Washington State University, the first U.S. university to offer an online certificate in organic agriculture, has expanded its course offerings. Three new courses that lead to the Certificate in Organic Agriculture will be offered this spring: Crop Science 360, World Agricultural Systems; Soils 441, Soil Fertility; Ag and Food Systems 445, and Field Analysis of Sustainable Food ­Systems.

Other courses in the program focus on topics ranging from economics to resolving environmental conflicts. The program also includes a practicum or professional internship in organic agriculture.

Admission to WSU is required to enroll in courses and earn the certificate. Participants may apply as nondegree-seeking students. The deadline to apply for admission to WSU for the spring semester is December 19, and the deadline to register for classes is January 9.

For information, contact Kim Kidwell at (509) 335-4562, kidwell@wsu.edu, or Janet Kendall at (509) 335-3557, kendall@wsu.edu.