By Kenwyn Caranna, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is introducing a double master’s degree pathway for spring 2026 that allows students to receive dual degrees in business administration and agricultural and environmental systems — all within two years.

This innovative, 45-credit hour course of study — jointly developed by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics — marks a historic milestone as the first double master’s degree pathway at N.C. A&T.

“This is the only one of its kind in the country with this kind of structure and this curriculum,” said Antoine Alston, Ph.D., CAES associate dean of academic studies. “This is going to allow students to save money and finish their degree at an accelerated pace.”

The CAES master’s degree features a concentration in agribusiness and food industry management.

Kenrett Jefferson-Moore, Ph.D., chair of the CAES Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education, said the college has received a lot of interest in this pathway from students, many of whom are starting their own farms and food businesses.

While CAES offers a master’s degree with a concentration in agribusiness, Jefferson-Moore said the dual degree offers students more a comprehensive business education, including strategic marketing, logistics management and business analytics.

Eric M. Gladney, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Deese College and MBA program director, said the double degree gives students a tremendous advantage.

“It provides the opportunity to pair the leadership strategy and financial expertise of the MBA with the applied knowledge of the global food systems, sustainability and supply chain management,” he said.

“Agriculture accounts for one-fifth of our gross domestic product,” Alston said, noting that it is a $111 billion industry in North Carolina alone and the state’s largest industry.

“This industry is going to require individuals with the knowledge, skills and disposition to understand the market, and the intricacies that make up the agricultural, food and environmental industry, which is different from other types of enterprises,” he said.

The pathway will emphasize experiential learning through internships and practicum opportunities with leading industry partners.

“This pathway is going to be a game-changer for North Carolina agriculture,” said Alston.

Those interested in applying can go to https://aggieadmissions.ncat.edu/graduateadmissions/ or call The Graduate College at 336-285-2366. The application deadline for spring 2026 is Saturday, Nov. 15.