The Undergraduate Practical Certification Experience (UPCE) is a hands-on, academic year-long program that immerses students in a series of interdisciplinary workshops designed to build practical skills and real-world knowledge. Students participate in all sessions, ensuring cross-training across a wide range of agricultural, environmental, and technological topics.

Workshops include:

    • Tractor and Trailer Operation
    • Soil Testing
    • Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation
    • Field Sampling Techniques
      Artificial Insemination
    • Forestry Practices
    • Water Quality Testing
    • Using A.I. to Plan for the Future
    • Farm Financial Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Drone Pilot Training

Upon completing the full program, students receive individual certificates for each workshop, enhancing their resumes and preparing them for diverse career paths in agriculture, sustainability, and innovation.

For more information, contact Dr. Melissa Mason at [email protected] or 601-877-4006.

 UPC APPLICATION FORM

Section 1: Personal Information

Classification *

Section 2: Letter of Interest

Please attach a one-page Letter of Interest describing:
  • Why do you want to participate in the UPCE program
  • How does this program align with your academic and career goals
  • What do you hope to gain from the experience
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Section 3: Letter of Recommendation of Interest

Please submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the Agriculture department who is not your academic advisor.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Section 4: Acknowledgement and Signature

By signing below, I confirm that all the information provided is accurate and that I meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. I understand that participation in the UPCE program requires full attendance in all scheduled workshops throughout the academic year.