The agricultural education curriculum is designed to provide professional preparation for extension agents, middle school and secondary agricultural education teachers and persons in agriculture service areas where content knowledge, pedagogical and andragogical skills, and presentation experience are desirable attributes. Our graduates are prepared for a wide variety of jobs because they have a broad base of knowledge combined with excellent people skills.
Students in agricultural education gain leadership experience through the Collegiate 4-H, Collegiate FFA, MSU Agricultural Education Club and other College of Agriculture student organizations.
Teaching OptionThe teaching option permits a student to choose a balanced program among agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, animal & range sciences, and plant & soil sciences, while also gaining teaching and presentation skills. Students preparing to teach spend 14 weeks in an approved high school agriculture department as teaching candidates. Graduates are eligible to receive a Montana Class Two (standard) teaching license which permits them to teach in middle and high schools. This licensure is recognized in most other states throughout the U.S.
Students may pursue a teaching minor in a variety of disciplines that provides them with additional employment opportunities.
Relations OptionThe relations option is designed specifically to prepare students for entry-level employment in the Extension Service, agricultural communications and leadership positions, federal or state agencies, community education, or the public agriculture sector. This option provides broad-based education that includes animal science, plant science, agricultural economics, education, communications, and leadership development. Students can select their program of study to emphasize communications, leadership, or extension and community education. All students will also enhance their degree with a "Leadership Fellow" certificate integrated into the program of study. An approved internship in a local Extension office or with an agricultural agency is required.