Frequently Asked Questions for the Graduate Program
Who is my advisor?
The Coordinator of the Pro Ag Master of Agriculture degree program is the advisor to help students get started. Students need to name a major professor by the time they have completed 15 credits.
How do I name a major professor?
If you are not acquainted with the professors at Iowa State University, the academic advisor can assist you with suggestions. The first thing is to think about what will be your main area of interest for the creative component and then seek a professor who has expertise within your area.
How soon do I need to be admitted to the program?
You can enroll for courses without being admitted, but it is imperative by the time you have enrolled for eight credits that you have filed the materials and are admitted.
Can out of state students enroll?
Yes, courses are delivered to out of state students via video CD-ROM, World Wide Web and/or Streaming Video.
What are the computer requirements?
Recommended computer requirements for Web Based, CD-ROM / DVD, Streaming Video Courses:
- High-speed Internet Connection & E-mail
- Web Browser - Internet Explorer 6 or later
- RealPlayer 10 or later (free download from www.realnetworks.com)
- Windows Media Player 9 or later (free download from www.microsoft.com)
- Windows QuickTime 6.4 or later (free download from www.apple.com)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 6 or later (free download from www.adobe.com)
- Microsoft Office 97 or later (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- 350MHz Pentium II or greater (500MHz Pentium III recommended), Mac G3 or greater
- 64MB RAM (128MB preferred) for Windows 98SE, ME, NT4; 256MB preferred for 2000, XP
- 65,000-color video display card set to display at 800x600 or higher, 15" or larger monitor
- Full Duplex Sound Card and Speakers
- 16X CD-ROM / 4X DVD player with DVD playback software
- Windows 98SE, ME, NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6 or later, 2000 with Service Pack 4, Windows XP with Service Pack 2
Are there any entrance exams?
The Graduate Record Examination is not required for the Master of Agriculture degree.
How are video courses delivered?
Video courses are mailed to students on CD-ROM. RealPlayer is needed to view the video files.
Are any courses offered via the Internet?
Some courses are offered wholly or in part via the WWW.
Are there other delivery modes?
Two to five day workshops are offered each year, usually on campus during the summer.
How are tests administered?
Students choose a proctor, have tests sent to the proctor, and then arrange a test-taking time. Proctors are often extension personnel or community college instructors, etc.
How long will it take to get a degree?
This varies greatly from individual to individual, depending on the amount of course work remaining and the number of credits taken each semester. Most students can complete their degree within 3-5 years.
