International Agriculture and Rural Development

In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .

Requirements
International Studies Minor

International agriculture and rural development provides students an understanding of the special problems that exist when applying basic knowledge to the processes of agriculture and rural development in developing countries. The student chooses an area of concentration within the major and works with an advisor to plan an individualized program of study. Areas of concentration include 1) economic and development, 2) agricultural food systems, and 3) environment and ecosystems. The core curriculum and areas of concentration are designed to acquaint students with relevant socioeconomic factors, the physical and biological aspects of tropical crops and animal production in farming systems, and issues of resource management and sustainability in developing countries.

Requirements:

In addition to the college distribution requirements (39 credits), students in international agriculture and rural development take a minimum of 30 credits for core required courses (including an international experience plus an area study, capstone and ethic course). Another 5 required and 5 in-depth courses are taken for their chosen concentration (30-35 credits). An introductory statistics course is also required. The Foreign Language Requirement for the IARD major is no longer required, but is encouraged (see below). The major is a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary degree with course work drawn from a wide range of disciplines, consistent with the student’s chosen concentration. Students are expected to complete an overseas field study experience (minimum of eight weeks) preferably for a semester or whole summer or even a whole year. Approved CALS exchange programs, Cornell “Study Abroad”, and other pre-approved international activities are developed in consultation and planning with the student’s advisor as possible choices. This is the most important part of the major with the objective to familiarize students with hands on experiences they will encounter in developing countries.

International Studies Minor:

The minor in International Studies can be pursued by undergraduates majoring in any CALS field other than IARD. This minor is designed to enrich students’ preparation for leadership in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world. The minor combines relevant course work, and overseas study to enhance the undergraduate experience.

Requirements:

In addition to fulfilling all of the requirements of any chosen major in CALS, students may complete the following requirements for the minor.

Four courses with significant international content, as recommended by students’ major departments (two should be from CALS).
One semester of IARD 4800 or NTRES 4340 . Students should also attend the AEM 6960 , CSS 6960 or IARD 6960 CIIFAD seminar at least for one semester.

Highly recommended:

1. Foreign language competency to allow daily conversations in a country of interest.
2. An approved overseas experience (exchange, study abroad program, internship, or faculty-led short course).

For more information, contact the academic programs coordinator in the CALS International Programs Office, (607) 255-3811.