MSU creates dual-degree program with U of A

Missouri State University signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Arkansas to create a dual-degree program in poultry science.

The MOU signed last month by officials from both colleges allows animal science majors at MSU to complete their senior years at U of A's poultry program, earning degrees from both universities, according to a news release. The program is a partnership between MSU's William H. Darr College of Agriculture and U of A’s Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and its Department of Poultry Science.

Ronald Del Vecchio, dean of the Darr College of Agriculture, called the MOU a "landmark cooperative agreement."

“Students will be able to double-major, earning two baccalaureate degrees from two top-tier institutions within a four-year time span," he said in the release. "These students will benefit greatly from the experiences they will receive at both universities, and the job outlook for graduates in poultry science and animal science is strong."

Graduates would earn a bachelor's degree in animal science at MSU and a bachelor's in agricultural, food and life sciences with a poultry science concentration from U of A.

"The industry is demanding more degreed professionals and our graduates are highly sought after," said Deacue Fields, dean of the Dale Bumpers College, in the release.

The agreement is the latest effort by MSU to increase agricultural learning in the Ozarks.

Last year, southwest Missouri businessperson Bill Darr and his family foundation donated $6.5 million to MSU and Springfield Public Schools for the creation of an agricultural magnet school in the Queen City.