phd agriculture extension

• Campus Crime Stats
• Future Students
• Student Life
• Departments & Programs
• LSU AgCenter

PhD program 

The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation (AEEE) prepares and supports highly-qualified agricultural and extension professionals to teach, lead, and serve youth and adults. AEEE’s focus is on two of our greatest assets—the agricultural industry and our human capital. Students in this program learn about effective teaching methods and techniques as they prepare for careers in both formal and non-formal educational environments of the agricultural sector.

Concentrations are available in Agricultural Leadership and Development and Teaching in Formal Education. Students interested in the Agricultural Education major should contact the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation for deadlines and specific details about each concentration. Students who anticipate entering the Teaching in Formal Education concentration for teacher certification should inform the faculty advisor at the time the undergraduate program of study is being developed. Students interested in a teacher certification program other than agricultural education should contact the College of Human Sciences and Education.

Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural & Extension Education is designed to provide professional advancement in a variety of career contexts including, but not limited to, higher education, state agricultural education leadership, Cooperative Extension, agribusiness, government, and non-profits. This program requires 60 approved credit hours above the Masters degree, successful completion of the comprehensive general examination, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. The doctoral dissertation is a substantial research project planned, implemented, and reported under the guidance of the student’s graduate committee.

Ph.D. Admission

• Acceptable GRE score
• GPA - 3.0 minimum per LSU Graduate School requirements Writing sample
• Philosophy of Agricultural or Extension Education (maximum of 2 pages)
• Letter of intent which includes career goals and research interests

Other Requirements

• Students who have been a part of our master’s program must reapply for the PhD program.
• PhD program will require a minimum of 61 hours beyond the master’s degree.
• Students with a bachelor’s degree only will have to complete the master’s degree before being allowed to apply for the PhD program.
• AEEE—Research Methods in AEE (or its equivalent) and ELRC 4006— Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (or its equivalent) are leveling courses that all PhD students are expected to have completed as part of their master’s degree program.
• Students who do NOT have one or both of these courses will be required to take them but CANNOT count them toward the 61 hour requirement.
• Agricultural education students wishing to pursue a PhD must have 3 years of successful agricultural education teaching experience to be admitted to the PhD program. All other applicants must have 3 years of

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available at both the M.S and Ph.D. levels. Students who are on assistantship will work within the department for a minimum of 20 hours a week and may have responsibilities teaching course work, serving as a teaching assistant, serving as research assistants, or assisting with departmental programs. Assistantships are competitive and will often require interviews for specific positions. For more information about assistantship availability, please contact Dr. Richie Roberts, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, at [email protected] .

GRADUATE CATALOG

LSU GRADUATE school

LSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Richie Roberts, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Graduate Advisor [email protected] 131 J.C. Miller Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-8549

Michael Burnett, Ph.D. Department Head [email protected] 139 J. C. Miller Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-6194

POPULAR SEARCHES:

Video Modal

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication

The PhD in agricultural leadership, agricultural and extension education, and science communication provides a wide range of educational and research experiences designed specifically to prepare graduates with the skills they need to address complex issues associated with agricultural production necessary to feed and clothe a growing population while sustaining the natural environment.  Candidates must complete an approved program of 45 semester hours of coursework beyond the master's degree ( see ALEC PhD Course Checklist ) , satisfactory performance on written and oral examinations, and a formal dissertation. The ALEC PhD degree program is available face-to-face on the Athens campus.

Candidates in the ALEC PhD program will focus in one of these tracks:

• Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Leadership
• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Education
• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication

Graduates of the ALEC PhD program will be equipped for:

• Faculty roles
• Leadership and communication positions within NGOs, government agencies, school districts, and teaching and Extension
• Careers in international agricultural development

More Information

• ALEC PhD on the Graduate School Website
• ALEC Graduate Student Handbook and Forms

What Can I Do with a Graduate Degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication?

Imagine PhD allows students to assess their interests, skill sets, and values and how they align with career paths. This is an online planning tool to help students strategize on ways to develop skill sets needed to pursue a career of choice.

Graduate Coordinator

How to Apply for ALEC Graduate Programs

Graduate School Financial Information

University Catalog 2023-2024

Agricultural and extension education.

Our graduate programs offer flexibility and enable graduates to pursue diverse career options. Prepare for a career teaching agricultural education to middle or high school students, or become an Extension agent helping farmers and families succeed in their communities. Pursue other rewarding positions such as agricultural museum curators, environmental educators, agricultural missionaries, agricultural public relations representatives, or congressional officers.

More information on our programs can be viewed on our website .

Admission Requirements

• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 for Doctoral applicants
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose: Prospective graduate students will draft a statement of purpose for graduate work. If the student intends to complete a thesis or dissertation, the statement should also indicate the nature of potential research work, including possible topics or questions, and minimally two professors from the Agricultural and Human Science department whose research areas potentially align with those possible research topics. Prospective students should plan to meet with faculty prior to submitting their applications to discuss the research with those professors and include those ideas in the statement.
• Relevant experience in extension, teaching, industry, leadership, or other closely related field

Master's Degree Requirements

The Department offers an M.S. degree, which requires a thesis for which the student receives six hours of credit, and a Master of Agricultural and Extension Education (M.R.) as a non-thesis track. The M.S. degree requires a total of 36 credit hours, whereas the M.R. degree requires 30 credit hours. The student’s advisory committee will meet with the student to determine the appropriate courses for their Plan of Work. M.S. students have the option of adding a minor which requires a minimum of 9 credit hours.

Graduate Certificate Requirements

The Department also offers a graduate certificate in agricultural and extension education. This certificate program involves completion of 15 credit hours divided into two focuses: Agricultural Education and Extension Education. 

Sixth-Year Certificate

The Department offers an array of courses that are recognized by the NC Department of Public Instruction as comprising a Sixth-Year Certificate. Students are required to complete 24 hours of advanced graduate work past the Master's degree. Contact the Director of Graduate Programs for details.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Agricultural and Extension Education is offered. A minimum of 72 hours past the Bachelor's degree is required. More hours may be required based upon the past degrees and experiences of the candidate. The student’s graduate committee will determine the specific courses needed. At least six hours of statistics is required. Twelve hours of credit is earned for writing the dissertation ( AEE 895 ). The student’s advisory committee will meet with the student to determine the appropriate courses for their Plan of Work.

Student Financial Support

A limited number of research and/or teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Applications for open positions are due in January for the following academic year. Other financial aid is available from the Office of Financial Aid and on a competitive basis from the Graduate School.

• Agricultural and Extension Education (MR)
• Agricultural and Extension Education (MS)
• Agricultural and Extension Education (EdD)
• Agricultural and Extension Education (Certificate)
• Agricultural & Extension Education (Minor)

Department Head

• Ben Chapman
• Joseph Donaldson , Director of Undergraduate Programs
• Annie Hardison-Moody , Director of Graduate Programs

Full Professors

• Carolyn Bird
• Koralalage Sunil Upali Jayaratne
• Sarah Kirby
• Travis Park
• Michael Schulman

Associate Professors

• Jackie Bruce
• Joseph Donaldson
• Harriett Edwards
• Annie Hardison-Moody
• Wendy J. Warner

Assistant Professors

• Jamie Alexander
• Basheerah Enahora
• Maru Gonzalez
• Misty Lambert
• Katherine McKee
• Catherine Elizabeth Sanders
• Sudha Sankar
• Virginia Stage

Adjunct Faculty

• Amber Beseli
• Mitzi Downing
• Autumn Guin
• Rhonda Sutton

Development and organization of agricultural and extension education in America from colonial times to the present. Emphasis on role of societal and scientific changes, the federal government and philosophy on evolution of agricultural and extension education.

Typically offered in Fall and Summer

Research, theory and principles of youth organization management. Analysis of youth development models and application of leadership theory in a youth organization. Using evaluation models to assess the effectiveness of major youth organization. Web-based course.

Typically offered in Spring only

Trends and Issues in Agricultural and Extension Education. Analysis and appraisal of current trends, problems and issues in Agricultural and Extension Education. May include but not limited to scientific, political, demographic, social, educational, technological, and environmental trends and issues that will contribute to the future structure and operation of agricultural and extension education in the United States.

Organization and operation of formal and nonformal agricultural education and extension systems in the United States and in other countries. Field trip required - cost approx. $175.00.

Typically offered in Fall only

Consideration of the need for planning programs in education; objectives and evaluation of community programs; use of advisory group; organization and use of facilities.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or PBS status

Designed to meet needs of leaders in adult education. Opportunity to study issues in working with adult groups. Attention given to the problem of fitting educational program for adults into public school and other educational programs and to methods of teaching adults.

Principles of program planning applied to educational programs about agriculture; theory and field experiences in planning, organizing, and evaluating secondary agricultural education programs; development of plans for conducting all aspects of the complete agricultural education programs.

Principles, theory and techniques of using information technologies to provide instruction to learners, both in person and at a distance, in formal and non formal educational settings.

This course is intended to prepare students to be effective managers of volunteer programs. Theory will be emphasized in the course because it is essential to be grounded in theory in order to apply it. Major topics of the course will include, but are not limited to: volunteer recruitment, training, evaluation and reward. Students will be required to be active in and outside of class sessions, including a 20-hour field experience. Students must provide their own transportation for field trips and outside of class activities. Cannot receive credit for both AEE 433 and 533 .

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Application of theoretical models and research on effective teaching in secondary agricultural education programs. teaching strategies, planning required, and instructional management for students with varying backgrounds. Evaluation of student learning and teacher evaluation of instruction.

Evaluation is an important part of many social science disciplines and grant projects. The intent of this course is to teach students how to plan and conduct a meaningful and useful evaluation. Students will gain knowledge and skills in planning evaluations; designing evaluation studies and evaluation instruments; collecting and analyzing data; and using evaluation results. Students will learn evaluation theoretical concepts and their application in real-life situations.

Restriction: Graduate Standing or PBS

For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Typically offered in Summer only

This course provides an opportunity to learn about global agricultural and extension education issues, challenges and opportunities relating to agricultural development. The course emphasis is on building necessary knowledge and skills for analyzing global agricultural and extension education issues and formulating alternatives for agricultural development. This course has been designed to help graduate students understand agriculture and extension education with a global perspective.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Exploration of topics of special interest not covered by existing courses by individual students under faculty member's directions. Readings and independent study, problems or research not related to a thesis.

Faculty-supervised practicum in an educational, extension or agricultural industry setting.

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate faculty.

Dissertation research.

For students who have completed all credit hours, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.

Agricultural Education and Human Sciences

The role and structure of modern agricultural education within the overall educational system. School organization and governance, curriculum, teacher roles and responsibilities, educational philosophy and history, multiculturalism, special need students, impact of technology, professionalism, and current educational trends and issues.

This course will critically compare and evaluate the major human development theories and their application to family life and youth development and examine the usefulness of theory in describing, explaining, predicting, or changing behavior.

In preparation for professional positions in family life & youth development, students will work with a faculty member or organizations to design a Masters capstone study project that aligns with their professional goals. Faculty supervision required.

A major and critical element in all programs of vocational education is provision for appropriate student learning experiences in a real and simulated employment environment. Due to recent developments in education and agriculture, new and expanded concepts of occupational experience devised. Current research substantiates need and desire of teachers of agriculture for assistance in implementing new concepts. Also designed to develop depth of understanding of theoretical foundations underlying new developments in occupational experiences to stimulate individual growth and creativity in implementing further developments.

Applications of theories and research about interpersonal relationships and family dynamics to issues facing families over the life course, emphasizing the interplay of social, developmental and health factors in affecting change, continuity and well-being.

Design and development of data based curriculum and curriculum evaluation procedures in agricultural and extension education. Critique of curriculum development models, contemporary trends and issues, curriculum resources and accountability tools.Analysis of the use of national and state standards as well as local community needs in curriculum development.

Family resource management theory is used to examine personal financial management concepts. Family systems and stress theories will be employed to emphasize the interconnections between families, communities, resources through topics such as personal management (decision-making, time & organizational management, stress management); human and social capital (education, skill building, health, employability, relationships); physical capital (transportation, real estate, and housing); financial management (credit and debt, budgeting, retirement issues, bankruptcy).

Prerequisite: Graduate student status or any PBS student.

This course will examine educational intervention strategies for family issues that pose particular difficulty for Family Life and Parenting Educators. Topics include: addictions/substance abuse; child abuse and neglect; domestic abuse; Illness, death and dying; divorce/mediation; step-families & single parenting; gang memberships, suicidal ideation, sexuality/teen pregnancy; and rape and other acts of violence. The course will include a discussion of evidence-based prevention and treatment options for referring clients, and a debate of the role of educators in this process.

R: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor

This course will provide students with an advanced understanding of the physiological, psychological, social and cultural aspects of sexual development throughout the lifespan. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional and psychological aspects of sexuality; gender and sexuality; reproductive health and family planning, and the intersections of sexuality and interpersonal relationships. While some cross-cultural information will be included, the main focus will be sexuality in the United States.

AEHS 538 focuses on issues of social and cultural diversity, social identity, and societal manifestations of power, privilege, and oppression within the context of youth and family sciences. Using a social justice education framework, this course will critically examine and analyze social identity development, social group differences, socialization, intergroup relations, and levels and types of oppression in the United States as they relate to youth and families. Students will reflect on their own identities and learn how to work collaboratively toward inclusion, equity, and social change with youth and families.

The course will include an examination of social, economic, and behavioral housing theory, historical and current housing policy and its relationship to the housing, neighborhoods and community development and an investigation of diverse populations and their housing/neighborhood concerns.

Theoretical and empirical literature in lifespan, family life, and parent education will be explored along with implications for issues affecting families including content, delivery, and evaluation of parent education programs. Offered either face-to-face or in person via Distance Education.

This course examines communication in families and integrates the coach approach to communication including identifying individual and family issues; appreciating differences; discovering purpose; practicing forgiveness; resolving conflict; conducting successful critical conversations; mending relationships; effective communication; direct and indirect communication; the art of saying no; the power of words; powerful questions; work/life balance; identifying values; stress management.

YFCS 547: Family Life Coaching prepares family science practitioners to meet the growing demands of improving family life through family life and parent Coaching. This graduate-level course examines family life coaching as an approach to services for families and youth. Students will be introduced to coaching as a vital service for helping families better communicate and reach goals and will explore theoretical and empirical literature in coaching. Through practice and skill building exercises, students will learn to coach and will examine the implications for future coaching practice.

Leadership is ubiquitous in our society. It remains one of the world's favorite buzz words. However, just because it's everywhere, doesn't mean everything labeled so, is leadership. This graduate course in leadership theory will require you to critically examine your ideas of leadership, and reflect on your own (and society's) notions of "what is leadership". In this class we will separate the skills you gain from going out and doing leadership (the do) and the theories that provide the foundations for leadership (the think). Many successful leaders learn their skills via practice; that is important. AEE 550, however, is a leadership education course where we study leadership theory. We will take those theories, long associated with the academic study of leadership, and deconstruct them using critical theory as our lens. Then, using the text as guide, reconstruct them in new ways to meet today's pressing challenges.

This course examines the application of classic and contemporary theories and models of leadership to the work of community-based organizations. Students will examine leadership from diverse perspectives; then analyze the strengths and weaknesses of leadership theories and models when applied to organizational development of community-based systems.

Historical and contemporary foundations of program development and evaluation in non-formal, community-based family life and youth development settings are examined including theory, research, and three holistic program development constructs: 1) planning; 2) design and implementation; 3) impact evaluation and accountability.

This course explores the fundamental concepts of child and youth development (including early childhood through adolescence) as applied to programmatic and organizational contexts. A special focus is placed upon the concepts as applied to Community Youth theories & practice.

This course will cover local food systems history, terminology, research, and model projects in North Carolina. It also includes the economics of local food systems, from basic business plans and structures to the triple bottom line, and a focus on local food value chains, including market channel assessments and value-added ventures. Emphasis is placed throughout on providing existing and aspiring Extension professionals with resources to support translation of research into practice using interdisciplinary, systems approaches.

R: Admission to the Graduate School or approval of instructor. Non-degree students (NDS PBS) are included.

Preparation for current and future community-based youth and family professionals to better manage volunteers in local program service delivery. Specific foci include: volunteerism as a social phenomenon; volunteer resource management; new forms of volunteerism; and future trends in volunteerism. Restricted to graduate and post-baccalaureate students only.

In-depth examination of current and emerging issues and trends impacting volunteer involvement in community-based youth and family organizations to prepare current and future youth and family professionals to manage volunteers in local program delivery; examining contemporary research related to trends and issues, and evaluating historical and current social phenomena so as to understand their impact upon volunteer involvement and consider future challenges for volunteer administrators. Restricted to graduate and post-baccalaureate students only.

This course is intended to prepare students to be effective members of organizations, both as team members and team leaders. Theories of organizational behavior will be emphasized in the course; in so much as it is essential to be grounded in theory in order to apply it. Major topics include: motivation, job design, managing diversity, decision making, power, ethics, and organizational design.

The Community Leadership course will prepare graduate students for leadership roles within an array of community settings. The three core competencies for community leadership will be shared which include farming ideas, building and using social capital, and mobilizing resources. Tools associated with each of these competencies will be examined as well as the ways in which to apply these tools to various community situations. Leadership theories that have been learned in AEE 550 will also be discussed to show how to move from theory to practice. This is a course that will require student participation both during class sessions and outside of class where students will be engaged in a team project. The course will be offered in the spring of odd years.

Prerequisite: Graduate student status and AEE 550: Leadership Theory

Processes by which professional change agents in agricultural and extension education influence the introduction, adoption, and diffusion of planned change. This course requires admission to any program of the NC State University Graduate School such as full graduate status, graduate unclassified status, post-baccalaureate studies, evening degree programs, etc. It has no other prerequisites, requisites, or restrictions.

Restriction: Graduate Standing or PBS status.

Philosophy, design, interpretation and practice of scientific research in agricultural and extension education, with a particular focus on the skills necessary to be an effective and critical "consumer" of research that is practiced within the field. Web based course.

The course emphasis is on designing research and development of research proposals for graduate research or competitive grants in agricultural and human sciences. This course involves critical analysis of research in agricultural and human sciences and proposed research. In consultation with the students' academic advisors, this research proposal may become the basis for either the graduate thesis or a graduate research article (for the non-thesis option). Students are encouraged to discuss this course with their academic advisor and the instructor to fully understand how the course fits into their graduate course of study.

P: AEHS 578 - Research Methods in Agricultural and Human Sciences; R: Students must be MS or EdD students in the Agricultural and Human Sciences Department, and they must have the permission of their advisor to enroll in this course

Typically offered in Spring and Summer

This course explores contemporary issues facing youth, family, and community professionals in the United States. Students will explore respective social, cultural, political, and/or organizational underpinnings of issues as focused in two major domains: (1) professional ethics and practice and (2) family law and public policy. Emphasis will be placed on issues affecting family life educators and their understanding of the legal issues, policies, and laws influencing the well-being of families, along with understanding the character and quality of human social conduct. This includes the ability to critically examine ethical questions and issues as they relate to professional family life education practice.

Special Topics Family Life and Youth Development

Presentation of material not normally available in regular graduate course offerings or for offerings of new 500 level courses on a trial basis.

Current topics and issues in agricultural and extension education. Selection and research of topics, presentation of seminars, and leading group discussions.

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Thesis research

For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis.

Theory and practice of effective teaching in agricultural and life sciences. Emphasis on course planning, teaching and learning styles, instructional techniques, laboratory instruction, text construction, student evaluation, instructional technology, and faculty roles and responsibilities.

Qualitative research methods continue to gain popularity in the disciplines of agricultural & life sciences. It is becoming increasingly important for graduates to have a practical working knowledge of the development, implementation, and evaluation of these methodologies. Topics in the course will include but not be limited to: the foundation of qualitative research, data collection and analysis techniques, and review of qualitative research. Students are encouraged to have completed an introductory research methods course prior to enrolling. Introductory Research Methods course taken at the graduate level.

This course will examine the richness and diversity of scholarship in agricultural and human sciences and its applications to professional practice in a colloquium setting. A primary purpose is to build capacities for individual, professional, and civic work as students apply their learning to develop scholarship and professionalism. The course explores advanced topics and research methods and supports students in presenting and defending their research and research proposals. In successive fall semesters, graduate students participate in three, one-credit colloquia that engage faculty and students from across the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences. This course requires admission to any program of the NC State University Graduate School such as full graduate status, graduate unclassified status, post-baccalaureate studies, evening degree programs, etc.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Undergraduate catalog.

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Graduate catalog.

Apply     MyCAS

• Undergraduate Agricultural Sciences Major
• Our Graduate Degrees
• Partnerships & Programs
• Forms & Resources
• Corvallis Campus

Ph.D. Program in Agricultural Education

Ph.d. in education with a focus in agricultural education.

If you have a passion for agricultural/natural resources education, youth leadership development, community and civic leadership and engagement, STEM education, or career and technical education- this is a great opportunity for you!

The Department of Agricultural Education and Agricultural Sciences works closely with the College of Education to offer a valuable degree program that allows our students to be well prepared for faculty and administrative positions in universities, cooperative extension, supervisory, and administrative positions in state departments of education; as well as numerous positions in government and related industries. The program takes 3 years on average for degree completion if entering the program with a master’s degree.

This Ph.D. in education, with an emphasis in agricultural education, was co-developed by both colleges and provides our Ph.D. students with an unique and diverse program. Our graduates are highly sought after and are high performers in their careers.

In addition to receiving a high-quality education, our graduate students are given ample opportunity to receive graduate assistantships to help support them financially throughout their academic journey. Our graduate students positively impact agriculture education nationwide through active involvement in professional organizations, hands-on teaching experiences, research endeavors, and industry engagement.

Graduate students also have multiple opportunities to attend regional and national conferences where they present original research, create professional networks, and seek out new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Explore more information about our program and how to apply below! 

More About the Program

The Agricultural Education doctoral option has a primary focus of preparing candidates to assume faculty positions in colleges or university agricultural education programs. Candidates assemble an individual program of study that provides a comprehensive knowledge of the teaching and learning process with a strong theoretical foundation and practical research experience in agricultural education. This program combines rigorous education with instruction and advising duties, along with multiple opportunities for professional development. 

Assistantships

Qualified candidates will receive assistantship funding to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in agricultural education, leadership, agricultural communications, and agricultural sciences. Assistantships are 9-month, .49 FTE positions with the opportunity for summer teaching employment. Salary and benefits are competitive and funded assistantships include tuition waivers. 

Areas of Research and Interest in Agricultural Education:

• K-12 and Postsecondary Student Motivation
• Leadership assessment and development
• Teacher preparation and early career retention
• Teaching Methods
• Teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development
• Equitable and inclusive practices in agricultural education

Connect with us and tell us more about your research inquiries!

Learning Outcomes 

Agricultural Education Learning Outcomes

Three overarching Graduate Council-approved Learning Outcomes for the PhD program are:

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material
• Conduct scholarly activities in a responsible and ethical manner

In addition, the major aim of the Agricultural Education Ph.D. option is to develop students’ analytic skills, knowledge and sensibilities to:

• Use meaningful and relevant social science literature to better understand and investigate questions in agricultural education research
• Critically evaluate key social science research to construct arguments which further understanding of research in agricultural education
• Synthesize a coherent point of view using evidence-based and theoretical arguments relevant to questions in agricultural education research

Application Process/Requirements

The Agricultural Education program is a minimum of 108 credits which include: a core curriculum in quantitative and qualitative research, 13 credits in a specialty area, a practicum, and a dissertation. Additional research methods and elective courses as approved by the major professor (faculty advisor). 

Applicant Requirements:  

• Ability to pass the state of Oregon background check
• 3.0 GPA or better 
• Master’s degree in an appropriate field or equivalent professional experience (preferably in the areas of Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Agricultural Leadership, Agricultural Communications, or other related degrees)
• Demonstrated capability of working independently as well as in teams
• Willingness to collaborate in multi-disciplinary projects 

*Applicants are encouraged to contact KJ Joseph to discuss relevant prior experiences and education. 

Preferred qualifications include: 

• Demonstrated excellent teaching skills
• Demonstrated outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Application Materials: 

To apply, please send a current resume, unofficial transcript(s), contact information for three professional references, and a 2-page, double spaced personal statement describing your experience with teaching and desire to pursue a Ph.D. graduate degree to either KJ Joseph ( [email protected] ). After reviewing the application materials, qualified candidates will be invited for a video or on-campus interview.

Application Deadlines:  The Agricultural Education option has a rolling application process. Applicants are encouraged to contact KJ Joseph (541-737-5926) if interested. Upon departmental acceptance, applicants will then be asked to apply to the program through the College of Education . 

• College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

The Ph.D. in agricultural and environmental sciences program at N.C. A&T teaches students about the complexities of our global food system and how to adapt to emerging challenges around food, energy and water. This program prepares individuals for successful careers as researchers, faculty and entrepreneurs and to be active and effective leaders in academia and the agriculture industry in both the public and private sectors. Our doctoral graduates will confront the grand challenges of providing and sustaining a safe and healthy supply of food, fiber and other products for a burgeoning global population.

To gain admission to this agricultural and environmental sciences Ph.D. program, students must have earned a master’s degree in a food, agricultural, biological science or environmental science discipline or in a closely related area of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.3. Doctoral candidates are required to take 65 post-baccalaureate credit hours, including 15 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours of electives and 18 credit hours within one of five concentrations. Doctoral candidates also must complete a dissertation.

Why choose N.C. A&T

Doctoral students in the agricultural and environmental sciences Ph.D. program will be taught and mentored by a dynamic faculty who are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in the areas of discovery, learning and engagement. The program offers small class sizes that allow for more interaction with our professors.

At A&T, a land-grant high-research institution that ranks as the nation’s largest historically Black university, students will develop personal and professional relationships with fellow students and faculty that will last a lifetime. Graduates will use the knowledge and skills gained through this program to stay abreast of continuing changes in health and nutrition, consumer preferences, national security concerns, climate and many other vital issues that affect agriculture and the environment.

Concentrations

Food science, human nutrition and health.

The Food Science, Human Nutrition and Health concentration will provide students with opportunities for advanced study and research on ways to enhance human health by developing a safe, nutritious, accessible, affordable and sustainable food supply. Doctoral students in this innovative degree program will study basic and applied sciences and the complex nexus of food, nutrition and human health.

Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences concentration focuses on an integrated system of plant and animal production practices that satisfy human needs for food and fiber while maintaining efficient use of natural resources, economic profitability, social and economic equity and a healthy and sustainable environment. This concentration will produce scientists, faculty and researchers who will integrate knowledge in numerous fields, including crop science, soil science, microbiology, biological engineering, economics and agronomy.

Agribusiness and Applied Economics

The Agribusiness and Applied Economics concentration will combine training in agribusiness and/or economics to produce graduates who are experts in quantitative methods and have developed a rigorous background in economic theory and research. Doctoral students will study agricultural food systems, environmental economics and international trade and learn economic theory, research methods and quantitative techniques.

Sustainable Animal Production and Health

The Sustainable Animal Production and Health concentration is designed to give doctoral students an in-depth look at the many challenges facing the animal industry. Through interdisciplinary research in genetics, nutrition, physiology and other areas and with access to a diverse array of animal species, future professionals and scientists will gain the ability to conduct valid research and develop sound practices that facilitate sustainable food production and preventative animal health.

Agricultural and Extension Education

The Agricultural and Extension Education concentration is designed for doctoral students who want to learn more about leadership development and styles and educational methods for youth and adults in agricultural and related fields. Our graduates will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the teaching and learning process as well as a strong practical research experience in agricultural education. Our graduates will be prepared to lead in public and private colleges and universities, industry and state and federal governmental agencies.

For more information

For more information about the program, including admission and degree requirements and a detailed curriculum overview for each concentration, please contact

Antoine Alston, Ph.D. Associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences [email protected] and (336) 285-4818. 

For more information about admissions and enrollment, please contact The Graduate College at N.C. A&T

The Ohio State University

• BuckeyeLink
• Find People
• Search Ohio State

CFAES COVID-19 Resources:    Safe and Healthy Buckeyes   |   COVID-19 Hub   |   CFAES Calendar

Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

Search form

Phd program, breadcrumb menu.

The PhD program is a globally recognized leader in the disciplinary areas of agricultural, development, environmental and regional economic s and was previously ranked by the National Research Council as the top program in Agricultural and Resource Economics in the United States.

Students acquire rigorous training in economic theory and advanced quantitative methods and learn to apply these skills to a wide range of real-world economic problems. Degree recipients go on to assume teaching, research and managerial positions with universities and colleges, research institutions, government agencies, multilateral international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and private companies and corporations.

An MS degree is not required for admission to apply to the PhD Program.  Students whose undergraduate degrees are not in economics or business are welcome to apply as well.

Learn more about the application criteria and process >>>>>

Fields of specialization

Students are required to take a total of 12 credit hours of frontiers courses that provide specialized training in the field of their choice. The AEDE frontiers courses cover topics relevant to agricultural economics, environmental and resource economics, regional economics and development economics. Graduate students are given wide latitude to design their own program of study and to choose a dissertation topic. In recent years, under the supervision of AEDE faculty members, doctoral students have conducted innovative theoretical and applied research on agricultural policy and trade, agricultural finance and risk management, consumption and marketing economics, food economics and agribusiness, environmental and natural resource economics, international and regional economic development, poverty and food security, climate change,  agricultural economics,  spatial and land-use economics, health economics, bioeconomics, and experimental and behavioral economics. Innovative research that addresses pressing social problems is encouraged, regardless of the sub-discipline of economics with which it may be identified.

Course requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 graduate semester credit hours and take the non-credit Math Camp offered by the Department of Economics in July and August, immediately preceding the start of classes in the first year. Students are required to take a minimum of 56 credit hours of in-class coursework. This is comprised of 44 credit hours of required courses that provide a strong foundation in microeconomic theory, econometric theory, applied econometrics and applied welfare as well as 12 credit hours of frontiers courses relevant to the student’s intended research topics to provide more specialized training. All additional credit hours cover departmental seminar requirements and dissertation research. Please refer to our curriculum sheets for the first year and second/third years in the PhD program for a more detailed understanding of the required coursework.

Examinations

In addition to required coursework, students must: Pass a microeconomics theory qualifying examination prior to the beginning of the second year; Pass the second year manuscript requirement prior to the beginning of their third year; Pass the candidacy examination and defend their doctoral dissertation proposal, typically before the beginning of their fifth year; Complete the doctoral dissertation and pass a final oral examination.  

Questions? We are here to help. Please email AEDE Graduation Admissions and Services below for more information about the PhD program.

AEDE Graduate Admissions and Services

[email protected]   | 614-292-7911

Agricultural and Extension Education, M.S., Ph.D.

Department website: http://aged.wvu.edu

Elizabeth McConnell, Administrative Assistant  e-mail: [email protected]  

Degrees Offered

• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Nature of the Program

Candidates for the master of science degree may be admitted on a regular or provisional basis. A student who does not have a B.S. in agriculture with a major in agricultural and extension education may be required to complete undergraduate courses in agriculture and professional education if they plan to obtain teacher certification. Students take graduate courses in both technical and professional education. Programs are planned to ensure that candidates develop competence in the following areas: 

• The informed design of agricultural and extension education programs
• The effective operation of agricultural and extension education programs 
• The evaluation of agricultural and extension programs
• The philosophy and execution of action research
• The active teaching and learning process

A regular graduate student is a degree-seeking student who meets all the criteria for regular admission to a program of their choice and be under no requirements to make up deficiencies.

For regular admission, a student must:

• Possess a baccalaureate degree from a college or university and have at least a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or an average of 3.0 or higher for the last sixty credit hours).
• Provide three letters of reference from persons acquainted with the applicant’s professional work, experience, or academic background.
• Submit a written statement of 500 words or more indicating the applicant’s goals and objectives relative to receiving a graduate degree, and identify a potential faculty advisor.
• Have an adequate academic aptitude at the graduate level as measured by the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the New Medical College Admissions Test (New MCAT).

*  International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirement for English language proficiency.  

*International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirement for English language proficiency.  

** A standardized graduate examination score (GRE or MCAT) is not required for admission to this degree, however, it is strongly encouraged.

Masters - Teacher Certification Option

To be admitted to the teacher certification option, a prospective student must meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an agricultural field from an Accredited College/University
• Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Achieved minimum scores established by the West Virginia Department of Education on the following:
• Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading
• Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing
• Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics
• PRAXIS II: Agriculture

Admission Requirements 2024-2025

The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.

MS Major Code: 0734

PhD Major Code: 0787

For specific information on the following programs please see the link to the right:

• Agricultural and Extension Education, M.S.
• Agricultural and Extension Education, Ph.D.

WVU Morgantown

Graduate/Professional Catalog Information

• Academic and Professional Standards
• Advising, Enrollment and Evaluation
• Degree Regulations
• Financial Aid
• Graduate Certificates
• Programs, Courses and Credits
• Tuition, Fees and Residency

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Download Complete 2023-24 PDF Catalogs

• WVU Morgantown - Graduate/Professional
• WVU Morgantown - Undergraduate
• WVU Keyser - Potomac State College
• WVU Beckley - WVU Tech
• WVU Morgantown - Law

Download 2023-24 PDF Courses Catalogs

• WVU Morgantown - Graduate/Professional Courses
• WVU Morgantown - Undergraduate Courses
• WVU Keyser - Potomac State College Courses
• WVU Beckley - WVU Tech Courses

Download PDF of this page

Download Complete 2020-21 PDF Catalogs

Download 2020-21 PDF Courses Catalogs

• Log on to your course
• Prospective students
• Military students
• Transfer students
• Newly admitted students
• Current online students
• Current campus students
• Faculty & staff

Agricultural education

Get started with MU

• How to apply
• Tuition and fees

A doctorate in agricultural education from MU can help you advance your career in agricultural or extension education, communication or informal adult education. If you want to connect with expert faculty members and take an innovative, high-tech approach to agricultural education, this may be the degree for you.

Quick facts

Official name, program type, academic home, delivery mode, accreditation, credit hours, estimated cost.

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid .

Career prospects

This degree has potential benefits for.

• Classroom or extension educators in agriculture or the environment
• Communications or public relations professionals
• International agricultural development specialists
• Program manager or producers
• Sales professionals
• Youth specialists

Program structure

Delivery of this program is 100% online: no campus visits are required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take two classes each semester session and finish the program in four years.

Course work covers

• Instructional design and delivery
• Teaching and learning theories and practices
• Educational program planning, evaluation, organization and administration

Calendar system

Typical program length, typical course load.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission , one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Learn more about this program

• Search UNH.edu
• Search College of Life Sciences and Agriculture

Commonly Searched Items:

• Academic Calendar
• Programs of Study
• Graduate Programs
• Departmental Honors
• Scholarships
• Faculty & Staff Directory
• Graduate Student Profiles
• Equine Teams & Clubs
• Field Experience
• Therapeutic Riding Program
• St. Martin Career Exploration Office
• Study Abroad
• Teaching & Research Facilities

Agricultural Sciences (Ph.D.)

Why pursue a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences at UNH?

A Ph.D. in a gricultural s ciences will help you advance your career in an agriculture-related field, whether you are working in agricultural production, agribusiness, policy areas in government or nonprofit sectors, education and/or research. As a graduate student in the department of agriculture, nutrition and food systems , you will part of an interdisciplinary department focusing on the farm to fork wellness continuum and a holistic approach to solving problems. You will also develop independent and team research experience and graduate prepared to pursue a wide range of caree rs .

Program highlights

UNH is among the nation’s highest-performing research universities, having earned a Carnegie Classification R1. Our research portfolio brings in more than $110 million in competitive external funding each year. Federal and state funding is available for research on diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture, foods and agricultural sciences. You’ll have the opportunity to partner with state and regional growers and producers and collaborate with leading researchers worldwide. As a graduate student at UNH, you’ll have the opportunity to work in several top-notch teaching and research facilities, including the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, one of the university’s largest research organizations.

Potential career areas

• Agribusiness
• Commercial plant/animal production
• Private consulting
• Education  and Extension
• Government/regulatory
• Policy making
• Nonprofit sector

Contact Information

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Sciences graduate program offered by the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS) offers a flexible course of study that provides education and research experience plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food systems, and related fields. As a graduate student in ANFS, you will be engaged in an interdisciplinary department focusing on the farm to fork wellness continuum and a holistic approach to solving problems. You will also develop independent and team research experience.

As an Agricultural Sciences student, you will have the opportunity to optimize your graduate course work to suit your interests and career goals. Our faculty offer education and research opportunities in the diverse components of food systems and plant and animal agricultural systems including breeding and genetics, physiology, environmental interactions, organismal health, agroecology, and pathology. Student are exposed to diverse production systems, including field based, hydroponics, and aquaculture, as well as post-harvest practices. Beyond the classroom and the lab, you will hone communication skills that essential for professional scientists through teaching, extension, and outreach opportunities with stakeholders and constituents.

With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, students are prepared to pursue careers in college teaching and research positions in industry and government. Students may work in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food production and distribution systems, teaching, public service, research in federal, state, nonprofit, private organizations, or related fields.

The Ph.D. program is thesis-based, with the expectation of generating and publishing substantial new knowledge in the field of interest.

Requirements for the Program

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduate students work with their advisor and Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses, competencies, and develop a research proposal. To complete the degree, students must complete a research proposal, pass a qualifying exam, conduct dissertation research, and complete and defend a dissertation.

Guidance and Dissertation Committees : During the first semester, the student and advisor jointly select members of a guidance committee. A nomination form must be sent to the graduate school to officially appoint the committee membership. The Guidance Committee consists of 5 members and is responsible for approving the proposal and oversees the qualifying examination. Once the student has advanced to candidacy, the Doctoral Dissertation Committee is formed. The Dissertation Committee is responsible for administering the dissertation exam.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense: All Ph.D. students are required to develop a formally approved research proposal typically by the end of the third semester and no later than the fourth semester. Proposals are approved by the dissertation committee and the major advisor. In addition to the written proposal, students are expected to present a proposal defense presentation. This proposal should consist of the following:

• comprehensive review of the literature related to the student’s research topic.
• statement of need/justification.
• research goal with a list of research objectives with stated hypotheses that address the major research questions.
• plan of work describing the experimental approaches or methods to be used in answering the thesis questions.
• Expected outcomes and potential pitfalls for each objective.
• Timeline for completion of the work.
• preliminary research where appropriate.

Candidacy: Following approval of the research proposal and completion of coursework, doctoral students should advance to candidacy. Candidacy is reached after passing a formal qualifying examination that assesses both broad basic knowledge of the student’s field, and topics central to the research project. The purpose of the exam is to measure of the student’s likelihood of successfully completing a doctoral program. The qualifying exam comprises written and oral components.

• Written exam: Student choose three areas of specialization in consultation with their Doctoral Guidance Committee. The advisor solicits questions from Committee members and administers the exam. Once completed, Committee members evaluate the responses. The student is expected to demonstrate competence in each of the chosen areas, reflected in clear, concise, well-organized synthetic essays. The exam may be “closed book” or “open book” at the discretion of the advisor.
• Oral exam: An oral exam is conducted by the Doctoral Guidance Committee and chaired by the advisor. The student should demonstrate mastery of fundamental concepts in the designated areas of specialization, draw upon a broad spectrum of information to answer theoretical and practical questions. There may be focus on any area that was deemed weak in the written exam.

When the student has passed both parts of the qualifying exam, the advisor will inform the Graduate School and recommend that the student be advanced to candidacy in the Ph.D. degree program.

Dissertation and Oral Defense: All students must complete a dissertation reporting original research. After completion of the research, the candidate must provide a copy of the dissertation to the Doctoral Dissertation committee at least two weeks prior to the final oral examination. The final thesis defense consists of two parts: an oral presentation of the research in a public seminar, and an oral defense of the dissertation conducted by the Doctoral Dissertation Committee. Final approval of the dissertation will be determined by a majority vote of the committee.

Number of Credits Required:  There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take the required core courses and fulfill the competences outlined below. Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

1. Core Course Requirements:

To be taken at the earliest opportunity, typically in the initial fall semester of the program.

All students are required to register and participate for a minimum of 3 credits.

All students are required to register and participate at least twice, and must be taken after candidacy.

2. Competency Requirements:  In addition to the core required courses, students will be expected to demonstrate competency in areas of experimental design and analysis, and in scientific writing and communication. Students must take at least one course from each competency. The competencies may be fulfilled by courses chosen in consultation with the advisor and committee. Depending on the student, one or both of these competency requirements may have been fulfilled through other course work or professional experience as approved by the committee and ANFS graduate coordinator.

3. Electives: Each student, in consultation with their graduate committee, will define one or more areas of informal specialization, and will take additional courses appropriate for their area(s) of specialization.

4. Additional Information: 

• All students in the Agricultural Sciences Ph.D. Program are expected to present their research in ANFS departmental seminar at least three times (including the defense seminar). Students are also encouraged to present at professional conferences and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

Annual Evaluation:  The annual evaluation of graduate students ensures that students receive the mentorship they deserve and are making progress toward completion of their degrees. The annual evaluation of graduate students consists of a collaborative effort between faculty adviser and student to:

• Complete a self-assessment;
• Present a professional quality CV suitable for awards, job applications, and internships;
• Produce a narrative of service or other activities not captured on a CV;
• Develop annual goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences will meet objectives in the following areas:

Discipline specific knowledge

• Identify and explain discipline specific research methods
• Build knowledge and understanding in key areas of agricultural sciences including food systems, and animal and plant-based agricultural production systems

Research design and analysis

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of study designs utilized in agriculture or food systems research
• Apply appropriate research design to answer a question
• Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to analyze and interpret research results

Scientific method

• Independently develop, defend, and execute a research idea to advance knowledge in the student’s specific field of study

Critical thinking

• Ability to collect and critically evaluate information from the primary research literature to expand knowledge of agricultural and food systems
• Draw conclusions from the literature and make recommendations based on an understanding of the system, scientific evidence, related factors, and desired outcomes
• Develop skills to critically evaluate and analyze their research data

Communication

• Communicate effectively in writing through the development of an argument supported by evidence
• Communicate effectively in oral formats when addressing project-specific research and complex agriculture and food related issues
• Contribute written works to the scientific community in the form of peer-reviewed publications and presentation at scientific conferences

Professionalism

• Conduct research in an ethical manner
• Deliver professional oral and written communications
• Demonstrate collaboration and leadership skills

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall : Jan. 15 (priority*), Aug. 1 (final) *Applications completed by Jan. 15 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications completed after Jan. 15 will be considered based on openings and funding.
• Spring : Oct. 15 (final)
• Summer : N/A
• Special : N/A

Application fee : $65

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : MA RI

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

• Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
• Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

Applicants should visit the  Agricultural Sciences program website  and review the list of faculty in their area of interest. The applicant should contact potential faculty advisors to discuss their interests and determine whether the faculty member(s) may be willing and able to serve as the student’s advisor before applying to the program. See the  Agricultural Sciences Faculty List  for a current list of faculty.

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Explore Program Details

Faculty directory.

Take the Next Step

College of Life Sciences and Agriculture

Agriculture, nutrition, and food systems.

• Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Team
• Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Team
• Background Information
• Contact & Directions
• Instructor Certification
• Parent and Student Information
• Hints for Volunteers
• Volunteer Checklist
• Working with the Disabled

• Sustainability
• Embrace New Hampshire
• University News
• The Future of UNH
• Campus Locations
• Calendars & Events
• Directories
• Facts & Figures
• Academic Advising
• Colleges & Schools
• Degrees & Programs
• Undeclared Students
• Course Search
• Career Services
• How to Apply
• Visit Campus
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Net Price Calculator
• Graduate Admissions
• UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
• Housing & Residential Life
• Clubs & Organizations
• New Student Programs
• Student Support
• Fitness & Recreation
• Student Union
• Health & Wellness
• Student Life Leadership
• Sport Clubs
• UNH Wildcats
• Intramural Sports
• Campus Recreation
• Centers & Institutes
• Undergraduate Research
• Research Office
• Graduate Research
• FindScholars@UNH
• Business Partnerships with UNH
• Professional Development & Continuing Education
• Research and Technology at UNH
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Alumni & Friends
• Request Information

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Skip to content
• Skip to navigation

• College of Ag. & Life Sciences
• Experiment Station
• Graduate Studies

Agricultural and Extension Education

The Agricultural and Extension Education Program in the School of Human Sciences offers graduate courses leading to the following degrees:

• Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education with concentrations in:
• Community and Extension Education
• Agriculture Teacher Licensure
• Teaching and Learning

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Agricultural and Extension Education

Master of science in agricultural and extension education (thesis and non-thesis).

A minimum of 30 hours of coursework in a planned program of study must be completed for the M.S. degree. A minimum of one-half the total credit hours on the program of study must be at the 8000 level. Students wishing to complete a thesis must take at least 6 credit hours of research/thesis (6 of these credit hours substitute for coursework hours) and an approved statistics course.

A written or oral final comprehensive examination is required for the student in the non-thesis option. A student in the thesis option must pass a final thesis defense and submit the thesis.

Community and Extension Education concentration

• AELC 6103 – Principles and Practices of Extension Education
• AELC 8203 – Advanced Communications in Agricultural and Extension Education
• AELC 8243 – Administration and Supervision in Agricultural and Extension Education
• AELC 8503 – Program Planning and Development
• AELC 8703 – Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs
• AELC 8803 – Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education
• AELC 8853 – Statistics for the Social and Life Sciences in Agriculture
• AELC 8000 – Research/Thesis (thesis option) OR AELC 8100 Creative Component Project (non-thesis option)
• Electives (6 hours)

Agriculture Teacher Licensure concentration

• AELC 6403 – Development of Youth Programs
• AELC 6613 – Teaching Agricultural Mechanics
• AELC 6723 – Pedagogy of Agriscience Programs
• AELC 6873 – Professional Seminar in Agricultural Education
• AELC 8403 – Directing Learning Experiences in Agricultural and Extension Education
• AELC 8603 – Teaching Internship in AEE I
• AELC 8613 – Teaching Internship in AEE II
• AELC 8693 – Philosophical Foundations of Agricultural and Extension Education
• EDX 8173 – Special Education in the Regular Classroom
• AELC 8000 Research/Thesis (thesis option) OR AELC 8100 Creative Component Project (non-thesis option)

Teaching and Learning concentration

• AELC or Education electives (6 hours)
• Agriculture Subject Area electives (6 hours)

The minimum requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is the completion of 90 semester hours of graduate credit on an approved program of study above the bachelor’s degree. Required courses for the Ph.D. include 30–36 hours of graduate credit in Agricultural and Extension Education; 16 graduate credits in statistics, research, and evaluation; 12–18 graduate credits in a minor or supporting area, 0–12 graduate elective credits; and 20 credit hours of dissertation research. Students must pass a written and an oral comprehensive examination in both the major and minor/supporting area.

To be eligible for the preliminary/comprehensive examination, a graduate student must have a 3.00 GPA on all graduate courses taken after admission to the degree program. Students must also pass the final dissertation examination. The student’s graduate committee supervises the dissertation and examinations.

Doctor of Philosophy curriculum

• AELC 8413 – Methods of Planned Change
• COGNATE (Communications, Extension, Teaching/Learning, or Youth Development) or Minor in appropriate department, or disciplines (12 hours)
• RESEARCH, EVALUATION, AND STATISTICS
• AELC 8833 – Instrument and Data Collection Procedures in Social Science Research
• EPY 9453 – Introduction to Qualitative Research
• CHOOSE QUANTITATIVE SERIES OR QUALITATIVE SERIES
• Quantitative Series to include AELC 9103 (Applied Multivariate Analysis in Agricultural Science) or EPY 9213 (Multivariate Analysis) and AELC 9583 (Analysis of Data in AEE)
• Qualitative Series to include EDF 9463 (Qualitative Data Collection) and EDF 9473 (Qualitative Data Analysis)
• AELC 9000 Research/Dissertation

Health Promotion Emphasis

Ph.D. students in Agricultural and Extension Education may select an emphasis in health promotion by taking courses in the Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion Department's Health Promotion curriculum. These courses must be approved by the Health Promotion graduate coordinator. This program is designed to equip students for careers as public health educators, health promotion specialists, and health scientists. Students in this emphasis may sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam offered by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing when they have successfully completed at least 25 hours in the Health Promotion area.

Quick Links

•    Academic Calendar
•   Apply Online
•    Courses
•   Financial Aid
•   Graduate Studies
•    Locate Us
•    Make a Gift
•     Schedule a Visit
•    Student Housing
•    Student Organizations
•    Student Spotlight

Want to know more? Contact:

Kirk Swortzel | 662.325.7837

PhD Agricultural Extension

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

Ph.d. degree.

• Ph.D. students establish competency in the fields of microeconomic theory and econometric methods (courses taught in the  Department of Economics ), applied microeconomics, and a major field in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
• Major fields are offered in Development Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics, and Food and Agricultural Economics . Students with an interest in  regional economics and/or state and local government policy select a major field based on their area of specific interest. Each student works with their guidance committee to develop a course program that supports the student’s long-term career goals and meets degree requirements.
• Students must meet grade requirements in microeconomic theory, econometric methods, and applied microeconomics to be qualified to proceed in the Ph.D. program.
• By the end of their third year, students are required to produce and present an original paper. The original research component, which must go beyond a literature review, should be sufficiently well-developed to convince the student’s research paper committee that the paper is publishable. Evaluation of the written paper and oral presentation constitutes the student’s comprehensive exam for the Ph.D.
• After passing the comprehensive exam, students proceed to defend a dissertation research proposal, complete the dissertation, and defend it at a final oral examination.

Students typically complete the Ph.D. degree in four to five years. Full details on Ph.D. degree requirements are available in the Department’s Graduate Policy and Program Handbook.

Completed Dissertations

View the dissertations written by AFRE Ph.D. graduates since 1990.

Graduate Research Symposium Papers

View a list of authors and titles of research papers presented at Graduate Research Symposiums to date.

• Academic & Extension Specialists
• Graduate Students
• In the News
• AFRE Voices
• Faculty Stories
• Student Stories

Prospective Students

• About the Department
• Prospective Undergraduate Information
• Graduate Application Information
• Campus Resources

• Cornell University Home
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Home

School of Integrative Plant Science

MS/PhD Field of Horticulture

Shaping food systems and landscapes of today and for the future.

Graduate study in Cornell's Integrative School of Plant Science is organized into five Graduate Fields providing unparalleled opportunities to connect disciplines, creatively solve problems, and integrate complex systems, preparing graduates for diverse careers and futures as leaders in science and society.

The Field of Horticulture includes the study of fruits, vegetables and landscape plants to sustain the environment, enhance economic vitality, and improve quality of life. As the only horticulture program in the Ivy League, our faculty, staff and students are working to shape the food systems and landscapes of today and for the future. Faculty in this field are associated with the SIPS Horticulture Section and also the SIPS Plant Breeding & Genetics Section .

Grand Challenge Fellowships

The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) is offering four two-year fellowships to graduate students for research tackling our  Grand Challenges .

• Fellowships are for August 2024 admission.
• Application deadline is December 1, 2023.  (November 15, 2023 for Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology.)
• More information.

Apply to the Graduate Field of Horticulture

• Apply (Cornell Graduate School Application)
• Graduate Field of Horticulture application information

Graduate Field Concentrations

The MS/PhD Graduate Field of Horticulture has four concentrations:

• Horticultural Crop Breeding
• Horticulture Crop Management
• Physiology & Ecology of Horticultural Crops
• Human-Plant Interactions

Program metrics, demographics and outcomes

Select the graduate field of interest from the pull-down menu on the linked page

• Program statistics
• Career outcomes

More information about graduate study in Horticulture

See these links for information specific to MS/PhD studies in the Field of Horticulture

• Faculty in the Field of Horticulture
• More about the SIPS Section of Horticulture
• Recent theses in the Field of Horticulture
• Meet our Horticulture graduate students
• Horticulture field requirements
• Horticulture student life

Josh Balles Graduate Field Coordinator 237 Emerson Hall Phone: 607-255-9573 Email: jeb527 [at] cornell.edu (jeb527[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Taryn Bauerle Director of Graduate Studies 136 Plant Science Building Phone: (607) 254-4867 Email: tlb33 [at] cornell.edu (tlb33[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Learn more about graduate study in SIPS

Five interrelated Graduate Fields are associated with the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) with many resources common to all

• Financial Support
• NSF Research Traineeship
• Schmittau-Novak Small Grants Program
• SIPS People
• Campuses and Facilities
• SIPS Graduate Student Council

• Programs and Courses
• Explore Programs
• Find Courses
• Careers and Relevant NC State Programs
• How to Apply
• Graduate Students
• Non-Degree Studies
• International Students
• Military and Veterans
• Affordability
• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid
• Student Resources
• State Authorization
• Professional Licensure
• Student Complaint and Grievance Process
• Faculty and Staff
• Frequently Asked Questions

Agricultural and Extension Education

• Policy Analyst
• Program Coordinator

Application Deadlines

• June 25 for Fall: (US)
• March 01 for Fall: (Int)
• November 25 for Spring: (US)
• July 15 for Spring: (Int)
• March 25 for Summer Semester I: (US)
• December 15 for Summer Semester I: (Int)
• May 10 for Summer Semester II: (US)
• December 15 for Summer Session II: (Int)

Program Contact

The Graduate Certificate in Agricultural and Extension Education is a 15-credit-hour program. It can be completed entirely online. Pursuing a graduate certificate requires a high level of commitment. This graduate certificate program is particularly appropriate for individuals who:

• Want advanced training in agricultural and extension education but don’t plan to pursue a master’s degree;
• Have a master’s degree in another discipline but would like to gain expertise in cooperative extension education;
• Are earning certification to teach in agriculture and desire additional credentials;
• Work as extension agents and are taking courses for the required professional development hours.

Twelve credit hours (four courses) from the certificate may be applied to the Master of Agricultural and Extension Education. Other students earn the certificate while pursuing the Licensure in Education for Agricultural Professionals (LEAP) . Note: AG*IDEA courses cannot be covered by tuition waivers. Students are required to prepare a professional portfolio of artifacts and evidence of their set objectives.

Career Prospects

From animal agriculture to field crops, and from food safety and processing to farm health and pest management, extension agents are a crucial part of the agribusiness industry and community development. Typically employed by land-grant universities to serve as an expert or educator, extension professionals educate and coordinate efforts between key players in the community. They facilitate understanding and collaboration between farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and local businesses. These networks are primarily established through education about topics such as economics, community development, agriculture, family, animal production, diet and nutrition.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Agricultural and Extension Education are well equipped to serve producers, communities and agribusinesses as extension professionals. In addition to work as extension agents, graduates are equipped to teach at the secondary level.

Other Programs You Might Be Interested In

Education for Agricultural Professionals