Chatham University

What you'll study

This Master’s combines theoretical and practical study of crop and livestock production, agroecology, food systems, value chains and rural livelihoods in an international context. Coursework emphasises sustainability, climate resilience, and socio‑economic approaches to agricultural development.

• Core modules: agroecological principles; sustainable soil and water management; crop and livestock systems; agricultural economics and value chains; food security and nutrition; research methods and monitoring & evaluation.
• International and policy modules: global agricultural policy and governance; project design and management for development; climate change adaptation in agriculture; trade and market access for smallholders.
• Practical and experiential learning: field practicum or internship with an international partner organisation, applied research projects, and laboratory or farm‑based skills training at Chatham’s Eden Hall Campus.
• Research component: students complete a capstone project, professional practicum or thesis that addresses a real‑world problem in international agriculture, often in collaboration with NGOs, government agencies or community partners.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: an accredited bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, biology, development studies, economics or a related field. Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience may also be considered.
• Supporting documents: official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining interests in international agriculture, and two professional or academic references.
• Experience: relevant field or research experience is valued, particularly work with farming communities, NGOs, extension services or development projects.
• English language: proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) where required by the university.
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be invited to interview. The programme may accept GRE scores optionally, depending on the applicant’s background.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles across the public, private and non‑profit sectors where international agricultural expertise is needed. Typical career destinations include:

• Project officer or manager with international development agencies and NGOs working on food security, livelihoods and smallholder support.
• Technical advisor or extension specialist in agroecology, soil fertility, integrated pest management and sustainable production systems.
• Policy analyst or programme designer in government departments, intergovernmental organisations or think tanks focused on agriculture and rural development.
• Supply chain or sustainability roles in agribusiness and social enterprises that work with smallholder producers and global markets.
• Research assistant, monitoring & evaluation specialist, or further academic study (PhD) in agriculture, environmental science or development studies.

Why study at Chatham University

• Eden Hall Campus: Chatham’s Eden Hall Campus is dedicated to sustainability and provides living laboratories — farms, greenhouses and demonstration systems — where students gain practical, hands‑on experience in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Interdisciplinary approach: the programme draws on Chatham’s strengths across sustainability, public health, and the social sciences to prepare graduates to address complex international agricultural challenges.
• Field partnerships: faculty connections with NGOs, community organisations and regional partners support internships, capstone projects and field practicums, giving students direct exposure to development work.
• Small cohort, personalised mentoring: small class sizes and close faculty supervision support applied research and professional development, helping students tailor the programme to their career goals.
• Location and network: based near Pittsburgh, students benefit from a regional network of agricultural, environmental and public‑sector organisations, while the programme’s international focus supports global career pathways.