Department of Agricultural Education & Studies

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Graduate Programs: Greg Miller 515-294-2583 / Undergraduate Programs: Mike Retallick 515-294-4810

Distance Education Degrees

Master of Agriculture - Professional Agriculture

The Professional Agriculture major is an off-campus non-thesis program leading to the Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) degree. It is available to students wishing to pursue graduate studies in agriculture without taking formal course work on campus. The program is considered to be a terminal master’s degree. It is considered to be a professional degree and not preparation for a doctoral program. It is administered by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies which has as its focus the teaching and learning processes in a variety of settings including education, extension, public and private agencies, and business/industry training and development.

Master of Science (non-thesis)

The Master of Science program in Agricultural Education is available as a traditional on-campus program, but may also be completed by distance education with no on-campus courses or meetings. This program is viewed as a practitioner’s program oriented strongly towards improving the candidate’s professional proficiency and status. Candidates are expected to complete a creative component in the field of agricultural education. The creative component should focus on a specific need in agricultural education and be presented in a scholarly manner. Candidates must pass a final oral examination conducted by the candidate’s graduate committee. The oral examination focuses on courses taken, professional experiences, and defense of the creative component.

On-Campus Degrees

Master of Science (thesis)

This program is viewed as having a dual role. Candidates work towards improving their professional proficiency and status while developing knowledge and skill related to research. A course in research methods and statistics must be included in the program of study. Candidates must pass a final oral examination conducted by the candidate’s graduate committee. The oral examination focuses on courses taken, professional experiences, and defense of the thesis.

Master of Science (non-thesis) same as above

 

Master of Science Certification

This degree program in Agricultural Education offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science degree and acquire a teaching certificate. The program is designed to meet the needs of those individuals with a B.S. degree in some field of agriculture who desire to teach agriculture at the secondary level and earn a Masters Degree in Agricultural Education. The program cannot be completed by distance education.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) degree is a research-oriented degree. The program of study developed by the candidate builds on the previous undergraduate and graduate courses completed by the candidate. The program of study is designed to foster independent and creative thinking about agricultural education by the candidate. Emphasis is placed on selecting courses and educational experiences that enhance the breadth and depth of the candidate’s knowledge related to their major and minor fields study