The University Program follows the practical training experience and must agree with the participant’s visa dates.  This is a one-semester (15-week) program.  Trainees who select this option must have completed at least two years of higher education.  Participants choose to attend a semester at the Saint Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota.  The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) offers special consideration for MAST International trainees to attend classes.  MAST trainees are not required to pass the TOEFL test to enroll in these courses and they pay reduced tuition.  Participants receive a certificate issued by the College documenting program completion.

CFANS Course Offerings

Participants select from courses offered by CFANS.   The College has some of the best agricultural departments in the United States.  Participants may need to have background coursework or professor permission to enroll in the higher-level courses.  Participants select from a variety of courses offered in the following disciplines:

Agricultural, Food and Environmental Education

Agronomy and Plant Genetics

Animal Science

Applied Economics

Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

Entomology

Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Food Science and Nutrition

Forest Resources

Horticultural Science

Plant Biology

Plant Pathology

Soil, Water and Climate

MAST Course Offerings

Participants can also select a course designed only for MAST International students.  Qualified instructors teach these courses at a college level.  These courses are offered according to student interest and may vary from semester to semester.  Past courses include:

Artificial Insemination – This course is similar to the Artificial Insemination Short Course except that it is held in St. Paul, Minnesota.  See Short Course Programs (Artificial Insemination).

English Language and Communications – This course focuses on grammar and vocabulary by studying cultural values such as family, work, money, and politics.  Students learn to prepare a resume and learn job-interviewing skills.

Farm and Business Management – This course is designed for both agricultural and horticultural students.  Topics covered include farm and business management, marketing, business and financial records, farm financial decision-making, business plans, U.S. government farm programs, information management, risk and control issues, and international agriculture.