Agricultural Education

The agricultural education major prepares students to teach at the secondary, post-secondary and adult levels in agricultural education programs. North Dakota State University is designated by the State Board of Career and Technical Education as the recognized institution for preparing teachers of agricultural education.

The Program

The agricultural education major is designed to combine general studies, preparation for effective teaching and a broad background in the various disciplines in agriculture. Those preparing to become teachers of agriculture are expected to possess a broad general education necessary for them to function as citizens and educators in our dynamic society. Courses in natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, English, communication and speech will help provide a general education and the skills needed for more advanced courses in agriculture and other areas. Courses in agricultural economics, agricultural systems management, animal and range science, plant sciences, horticulture and soil science provide the necessary background in agriculture. Electives also are available in entomology, veterinary science, plant pathology and cereal science. Skills in organizing, planning, communicating and teaching are developed by taking courses in psychology, sociology, education and a series of courses in various aspects of agricultural education.

Early Experience

Either concurrently or shortly after taking an introductory course in education, students will have an opportunity to secure a brief exploratory experience in a secondary agriculture program. This helps students relate course work to actual teaching situations.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a highlight of the teaching program. Students will have an opportunity to apply skills acquired in college courses and to learn with the direction and assistance of a successful teacher of agricultural education.

Occupational Experience

An appropriate background of work experience in agriculture is essential for those planning to teach agriculture. Students lacking this experience will need to seek such experience through employment and other means. Cooperative Education experiences are available. A background in high school agriculture and FFA also is helpful, although not required.

Student Advisement

Students are assigned individual advisers who will work closely in program planning and in other ways to advise and assist them. Students are encouraged to seek their advisers' help whenever needed.

Certification

Upon completing this program, students are eligible for certification to teach agricultural education in most states. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Selective Admission

All new students must first submit an NDSU application for admission, along with transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Students should indicate the teaching specialty they want on the application.

During or immediately following the introductory professional education course, students apply for formal admission to the School of Education. The application must be approved before students may enroll in any 400-level professional education courses. Students must be admitted to the School of Education at least one semester prior to the student teaching semester.

All education majors must complete a professional education program and then apply for certification/licensure from the state in which they wish to teach. In order to be recommended for certification/licensure by NDSU, students must complete an NDSU education-based degree, have an overall grade point average of 2.75 and satisfactorily complete an exit portfolio.

Career Opportunities

For several years there have been favorable employment opportunities for those prepared to teach agricultural education. Other graduates seek employment in Cooperative Extension, farming, agricultural finance, agribusiness, government agencies in agriculture or continue their studies at the graduate level.

Collegiate FFA Chapter/
Post-Secondary Agriculture Students Chapter

The primary purpose of the Collegiate FFA Chapter is to prepare graduates in agricultural education to serve as advisers of secondary FFA chapters. Students majoring in agricultural education are encouraged to participate actively in the activities of the NDSU Collegiate FFA Chapter. The Post-Secondary Agriculture Students Chapter provides an opportunity to compete in various competition on state and national levels.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students seeking financial aid should contact the Office of Student Financial Services. Additional information concerning specific scholarships is available from the Dean of the College of Human Development and Education or the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Sample Curriculum

Students may choose an agricultural education major with or without a biological sciences minor. Students enrolling in the agricultural education program will be expected to complete course work in the following areas:

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Heidi Bills, Academic Advisor
College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University

Dept #2600
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-9849
Fax: (701) 231-7174
Email: Heidi.Bills@ndsu.nodak.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/hde

or

Teacher Education Program
North Dakota State University
Dept #2625
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-7101
Fax: (701) 231-9685
Email: Brent.Young@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/education

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/prospective_students/

(02/10)