Evolution of Distance Education Programs In Soil Science: A North Carolina Perspective.

Distance education (DE) opportunities in many fields of study have dramatically increased over the last several decades.  Beginning with one course first offered in 1995, North Carolina State University has continued to be a leader in developing DE courses and programs in soil science.  With reallocation of internal resources and acquisition of several grants, the number of DE courses grew, resulting in development of a Masters of Soil Science (non-thesis) degree program initially offered in 2008.  Subsequently, we worked with two institutions in the Southern region to generate grant resources to establish a Southern Region Consortium of universities to offer graduate (non-thesis) degrees in many fields of study.  During the Initial planning process it became obvious that establishing a national DE program was achievable.  Discussions were subsequently initiated with the existing Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA) program. These discussion led to the development of the Agriculture IDEA (AG*IDEA) program, that represents a national consortium of universities offering programs and courses in agriculture and related disciplines.  Through the AG*IDEA, faculty from collaborating universities are establishing interdisciplinary M.S. degree and certificate DE  programs in soil, water, and environmental sciences (SWES).  The graduate degree program will be comprised of several required core courses and electives that provide flexibility to meet individual interests. Core courses include soil physics, biology, chemistry, hydrology, and genesis/morphology.  Graduate certificates are increasingly recognized as an important avenue for professional development, and can also be tailored to meet student interest.  The AG*IDEA SWES graduate programs will be available in 2011, and will substantially enhance educational and professional development opportunities for practicing professionals in soil, water, and environmental sciences.