蒙大拿州立大学

Agricultural Education majors may choose from two options: 1) Teaching Option or 2) Communications, Leadership, and Extension Option. Agricultural Education graduates are employed by high schools, area vocational schools, community colleges, the public agriculture sector, Extension Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other federal, state, and government agencies.

The Agricultural Education curricula are designed to provide professional preparation for extension agents, middle school and secondary agricultural education teachers and service providers in agricultural areas where content knowledge, pedagogical and andragogical skills, and experience in public communication are desirable attributes. Our graduates are prepared for a wide variety of jobs because they have a broad base of scientific knowledge combined with excellent people skills.

Teaching Option

The Teaching Option permits a student to choose a balanced program among agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, animal & range sciences, and plant & soil sciences, while also gaining teaching and presentation skills. Students preparing to teach spend 14 weeks in an approved high school agriculture department as teaching candidates. Graduates are eligible to receive a Montana Class Two (standard) teaching license which permits them to teach in middle and high schools. This licensure is recognized in most other states throughout the U.S.

Agricultural Education Communications, Leadership, and Extension Option:

The Agricultural Education Communications Option emphasizes academic coursework to prepare students to communicate about emerging agricultural issues to diverse audiences. Students will develop professional verbal, written, and technological skills to advocate for the agricultural industry. Courses in this track include advanced writing, communications, interpersonal skills, marketing, and media development. All students will also enhance their degree by pursuing a Leadership Fellows certificate integrated into their program of study

The Agricultural Education Extension Option emphasizes academic coursework to prepare students for careers to educate others in the Cooperative Extension Service and other non-formal settings. This track provides broad-based coursework that includes animal science, plant science, agricultural economics, non-formal teaching methods, adult and youth education, communications, and leadership development. All students will also enhance their degree by pursuing a Leadership Fellows certificate integrated into their program of study.

The Agricultural Education Leadership Option emphasizes academic coursework to develop knowledge and skills necessary to work with people in leadership and management positions. Students will develop fundamental abilities in interpersonal communication, teamwork, leadership, motivation, and management in the broad area of agriculture. All students will also enhance their degree by pursuing a Leadership Fellows certificate integrated into their program of study.