Abstract
Global perspectives in agriculture are critical to
the safety of food and agricultural resources, trade
and consumers globally, yet very few opportunities
exist for their study. North Dakota State University
and Makerere University in Uganda responded to
this need by developing a joint Master of Science
and Graduate Certificate in International Infectious
Disease Management and Biosecurity in 2011. The
program requires completion of 30 credits with core
courses offered jointly by both institutions. The
program is innovative, learner-centered, with student
engagement, empowerment and responsibility. There
is interdisciplinary learning, problem-based learning
and service learning, with cross pollination of teaching
methods from both institutions. Graduates of this
program will have a better understanding of international
agricultural, animal health and biosecurity issues, making
them much more viable in today’s competitive job
market. This unique program within the US and African
educational systems is the first US-Africa trans-Atlantic
degree addressing integrated disease management and
international biosecurity. The following components of
the aforementioned program will be discussed: program
development; overview of the program; successes;
challenges faced; opportunities; and recommendations
for the way forward in internationalizing curriculum on
two campuses across continents.