Agricultural & Extension Education Major

This major can help prepare students for positions in education in agriculture, including schools and colleges, cooperative extension, business, trade and professional associations, and government agencies. The department administers a program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the preparation of agriculture teachers in public school systems. This includes programs in agricultural production, mechanics, supplies, resources, products, forestry, horticulture, and other agricultural areas.

Pennsylvania Teacher certification regulations require students to have a GPA of 3.0, pass a series of PRAXIS pre-certification teacher examinations, and document of at least 80 hours of volunteer or paid education work experience with learners of the age group the candidate plans to teach. At least 40 of these age-appropriate 80 hours must be with learners whose cultural, social, or ethnic backgrounds differ from the candidate's own. Students must also complete an early field experience specified by the certification program; complete at least 48 semester credit hours, including ENGL 015 or ENGL 030, 3 credits of literature, and 6 credits of quantification; and secure occupational experience in the requested area of certification. (See also Teacher Education Programs.)

For students seeking teacher certification, a minimum of 125-129 credits is required. For students selecting the Leadership Development and Communications option, a minimum of 122 credits is required.

Why Major in Agricultural and Extension Education?
Students may be interested in the Agricultural and Extension Education major if they want the opportunity to:

• work with youth in agriculture, agribusiness and natural resources in rural, suburban, and urban areas;
• work with adults in agriculture, agribusiness, and natural resources;
• work with applied agricultural science in occupational education;
• work in positions where teaching methodology, leadership development, communication skills and related competencies are considered assets but teacher certification is not required.

Career Opportunities for Agricultural and Extension Education Graduates
Agriculture teachers are needed in Pennsylvania, throughout the nation, and in most foreign countries. Graduates can be certified to teach agriculture and/or environmental science in public high school programs for youth and adults and in career-technical schools. Graduates may also qualify to teach general science.

Agriculture teachers are needed for specialized programs in horticulture, agricultural resources, forestry, and agricultural mechanics, as well as traditional agricultural production programs. Occupational education in agricultural products and agricultural supplies is developing and creating a demand for teachers.

Many graduates find employment with cooperative extension, trade organizations, and governmental agencies where leadership skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, team and community building techniques, ethical sensibility, global and multicultural awareness plus sound written and verbal ability are required. Agribusiness firms employ graduates in managerial, sales, and public relations positions. Opportunities in developing countries also exist for our graduates.

After advanced study, graduates may find positions as agriculture teachers in community colleges and in universities.

For additional information about Agricultural and Extension Education, contact:

Dr. John C. Ewing
209A Ferguson Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-7463
Email: jce122@psu.edu

Or visit the Agricultural and Extension Web site.