Agricultural Education Program
Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education

OBJECTIVES

The Agricultural Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction for the preparation of teachers in agriculture in the public school system. Agricultural majors in Teacher Education are expected to complete a second major concentration in a basic academic discipline to include 24-27 semester credit hours.   The second major concentration requirement consist of a combination of specified technical classes in addition to classes taken from the general education and technical agriculture core as determined by the student's advisor. The major options available include agricultural science, animal science, agricultural business and marketing, agricultural communications, natural and environmental science, plant and soil science, and history/social science. In addition to the second major option concentration, Agricultural Education majors follow a technical concentration by satisfactorily completing a minimum of 9 semester credits of technical agriculture electives in one of the following technical agriculture areas: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Horticulture, Plant Science and Soil Science.

The objectives of the Agricultural Economics program are to train students to understand and apply the concepts and analytical tools of economics and business in a systematic method in order to identify, analyze, and resolve management problems of the farm, agribusiness firms, rural communities, and government agencies, as well as preparing students for further study in Agricultural Economics.

DEGREES OFFERED

• Agricultural Education - (Secondary Education) - Bachelor of Science
• Agricultural Education - (Agricultural Extension) - Bachelor of Science

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The admission of students to the undergraduate degree program is based upon the general admission requirements of the University.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate majors in Agricultural Education must complete 127 semester hours of University courses. Students must earn an average grade of "C" in all Agricultural Education or Agricultural Economics courses in order to meet the major field requirements. Agricultural education majors must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.8 to be admitted to the teacher education program, in addition to other admission requirements.

As mandated by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction, all candidates for teacher licensure will need to show evidence of computer competency. A basic skills test will need to be passed. Additionally, students must produce an electronic portfolio showing advanced technology for teaching skills during their program of study. The University, through course work, will provide opportunities for students to produce materials necessary to fulfill the technology portfolio requirement.

Teacher Education Program

The goals and objectives of the Teacher Education Program in agricultural education, as mandated by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction (SDPI), address the development of competencies in the areas of animal science, soil science, plant science, agricultural and natural resources, horticulture, agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, and agricultural communication. The goals of the program are twofold and are listed below:

1. Develop an understanding of and appreciation for teaching agricultural education; and
2. Develop competencies needed by individuals to teach agriculture in North Carolina public secondary schools.

The fourteen objectives of the agricultural education teacher preparation program are listed below:

1. To promote the agricultural education program in secondary schools; to meet the needs and interests of students and to satisfy employment demands;
2. To plan for effective public relations;
3. To plan for effective and comprehensive instruction;
4. To manage the classrooms and laboratories effectively;
5. To aid students in making career decisions;
6. To evaluate vocational agriculture programs and student progress;
7. To advise and manage the Future Farmers of America (FFA) as an integral part of instruction;
8. To extend learning experiences for students beyond the classroom through Supervised Occupational Experience Program;
9. To plan and conduct a program of career exploration and guidance and provide hands-on learning experiences in technical agriculture including animal science, soil science, plant science, agricultural and natural resources, agricultural economics and agricultural mechanics;
10. To plan and conduct a program to develop knowledge and skills needed for job entry into agricultural production occupations and/or to pursue further training in the subject area;
11. To plan and conduct a program to develop knowledge and skills needed for job entry into agricultural mechanics occupations and/or pursue further training in the subject area;
12. To plan and conduct a program to develop knowledge and skills needed for job entry into agricultural and natural resources occupations and/or pursue further training in the subject area;
13. To plan and conduct a program to develop knowledge and skills needed for job entry into forestry occupations and/or pursue further training in the subject area;
14. To plan and conduct a program to develop knowledge and skills needed for job entry into agricultural products and processing occupations and/or pursue further training in the subject area.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Students who successfully complete programs in Agricultural Education are prepared for careers in teaching, supervision in schools and colleges, agricultural extension, agricultural-related business firms and industries, trade and professional associations, government and private research firms, government services (legislative, administration, or professional), as well as for further study for higher degrees.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

(Course and Number)

*Students in the secondary education track must meet all requirements for admission to the teacher education program. 

** A grade of "C" must be earned in all of the above requirements or an average of "C" must be earned in all courses for the extension education track.

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
(Secondary Education)

Total Credit Hours: 126

CURRICULUM GUIDE
(Agricultural Extension Education)

Total Credit Hours: 127

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION 

Undergraduate

AGED-101. Introduction and Orientation      Credit 1(1-0)
This course includes a study of the broad base of modern agriculture with emphasis on current trends and opportunities. (F).

AGED-102. Introduction and Orientation      Credit 1(1-0)
This course is a continuation of 101 with special emphasis on the development of agriculture as a modern technology and the impact of science on its development. (S).

AGED-300. Introduction to International Agriculture       Credit 3(3-0)
This is an introductory course to acquaint students with international agriculture and agricultural developments, including the relationship between agricultural systems in various countries and the impact of world agricultureon the U.S. and other countries. It provides introduction for students who plan careers in agricultural education in the U.S. or other countries. (DEMAND)

AGED-400. Audio-Visual Aids in Vocational and Technical Education       Credit 2(1-2)
Techniques in preparing, using, and evaluating audio-visual aids in vocational and technical education will be discussed. (F;S).

AGED-401. Youth Organizations and Leadership       Credit 2(2-0)
The practices and procedures of leadership development and the organization of youth groups in secondary schools, agricultural extension, and other community programs will be examined. (F).

AGED-402. Secondary Education in Agriculture       Credit 2(2-0)
This course is designed to acquaint students with the historical objectives of vocational education and agriculture, the problems in the area of secondary schools, and some solutions. (S).

AGED-403. Teaching Out-of-School Groups      Credit 2(2-0)
This course examines methods and materials used in teaching adults and young farmers. It will also include developing and using various teaching devices and aids for out-of-school groups. (F;S).

AGED-404. Field Experiences in Vocational Agriculture       Credit 3(3-0)
This course involves participation in activities relating to programs, methods, and skills basic to teaching vocational agriculture. Repeatable to a maximum of six credits. (F;S).

AGED-405. Field Experiences in Cooperative Extension       Credit 3(3-0)
This course involves participation in experiences involving cooperative extension programs. Repeatable to a maximum of six credits. (F;S; SS).

AGED-406. Field Experiences in Other Agricultural Education Programs      Credit 3(3-0)
This course the involves participation in experiences in agricultural education other than vocational agriculture and cooperative extension. Repeatable to a maximum of six credits. (F;S;SS).

AGED-501. Materials and Methods of Teaching Agricultural Education and Extension      Credit 3(3-0)
This course covers the principles of teaching as applied to agriculture in secondary schools and cooperative extension. Preparing and using lesson plans and organizing teaching aids to meet educational and community needs will also be a part of this course. Prerequisites: AGED 400, 401, and 402; PSYC 320. (F).

AGED-502. Student-Teaching      Credit 6(6-0)
Students will be required to spend a minimum of twelve weeks in an approved teaching center doing observation and directed student-teaching. Prerequisite: AGED 501. (F;S).

AGED-503. Evaluation and Problems in Teaching       Credit 3(3-0)
This course covers the process of discovering and analyzing problems in the field; program building, and evaluation of instruction in agricultural education and extension. This will include an appraisal of all phases of teaching. Prerequisites: AGED 501 and 502. (F;S).

AGED-520.  Special Problems in Agricultural Education and Extension      Credit 1-6(1-6)
Special work in problems dealing with Agricultural Education and Extension will be examined.  (Enrollment by permission of department)

Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate

AGED-600. Youth Organization and Program Management       Credit 3(3-0)
Principles, theories, and practices involved in organizing, conducting, supervising and managing youth organizations and programs will be examined. Emphasis will be on the analysis of youth organization and programs in vocational and extension education. (SS).

AGED-601. Adult Education in Vocational and Extension Education   Credit 3(3-0)
This course is a study of the principles and problems of organizing and conducting programs for adults. Emphasis is given to the principles of conducting organized instruction in agricultural education, extension and related industries. (F).

AGED-607. Environmental Education      Credit 3(3-0)
This course examines the principles and practices of understanding the environment and the interrelated complexities of the environment. The course will include a study of agricultural occupations related to the environment and materials that need to be developed for use by high school teachers of agriculture and other professional workers. (S).

AGED-608. Agricultural Extension Organization and Methods       Credit 3(3-0)
The principles, objectives, organization, program development and methods in cooperative extension will be examined. (F).

AGED-609. Community Analysis and Rural Life       Credit 3(3-0)
This course is the study of the educational processes, structure and function of rural society, and the role which diverse organizations, agencies, and institutions play in the education and adjustment of rural people to the demands of modern society. (SS) (DEMAND)

AGED-610. International Education in Agriculture       Credit 3(3-0)
This course examines formal and informal agricultural education systems and related situations and processes which influence agricultural development in developing countries. Included are the nature and scope of the world food situation, the rationale and extent of U.S. involvement in development efforts, and the agencies and organizations involved and procedures they use. Educational programs that will enable families to improve their quality of life will be emphasized. (DEMAND)

AGED-611 Special Problems In Agricultural Education And Extension          Credit 1-6(1-6 repeatable)
Special work in problems dealing with Agricultural Education and Extension will be examined.   Students should be at the graduate level or be working on their lateral or provisional license in agricultural education.  (Enrollment by permission of department.)

AGED-612 Field Studies In Agricultural Education Credit 1-6(1-6 repeatable)
Field Studies involved in Agricultural and Extension Education. (Enrollment by permission of department.)