Department of Agricultural Education & Studies

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Graduate Programs: Greg Miller 515-294-2583 / Undergraduate Programs: Mike Retallick 515-294-4810

The goal of the Master of Agriculture - Professional Agriculture Major is to prepare individuals for proactive roles in addressing and responding to personal, professional, and societal issues and challenges in a changing food, agriculture and natural resources system through education and outreach in public and private agencies, and through training and development in business and industry. The intent of the program is to enable individuals to position themselves favorably for emerging opportunities within or outside of their current employment. Individuals enroll in the Master of Agriculture program for a variety of reasons, which include career advancement, teacher certification renewal, professional development, or personal interests.

The program requires a minimum of 32 credits. There are four required courses. The remaining credits are determined by the student in consultation with their major professor and graduate/program of study committee (POS). The program of study should include courses and workshops from areas such as food science, agriculture and natural resources, agricultural education, social sciences, and research and statistics. The program capstone is a creative component.

Required Professional Agriculture Courses

AgEdS 311/590A - Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. S. SS. Utilizing instructional methods, techniques, and problem solving, presentation and sales strategies with agricultural audiences.

AgEdS 510 - Introduction to Research in Agricultural Education. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification. Determining your research focus; developing research problems and objectives; reviewing the literature and establishing a theoretical framework; establishing procedures for data collection and analysis; ethical issues. The primary outcome is the development of a thesis, dissertation, or creative component proposal.

AgEdS 561 - Technology Transfer and the Role of Agricultural and Extension Education. (3-0) Cr. 3. S., offered 2008. Prereq: Graduate classification. The impact of agricultural and extension education processes on development and their role in the transfer of agricultural technology. Utilizing situational analysis techniques to analyze and solve problems in international agricultural education programs.

AgEdS 599 - Creative Component. Cr. arr. F. S. SS. For non thesis M.S. degree programs. Note: The minimum number of credits for AgEdS 599 is 2; maximum credits is 6.

This non-thesis program began in 1979 and is offered primarily to part-time, off-campus students via distance education courses and on-campus workshops. Students are allowed to take courses on campus and up to 10 credits of approved transfer courses may be used in a program of study.

Suggested Courses (College of Agriculture Distance Education Courses)

AGEDS - On-campus workshops: AgEdS 593 series; 452, 524, 533, 550, 552

AGRON - 404, 514, 517, 541, 570
**Contact Jesse Drew 866-MSAGRON for possible enrollment in: 501, 502, 503, 511, 513

A ECL - 542

AN S - 352, 426, 434, 511, 536

AST - On-campus workshops: AST 493 series

C DEV - 502, 503

BBMB - 404, 405

ECON - 530, 536, 563

EEOB - 590A

ENT - 372, 493

FSHN - 403, 529

GEN - 508

SOC - 515, 544

STB - 510, 535, 536

TSM - 433

General Requirements for Admission:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (See Graduate Catalog ) is required.
• A bachelor's degree in the broad area of agriculture and/or natural resources is helpful, but not required.
• Employment or experience in the broad area of agricultural education, extension, business industry (training and development)
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for the M.Agr. degree program.

• Application form.
• Three letters of reference.
  Note: At least one letter should be from a professor who is knowledgeable about your academic performance. Ask references to comment on past academic performance, potential to succeed in graduate school, character and work habits, and whether they believe that a graduate program in Agricultural Education is consistent with their knowledge of your personal and professional goals.
• An official transcript from all schools attended after high school.
• A resume or vita.
• A 300- to 500-word statement of your reasons for pursing the degree sought.
  Note: The goal statement should provide reasons for pursuing the degree sought. Explain how the degree will help you to achieve your goals. Also describe your experiences and background in agriculture, formal agricultural education, and/or agricultural extension education.
• International students must submit a TOEFL score. The minimum score is 213 (IELTS 6.5).