Master of Science in Agricultural Education
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The M.S. Degree in
Agricultural Education prepares
graduates for careers as Agricultural Extension Agents, Agriculture Teachers,
Conservationists, Farm Managers, Researchers, and many other positions in
industries and government agencies where agricultural training along with
communications and leadership skills are required.
The agricultural education faculty offers
this program for persons desiring advanced study in teaching agriculture in
public schools, communications and leadership, or extension education.
Candidates for the Master of Science
degree may be admitted on a regular or provisional basis. Programs are designed
to ensure that all candidates develop competence in communications and
leadership, design, operation and philosophy of agricultural education
programs, and research and evaluation processes. Students pursuing programs
that emphasize agricultural and extension education will be expected to develop
an understanding of teaching/learning processes. All graduate courses offered
toward the degree must be approved by the student’s advisor. A thesis is
required as part of the 30 credit hour graduation requirement. Master
candidates may take courses such as Principles of Cooperative Extension,
Methods in Extension Education, Agricultural and Natural Resource
Communications, Adult Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Agricultural Mechanics, Waste Management, and Planning Agricultural Experience
Programs, among others.
For more information, contact:
The Division of Resource Management
(304) 293-4832
or
Dr. Layle Lawrence
(304) 293-4832 ext. 4482
Visit the web site at:
www.caf.wvu.edu/resm/aee/aeehtml.htm
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The Davis College is divided into five divisions of study: Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Forestry, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Resource Management. The excellent instructional facilities of the college offer students many learning opportunities. The Agricultural Sciences Building contains the majority of the offices, classrooms, and laboratories for the agricultural program. Faculty members are also located in Percival and Allen Halls, and in various research centers around the state. By maintaining eight farms, two campus greenhouses, and more than 8,000 acres of forest land for teaching and research, the Davis College is able to provide the highest quality education and hands-on experiences.
The Division of Resource Management
The Division of Resource Management is housed on the first and second floors of the Agricultural Sciences Building and in the Agricultural Sciences Annex on the WVU Evansdale Campus. Faculty members have earned national recognition for outstanding teaching, research, and service in past years. The division offers undergraduate majors in Agribusiness Management and Rural Development, Agricultural and Environmental Education, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, and Landscape Architecture. Master’s degrees are offered in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Resource Economics. The division also offers a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics.
Admission
Admission requirements are those of West Virginia University. Students who do not have a B.S. in agriculture with a major in Agricultural and Environmental Education may be required to complete undergraduate courses in agriculture and professional education if they plan to obtain certification to teach.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have entered positions in teaching, extension work, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, various departments in the USDA, state and municipal environmental management agencies, and management positions. Others have entered agripreneurships in production agriculture, landscaping, etc. Students are also well prepared to enter Doctoral programs in various fields. Teaching and extension salaries range from $30,000 to $40,000, as do salaries for those entering work in environmental agencies. Government service salaries begin at about $25,000, but advance rapidly.
Extracurricular/
Professional Opportunities
The Division of Resource Management offers unlimited opportunities for students interested in service and professional development. Agricultural Education faculty sponsors the Mountaineer Collegiate FFA Chapter and the Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter, the National Honorary for Agriculture Education. Service learning, internships, and experimental learning are available through cooperative agreements with various agencies. Also, a limited number of assistantships are available each year.
Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Agricultural Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.