USU, National Chung Hsing University Launch Innovative '3+x' Master's in Agribusiness

Utah State University’s Department of Applied Economics has a new partnership with National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) in Taiwan that creates a somewhat customizable program for a master’s degree in agribusiness from the two universities.

Following the success of the USU College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and NCHU dual doctoral degree program in soil science, the sister institutions are pleased to offer a new "3+x” master’s degree in agribusiness.

Students will begin by studying for three years in NCHU’s international bachelor’s degree in agribusiness program, which draws students from other countries and is taught in English. Students then come to USU’s Logan campus for a flexible number of semesters to earn the master of agribusiness degree.

Professor Ryan Bosworth, head of USU’s Department of Applied Economics, said it’s expected that students will study at USU for three to four semesters in order to graduate with the master’s degree, but that may vary by student, based on their individual interests and emphasis areas.

USU Professor Man-Keun Kim, who has been a visiting faculty member in applied economics at NCHU, said the new 3+x master’s program “seeks to broaden and deepen our collaboration with NCHU and the timing for this new degree offering is opportune, aligning with the strategic goals of both institutions and presenting a unique opportunity to expand our academic offerings in response to emerging educational demands.”

USU Professor Simon Wang, who heads the university’s International Partnerships in Agriculture, Climate & Environment program, and does research in collaboration with NCHU scientists, said flexibility is the cornerstone of the new degree program.

“NCHU and USU recognize the dynamic nature of international academic partnerships and we are all committed to maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring the program's continual evolution to meet the changing needs of students and faculty,” Wang said. “This initiative is not just about studying; it's about immersing oneself in a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating environment.”