The field offers a Master of Professional Studies (Agriculture) degree for students interested in the broader, more interdisciplinary aspects of agricultural and rural development. The M.P.S.(Agriculture and Life Sciences) degree is intended primarily for students preparing for service in international agriculture and draws from several disciplines to assist them in understanding the special conditions and problems of newly developing economies. The program provides an opportunity for study of development strategies, a broad perspective on practices and trends in world agriculture, and up-to-date training in a discipline. The curriculum is especially relevant to experienced practitioners in development activities abroad.

Students majoring in another graduate field in agriculture and life sciences, or other qualified students, are welcome to minor in this field. Students minoring in the field may not minor in fields such as or Latin American Studies, and they may not select a professor for this minor who also serves on the Graduate Faculty in their major field. Proficiency in the language most likely to be useful in the student's intended area of service is encouraged.