Agricultural Education - Graduate

Graduate programs in agricultural education are designed to (1) prepare students for entry into or advancement in teaching careers and (2) provide for further development of professional leadership skills for other educational careers in agriculture, agribusiness, government service, extension, or adult education. To meet needs of both international and domestic students plans of study are developed for academic excellence specific to students' career goals. The selection and organization of courses are made in consultation with the adviser and the student's advisory committee.

The Master of Agriculture is offered to further knowledge and skills of agriculture
and education in preparation for and advancement in teaching, extension administration and other professional areas. Two options are offered in the Master of Agriculture program. The creative component option requires 36 approved semester credit hours of course work, including a two-credit-hour creative component, which may involve curriculum, teaching methods, literature or some similar area. The internship option requires 36 approved semester credit hours of course work, which include six hours of credit for a professional internship.

The Master of Science develops the theoretical and research foundation for further graduate studies in addition to further knowledge and skills in agriculture and education. It is designed primarily for those students interested in research. Two options are offered in the Master of Science program. The thesis option requires 30 approved credit hours of course work, which includes a six credit- hour formal thesis following the graduate college format. The formal report option requires 32 approved semester hours of course work, which includes a two-credit hour formal report.

The Doctor of Philosophy program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in teacher education, supervision, administration, curriculum development and other areas of professional leadership in agriculture, agricultural extension or vocational education. Within the minimum 60 credit hour requirement, 20 credit hours must be completed in agricultural education. In addition, 13 credit hours must be completed in an area of specialization such as agricultural extension, technical agriculture, educational administration, or other similar area. The additional hours include 12 hours of research design and statistics and 15 hours for the dissertation.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the master's degree program must have earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education, agriculture or education. A student with background deficiencies must compensate for such deficiencies before completing the masters degree. Evidence of academic ability (2.80 GPA or above) in undergraduate course work is required. Three letters of reference and a statement of purpose are also required. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required for students seeking admission to the Master of Science degree program.

Admission to the doctoral degree program is based upon evidence that the applicant meets the general requirements of the Graduate College, has demonstrated superior achievement, and can successfully complete a doctoral program as evidenced by three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a minimum of 2.80 undergraduate grade- point average and 3.00 graduate grade-point average, three years of successful professional experience, and a philosophy statement and goals. Alternative criteria may be considered by the graduate committee for those who submit ample supportive evidence of other exemplary qualifications.

Student fee waivers are available for qualifying master's degree candidates. A grant and loan program is available through the Office of Student Financial Aid. Doctoral degree candidates may qualify for teaching and research assistantships. In addition to the assistantships, doctoral candidates may qualify for fellowships and fee waivers.

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