Agricultural and Extension Education Services
Overview
Programs in agricultural and extension education prepare people to provide technical assistance to gardeners, farmers, and ranchers.Agricultural and extension education services programs include topics such as:
- Agricultural sciences
- Agricultural business operations
- Pest control
- Adult education methods
- Communication skills
- Technical writing
- Public relations
- State laws and regulations
Concentrations
In agricultural and extension education services programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Agriculture journalism
- Agricultural public services
Schools
Very few community colleges offer associate degree programs in agricultural and extension education services. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years to complete.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in agricultural and extension education services. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in agricultural and extension education services. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Technologies
- Agriculture, General
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Animal Grooming
- Animal Husbandry and Production
- Animal Sciences, General
- Aquaculture
- Dairy Science
- Equestrian Studies
- Food Science
- Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies
- Horticultural Science
- Horticulture Operations
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Pest Management
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Science
- Soil Science
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Adult and Vocational Education Teachers
- Agricultural Inspectors
- Agricultural Scientists
- Agricultural Worker Supervisors
- Conservation Scientists
- Food Scientists
- High School Teachers
- News Reporters
- Pest Control Workers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agricultural Management
- Algebra
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Education Methodology
- Food Science
- Home Maintenance
- Second Language
- Teacher Assisting
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in some of the following subjects:
- Agronomy
- Business Management
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Crop Science
- Education and Teaching
- Economics and Agricultural Finance
- Horticulture and Ornamental Crops
- Organic Farming and Ranching
- Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers
- Plant or Animal Breeding, Growth, and Development
- Plant or Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Soil Chemistry
Most programs require you to gain field experience in an extension education setting. This is a hands-on opportunity to apply what you've learned about teaching agriculture courses in a variety of non-formal education settings. Most often this is in county extension offices. Whatever the setting, you benefit from the direct supervision and guidance of an experienced agricultural extension educator.
Also, in some programs, you get the opportunity to take a pre-practicum course. This gives you some field experience before you are given the full responsibility of teaching a course. You would work closely with a teacher and supervisor, observing and assisting in teaching activities.
Things to Know
Many people with a degree in agricultural and extension education also work as program coordinators, planning community education programs.
For information about farm occupations, opportunities, and 4-H activities, contact your local county extension service office.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Agricultural and Food Systems--Agricultural Education