I will finish my MS in Crop Science via the U of IL Off Campus Graduate Studies Program this May and chose a non-thesis program.  I researched many programs, including IA State, thru several institutes of higher learning, and I think all had many positive attributes.  I may be slightly bias, since I went to the U of IL for my BS.  If I can be of any other assitance my e-mail is is in my profile. 

 I feel it is a noble endeavor to be committed to agriculture to a point that you never need to cease learning from anyone.  Wish you the best!!