DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Education (Secondary Education)
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Education (Agricultural Professional Service)

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The admission of students to the undergraduate degree program is based upon the general admission requirements of the University. Students must meet the UNST core requirements of five Foundation Courses (13 credit hours) and 50 hours of volunteer service. In addition, students must complete UNST core requirement of 12 credit hours of  Theme-based courses.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

     Undergraduate majors in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education must complete 128 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 have 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 FFA student organization as an integral part of instruction;
8. To extend learning experiences for students beyond the classroom through the Supervised Agricultural  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.

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
(Secondary Education)

CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
(Agricultural Professional Services)

Course Descriptions in Agricultural Education
Undergraduate

AGED-101. Introduction to Agriscience Education                                                                         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-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 agriculture on 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. Instructional Technology In Agriscience Education                                                  Credit 3(3-0)

This course will cover the utilization of multimedia instructional tools, and how their applications can   
enhance the learning process (F;S).

AGED-401. Leadership Theory and Youth Program Management                                           Credit 3(3-0)

Theories in leadership development will be analyzed, and the organization of youth groups in secondary schools, cooperative extension, and other community groups will be examined. (F).

AGED-402.  History and Philosophy of Agriscience Education in the American

                      Public School System                                                                                                   Credit 3(3-0)

The historical and philosophical structure of agriculture in the American public school system will be analyzed.   (S).

AGED-403. Adult Education in Agriscience and Extension Education                                    Credit 3(3-0)

Principles and techniques for organizing educational programs for adults involved in the food and fiber system.   (F;S).

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 12(12-0)

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. Program Planning and Evaluation                                                                             Credit 3(3-0)

This course covers the process of program building and evaluation in agricultural and extension education. Prerequisites: AGED 501 and 502. (F;S).

AGED 504.  Internship in Extension, Government, or Agribusiness                                        Credit 6(6-0)

Students will be required to spend a minimum of six weeks in an approved extension program, governmental agency, or agribusiness firm doing observation and directed professional work. (F;S; SS)

 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.)