Agricultural and Extension Education is a broad field of study and practice representing the blending of agricultural and social and behavioral sciences into educational programs for youth and adults. Central to the department’s goals is the formal and non-formal teaching of problem-solving and learning skills for a lifetime of growing, evolving, and changing. The program awards two bachelor's degrees: Agricultural Education and Agricultural Science. The program also awards two undergraduate minors: Extension Education and Leadership in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education provides graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences for teacher licensure in agriculture for grades 6-12. Additionally, our graduates are essential to the agriculture industry due to their combination of agriculture and interpersonal knowledge and skills.

The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science provides graduates with knowledge and skills in agriculture, Extension education, leadership, and communications - essential areas for success in food, agricultural, and natural resources industries. Our graduates provide solutions to complex challenges faced by individuals, farmers, organizations, and communities.

Key highlights about our department:

• Students in the department complete a specialty area or a concentration in at least one area of agriculture
• Graduates are prepared for teaching, administrative leadership, and public relations positions in secondary schools, community colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension System, and agricultural businesses
• Graduates are highly qualified to enter agricultural careers in all areas of food, agriculture, and natural resources
• Career placement assistance is provided to all graduates

Curricula

The Agricultural Education curriculum encompasses areas of study that enable students to plan, promote, and conduct educational programs in agriculture. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and prepares teachers of agriculture for secondary schools and community and technical colleges. The demand for agricultural education teachers exceeds the present supply in the Carolinas, Virginia, and throughout the nation.

The Agricultural Science curriculum prepares graduates for careers in a wide variety of agricultural industry positions. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science. Students complete a minimum of two agricultural specialty areas, increasing their options for careers in agriculture. Students complete communications, Extension education, and leadership courses to prepare for diverse and rewarding careers. Internships are not required in this curriculum but are strongly encouraged.

For more information about this department, visit our website.

Contact

Dr. Ben Chapman
Department Head
919.515.8099
bjchapma@ncsu.edu

Faculty

Plans