Agricultural Education is a broad field of study that is designed for individuals who educate others about agriculture in both formal and nonformal settings.

Students interested in pursuing a Master's degree in Agricultural Education have the opportunity to take online courses through AG*IDEA. This program enables students to balance career advancement with professional, social and financial commitments. Ultimately, degrees are granted through home institutions. This program operates as a course-sharing model.

• Classroom teacher
• Extension educator
• Agricultural museum curator
• Curriculum developer
• Environmental educator
• Congressional staffer
• Educational specialist

• Communications professional
• Program manager
• Producer
• Sales associate
• International agricultural development specialist
• Outreach coordinator

At most participating institutions, taking courses in this program contributes toward a Master's degree in Agricultural Education (specific title will vary by institution; not all participating institutions offer the degree). Depending on the university, the program requires 30-36 credit-hours. Students will work with faculty at their admitting institution to develop a plan of study. There are four "core" areas that are common to most of the institutions, which are offered on a regular basis (check your home institution for their core and required courses):

Foundations of Agricultural Education
Philosophical Foundations of Agricultural and Extension Education provides an overview of the development of agricultural and extension education in the United States by examining the significant educational philosophies, historical events, scientific innovations, legislation and policy shaping agricultural and extension education today.

Research Methods in Agricultural Education
This graduate-level course will focus on applying the principles, practices, and strategies for conducting research in the social sciences, particularly dealing with the interface of the human dimension in the agricultural and natural sciences.

Principles of Teaching and Learning
This course focuses on concepts, methods, strategies and learning theories relevant for both formal and nonformal education settings. The course will address the relationship between teaching methods and the learning experience in food, agricultural, and natural resources contexts.

Program Planning and Evaluation
Program Development and Evaluation is designed for students with interests in developing and evaluating educational programs for agricultural, community, and extension audiences in formal and non-formal settings. Emphasis is placed on the principles, theories, and skills of the program development and evaluation process. This includes planning, designing, implementing, measuring, and communicating program impact.

"Elective" courses are offered by the participating universities to round out the education of program students. Typically, students select courses depending upon their career goals. Students will develop plans of study in consultation with the faculty at the university to which they are admitted.

Students interested in learning about the degree program should contact the faculty representative from the institution to which they would like to apply. Students should contact the Campus Coordinator for application requirements and procedures. Faculty representative and Campus Coordinator information is below.

Degree titles vary by institution. Consult each institution for the degree title as it will appear on the diploma.