Penn State offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security with four options including the option in Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense. Completion of the four core courses within the option earns a Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense. Almost all students enrolled in these programs are working adults and include active duty, deployed and retired military. Many military students are preparing for post-military careers. The online nature of these programs make them available to students who are unable to physically attend a classroom-based program. Previous knowledge of the agriculture food system is low amongst enrolled students however this lack of knowledge does not prevent students from successful completion of the courses. The first of the four core courses is open to students in the other options of the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security. One outcome of enrollment in this course is an increase in knowledge of the agriculture food system, the importance of plant and animal biosecurity, and of related issues such as invasive species amongst an audience with little other exposure to such topics. Student response to the course is largely positive with many expressing surprise upon learning about the magnitude and complexity of the agriculture food system.
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