北卡罗拉娜州立大学

Agricultural and Extension Education is a broad field of study and practice representing the blending of agricultural and behavioral sciences into educational programs for youth and adults. Agriculture impacts everyone’s life in terms of food, water, air, clothing, homes and the quality of life. Central to the department’s goals is the formal and nonformal teaching of problem-solving and learning skills for a lifetime of growing, evolving, and changing. The Agricultural Science degree provides graduates with both agricultural skills and leadership skills that are essential to leadership positions in the agricultural industry.

Regardless of which degree option you choose, the curriculum in agricultural and extension education has some common features. It begins with the general education courses that are required throughout the university. These courses are essential to developing a well-educated graduate. The second component of the agricultural and extension education program provides students with a broad understanding of agriculture. Students complete introductory and advanced courses in various agricultural disciplines. These courses will develop the student’s knowledge in agriculture essential to providing information to a wide variety of clients. This exposure to so many areas of agriculture also helps students decide on a specific area of agriculture in which to specialize. The third component of the department’s program requires students to complete a specialty area or a concentration in at least one area of agriculture. This specialization usually qualifies students for a minor in an agricultural discipline, which may provide students with additional employment opportunities. The final component of the agricultural and extension education program involves the courses related to providing information to people. These courses will vary, depending upon degree program selected.

There are many professional opportunities that are available to people participating in departmental programs. Graduates have the choice to plan for teaching, administrative leadership and public relations positions in secondary schools, community colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension Service, and agribusinesses. Graduates are highly qualified to enter agricultural careers and in agricultural and extension education. Career placement assistance is provided to all graduates.

Courses:

Fundamentals of Agricultural and Extension Education, Introduction to Cooperative Extension, Communication Methods and Media, Planning and Delivering Non-Formal Education, Planning Agricultural Educational Programs, Methods of Teaching Agriculture, Agricultural Communications, Extension as Non-Formal Education

Skills You Could Develop

Communication
Presentation
Problem solving

Career Titles

Extension/Agricultural Agent
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Various Agricultural Occupations