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Headquarter
University center of Rieti
Department
Agriculture and Forest Sciences
Language
English
Course Lenght
2 years
Admission
Oral interview
The international Master’s Degree program in “Science and Technologies for Agriculture and Mountain Areas” (STAM) aims to train agronomy and forestry professionals with specialized expertise in digital data management, sensor technology applied to agriculture and forestry, precision agriculture techniques, and information systems for mountain area and agricultural management. Graduates will be skilled in introducing and managing technological innovations in agriculture and mountain territories.
The program is structured as an interclass Master’s Degree in LM-69 (Agricultural Science and Technology) and LM-73 (Forest and Environmental Science and Technology). This unique interclass approach distinguishes STAM from many other national programs by integrating agricultural and forestry perspectives, rather than focusing solely on one field. This integration gives the STAM program a distinct and innovative character.
The STAM Master’s Degree is designed to train specialists in two key areas of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR): Green Transition and Digital Transformation. STAM graduates will be equipped with digital tools to enhance agricultural productivity and efficient land management, with a particular focus on mountain territories.
Graduates will be capable of managing land and natural resources more effectively by adopting the most innovative technologies. Thanks to the program’s strong innovation-driven approach and its focus on two of the six pillars of the PNRR, STAM graduates will be highly sought after in the job market, where professionals with these interdisciplinary skills are currently in short supply.
Career opportunities include research and development roles in agriculture, agri-food, livestock, and forestry sectors, collaboration with companies developing agricultural and forestry technologies, and positions within territorial planning and monitoring organizations.
The official language of the program is English.
Learning objectives
The sustainability of agricultural production and, more broadly, activities in mountain environments, strongly depends on the proper management of inputs within processes. In this context, digital decision-support tools and associated modern technologies are becoming increasingly essential. This concept aligns with Mission 1 of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) (which aims to boost national productivity and competitiveness) and Mission 2 (focused on ecological transition, climate neutrality, and sustainable environmental development).
In recent years, a true revolution in production and management systems has taken place, driven by advances in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, automation, tracking, and robotics. The collection of data through digital technologies enables cost-effective and highly detailed analytical procedures, providing actionable insights for precision agriculture, livestock management, and sustainable mountain land management. The availability of big data facilitates the selection of optimal and effective strategies to improve agricultural production, reduce costs and environmental impact, and enhance animal welfare, worker safety, and the attractiveness of the agricultural and mountain sectors. Additionally, it allows the development of innovative tools for modern, sustainable, and efficient mountain area management, equipping professionals to tackle future challenges.
The Master’s Degree in Science and Technologies for Agriculture and Mountain Areas (STAM) aims to train experts in digital and precision technologies for agriculture and land management, particularly in mountain regions. Graduates will act as “data scientists” for agriculture, capable of integrating software, predictive models, and precision farming technologies into real-world applications. Unlike traditional agronomists, STAM graduates will be interdisciplinary professionals who can collaborate with technology developers, software engineers, and innovative startups in agriculture. Their role will also involve translating agronomic and livestock expertise into engineering and technological solutions for the sector.
Structure of the STAM Master’s Degree
The program includes common courses as well as two specialized curricula:
- Common courses provide essential knowledge in Agricultural Economics and Policy, Land Survey and Mapping, Applied Soil Science, Statistical Analysis of Environmental Data, Food Processing in Marginal Areas, Water and Energy Resource Management, and Applied Phytopathology and Entomology.
- Curriculum in Digital Agriculture focuses on precision agronomy, digital applications in agriculture, precision livestock farming, digital genetics technologies, sensors and mechatronics, and machinery for precision agriculture. This specialization develops professionals capable of mapping available smart and digital technologies, evaluating digital transitions in agriculture, and interpreting environmental and biological data to optimize management practices.
- Curriculum in Mountain Areas Management covers ecosystem monitoring under climate change, conservation and restoration of mountain forests, digital wildlife monitoring, quantitative ecology research methods, and sustainable forest planning and operations. Graduates will be specialists in managing mountain environments, skilled in evaluating sustainable land use strategies, selecting appropriate technologies for mountain ecosystems, and planning resilience-building strategies for mountain territories.
Career Prospects
Graduates will have the opportunity to work in:
- Agriculture, forestry, and land management sectors, including public agencies, research institutions, and consulting firms
- Companies developing precision agriculture technologies
- Digital service providers for agronomy and mountain area management
- Environmental monitoring and conservation projects
- Sustainable tourism and rural development initiatives
- Academic and research institutions
The STAM program provides practical experience through laboratory exercises, fieldwork, interdisciplinary projects, industry internships, and international exchange opportunities. Graduates will also be eligible to take the State Examination for professional certification as an agronomist or forestry expert, or to pursue a Ph.D. in related fields.
The official language of instruction is English.
Career opportunities
Based on the skills acquired during the degree program, graduates of the Master’s in “Science and Technologies for Agriculture and Mountain Areas” (STAM) can find employment in the following sectors:
- Agricultural and Agri-Food Sector
• Managers in agricultural and agri-food companies.
• Consultants for the adoption of precision technologies and digital management.
• Experts in sustainable supply chain development and the enhancement of local productions. - Public and Private Sector
• Positions in government agencies (regions, municipalities, ministries) for the planning and implementation of agricultural and environmental policies.
• Roles in international organizations such as FAO, the World Bank, and the European Union, managing agro-environmental projects. - Technology Industry
• Specialists in the development and integration of digital and mechatronic solutions for agriculture.
• Professionals in companies producing agricultural machinery and sensor technologies. - Research and Development
• Researchers in universities or research institutions focusing on agricultural sustainability, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence in agriculture.
• Developers of new systems for land monitoring and soil management. - Consulting
• Advisors for agricultural and agri-food companies on technological innovation, sustainability, and economic management strategies.
• Experts in risk analysis and environmental impact mitigation. - Education and Training
• Lecturers and trainers in technical institutes, universities, and professional courses, specializing in digital and sustainable agriculture.
Graduates of the “Science and Technologies for Agriculture and Mountain Areas” program can also practice as certified agronomists or foresters upon passing the State Examination for professional qualification.
Additionally, they may pursue Ph.D. programs, preparing for careers in research and academia.- Agricultural and Agri-Food Sector
Further education
The acquired skills allow access to higher university training levels (PhD, II level Masters, Postgraduate courses, etc.).
Further information
By passing the State exam the graduate can enroll in the professional order of agronomists and forestry doctors.
The Master’s Degree course aims to train technicians with skills in two major areas of intervention in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR): Green Transition and Digital Transformation. Graduates in STAM will be able to use digital tools for efficient agricultural production and proper management of the territory with particular reference to the mountain areas.
The proposed professional figure will be able to deal with the management of the territory more effectively by adopting the most innovative technologies. Moreover, the professional figure, thanks to the strong innovative character and the strong skills in two of the six pillars of the PNRR, makes the graduate in STAM particularly in demand in the world of work, thanks also to his skills which are currently difficult to find. The functions that STAM graduates can perform will range from research and development in companies in the agricultural, agro-food, livestock and forestry sectors, to collaboration with companies producing technologies applied to agriculture and forests, to territorial planning and control bodies.
Programme coordinators
President:
Prof. Massimo Cecchini, tel. 0761357353, cecchini@unitus.it
Other contact persons:
Prof. Valerio Cristofori [delegate for ERASMUS +]
Prof. Raffaele Cortignani [communication delegate]
Prof. Mario Augusto Pagnotta
Prof. Simone Priori [delegate for internationalization]
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