FAQ


Alex Smith hoeing sweet peas
  1. How do I apply for a certificate?

    Click on the application page for a form that you can submit electronically. This will automatically send your application to Dr. Doug Bailey, who oversees the certificate program.

  2. Can I earn a certificate regardless of my major?

    Yes. The organic certificate program is open to students of all UGA majors. Note that you must be currently accepted and enrolled in UGA (or already hold a degree from UGA) to participate in the Organic Certificate Program.We have designed the program in such a way that every student can tailor their program of study according to her/his specific interests.

  3. What does it mean to be ‘Certified Organic?’

    According to the USDA, “before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified as well. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.” (USDA website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP/Consumers/brochure.html)

  4. Why should I earn a certificate in Organic Agriculture?

    Organic agriculture is growing at a rate of 20% per year according to the USDA. Students who have experience in organic agriculture are in high demand. Having a certificate in organic agriculture may help you in the future by giving you an edge over other candidates in a competitive job market.

  5. Who do I contact for more information?

    You may contact any of the faculty members listed on the faculty page for more information. For general information about the program, please look at the website or send an e-mail to organic@uga.edu with specific questions.

  6. What are the requirements to get the certificate in organic agriculture?

    Every student needs to take four core courses:

In addition to these core courses, students need to take a minimum of six more credit hours. There is a long list of courses that students can pick from.

  1. I currently am not a student at UGA. If I already have an undergraduate degree, can I come to UGA just to get the Certificate?

    The organic certificate cannot be awarded without also receiving a degree from UGA. If you already hold a degree from UGA, then you simply need apply for readmission. The website describing how to apply for readmission is: http://www.admissions.uga.edu/article/former_student_application_information.html. If your degree is not from UGA, then you must proceed through the UGA admission process and be accepted into UGA prior to being eligible for the organic certificate.  The organic certificate cannot be awarded without a corresponding degree (either undergraduate or graduate) from UGA.  For more information for non-UGA students interested in applying for admission to UGA, see http://www.admissions.uga.edu/index.html.

  2. If I do not have an undergraduate degree can I enroll in the organic certificate program?

    The organic certificate cannot be awarded without also receiving a degree from UGA. You may enroll at UGA as a new student if you have never attended college or as a transfer student if you have some academic credit. The deadline to apply for admission is April to participate in the fall semester. For more information on applying for admission to UGA, see http://www.admissions.uga.edu/index.html.

  3. I am a graduate student at UGA. Can I join the certificate program?

    Graduate students may earn a certificate in organic agriculture with permission of their major professor. However, the courses will NOT count toward toward their graduate degree program

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