The MS program requires the completion of a minimum of 33 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. These credits must be approved by a supervisory committee. However, to optimize a student’s academic experiences, 36 credits are recommended. A 15-credit core curriculum is required and includes courses in research/statistics and completion of a Plan A thesis for 6 credits or a Plan C program with a minimum of 37 credits. Students are also expected to select and complete an area of specialization.
In the Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Extension specialization, a Plan B option is available. This plan involves 33 credits of instruction (includes 3 thesis credits) and the development and presentation of a creative project.
The following four specializations are available for the MS in Agricultural Education:
The Agricultural Extension Education specialization provides a program for individuals interested in cooperative extension work. The curriculum for the program includes coursework related to managing people; planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to promote technology transfer (adult education); understanding research techniques relevant to agricultural education; and the managing of fiscal affairs.
Electives are selected from each of the following departments: Agricultural Systems Technology and Education; Applied Economics; Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences; Economics and Finance; Biology; Plants, Soils, and Climate; Wildland Resources; and Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences.
The Secondary and Postsecondary Agricultural Education specialization is designed for persons desiring to improve their competencies as educators. This specialization provides teachers with opportunities to acquire additional knowledge in professional education and in their teaching specialties. The master’s degree does not result in a teaching license for public schools.
The purpose of the Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Extension specialization is to expand academic preparation in an area of study such as family studies, housing, textiles and clothing, nutrition and food sciences, and management of personal resources. This specialization places emphasis on teaching and curriculum/program development and/or Extension. Students are prepared for community professions, including secondary teaching (since students earn a teaching license), urban and rural extension, social science, and business. Study may lead to supervisory and administrative positions in business, technical schools, and applied technology colleges, or to consulting positions in mass media and industry. The master’s degree does not result in a teaching license for public schools.
The International Agricultural Extension specialization was developed to prepare agriculturally educated people to perform administrative and supervisory roles in less-developed countries. The curriculum for this program includes coursework related to managing people; planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to promote technology transfer; and managing fiscal affairs. Electives are selected from each of the following departments: Agricultural Systems
Technology and Education; Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences; Applied Economics; Economics and Finance; Biology; Plants, Soils, and Climate; and Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences.
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