OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you wish to share your passion for agriculture with others? Do you enjoy motivating others? Are you up for the challenge of being a role model and possibly influencing young people’s lives or careers? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then a major in Agricultural Education may be for you.
Agricultural Education is an interdepartmental major in both the College of Agricultural Sciences and the School of Education and is ranked in the top 20 in the nation. It prepares students for teaching youth and adults in the agricultural industry. Students refine their communication skills and personal qualities necessary to serve as educational leaders and managers. There are two concentrations in the major:
The Agricultural Education concentration leads to teacher licensure by the State of Colorado. Teachers combine classroom, laboratory, and hands-on experiences to teach high school students about the myriad agricultural topics. The curriculum requires students to demonstrate a competent knowledge of educational theory and a broad-based understanding in agricultural content. Students combine practical experience and technical course work including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, forestry, natural resources, horticulture, agricultural processing and supplies, and services in agriculture. Courses from biological sciences, liberal arts, and social sciences round out a student’s education. Students must apply to the Teacher Licensure Program in the School of Education after they have completed at least 30 college credits, usually during their sophomore or junior year. A few of the requirements for acceptance are: having at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA, completion of an introductory education course, and 20 hours of documented work experience with school-age children. This curriculum includes instructional methods and assessment, classroom management and technology, exceptionality, and courses specific to teaching in the agricultural field. All students are required to student teach for one semester.
Agricultural Extension Education emphasizes preparation for careers in the Cooperative Extension System, which includes working with 4-H youth, agricultural production and economic efficiency, and adult volunteer and leadership development. The curriculum in this concentration is broad based, balancing course work in technical agriculture, professional, general and adult education, journalism, and human development. This program provides students with excellent preparation for graduate studies as well.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Passion for working in the field of agriculture
* Enjoy working with youth and adults
* Capability to inspire trust and confidence
* Ability to motivate others for peak performance
* Enjoy guiding activities of others
* Work effectively with individuals and groups
* Enjoy planning and organizing courses of study
* Desire to understand emotional and educational needs of students
* Strong ability to communicate clearly
* Ability to maintain order, resolve differences, anticipate and prevent problems
* Aptitude for gathering information, organizing and presenting it in a manner that holds attention
* Ability to adapt and present information to different learning styles
* Ability to accurately assess progress of individuals and programs
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Graduates in agricultural education are in demand to fill a fifteen-year shortage of agricultural teachers in Colorado and nationwide. Two-thirds of the Colorado State graduates have become teachers or administrators in public schools. Other graduates take agribusiness positions with seed, fertilizer, feed, machinery, or finance firms. Students are also prepared to teach in community or junior colleges, area vocational schools, and technical institutes. Within Cooperative Extension, there are opportunities in local, state, and federal agencies for 4-H youth specialists, resource managers, and extension agents. Participation in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Listed are some of the careers available to students in this major:
* High school agriculture teacher
* Post secondary vocational agriculture teacher
* Agribusiness representative
* Agriservice representative
* Cooperative Extension agent
* Education specialist
* 4-H association youth specialist
* Youth development specialist
* Science teacher
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Agricultural Sciences College Council
* Applied Human Sciences College Council
* Collegiate 4-H club
* Collegiate FFA club
* Alpha Tau Alpha
* Phi Delta Kappa
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MORE INFORMATION
School of Teacher Education & Principal Preparation (STEP)
111 Education Building
1588 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1588
970-491-5292
http://soe.cahs.colostate.edu/Licensure/
* Academic and career advising for majors
College of Agricultural Sciences
121 Shepardson Building
1101 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1101
970-491-6274
http://www.agsci.colostate.edu/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu/
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
8008 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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