Agricultural Education

Agricultural Education Major

The agricultural education program is a career-oriented degree that has three emphases available to students: agricultural science, agricultural systems engineering technology, and natural and managed environmental science. This allows students the flexibility to select the emphasis that matches their career goals. All emphases serve students preparing to teach agriscience, agribusiness, agriculture, horticulture, food systems, agrimechanics, natural resource management, engineering technology used in agriculture, and management of the associated student organization (FFA), including SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience). Each fits within the licensure field of agricultural education in public schools at the 5-12 grade levels. A second license will allow graduates to teach work-based learning skills and supervise work-based learning students placed on the job as a part of their education.

Graduates with an agricultural science emphasis are also qualified for a broad array of related positions in sales, management, agricultural finance, and production aspects of agriculture. Graduates with a natural and managed environmental science emphasis can enter environmental learning center education, natural resource management, and soils conservation-related fields. Graduates with an agricultural systems engineering technology emphasis can provide customer service to precision agriculture systems, machinery sales and service, welding services, and facilities design and selection.

Program Outcomes

After completing the program, graduates will:

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for students.
• Ensure inclusive learning through understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures.
• Work with others to create environments that support collaborative and engaged learning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the careers associated with agriculture, natural resources, and forestry.
• Connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in authentic contexts.
• Use a variety of assessment tools and practices to monitor learner progress and to plan and evaluate effective instruction.
• Plan instruction that supports all learners in meeting rigorous learning goals within an integrated curriculum.
• Use various instructional strategies that encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content and make relevant connections.
• Provide leadership and collaborate with families, school professionals, and community members in support of student learning.

Agricultural Education Major Courses