Agricultural Education

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The world needs people like you! Turn your passion for teaching and love of agriculture into an impactful career.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Iowa State University is famous for teaching agriculture, and our Master of Science in agricultural education curriculum gives you tools you need to get noticed and excel in a career as an agriculture teacher, extension or outreach professional, or agriculture communicator. If you want to stand out in agricultural education, there’s simply nowhere better than Iowa State.

Thanks to this online program, you now have access to that renowned education no matter where you are.

Develop your career without leaving current employment. Signal to your employer that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge. Note: Resident instruction is required for the teacher certification option.


Degrees Offered: 

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Agricultural Extension Education (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 2.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)

Paige Zhorne

agedsinfo@iastate.edu
515-294-5872
Agricultural Education
201 Curtiss Hall
513 Farm House Lane
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1050

Learning Goals

  • Select, organize, and implement appropriate delivery systems to fit a variety of teaching and learning situations.
  • Model and utilize appropriate learning principles and theories in agriculturally related learning situations.
  • Select, organize, and implement appropriate formative and summative evaluation strategies for accountability and program improvement.
  • Develop a foundation for one’s personal philosophy of agricultural education by synthesizing and evaluating appropriate philosophical models.
  • Develop and evaluate appropriate strategies for analyzing and assessing educational needs, situations, and processes.
  • Organize educational programs utilizing appropriate planning and development models.
  • Organize and evaluate international agricultural education programs based upon the principles of technology transfer.
  • Design, conduct, report, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative research utilizing appropriate design and analysis models.
  • Organize, conduct, and evaluate activities that further the mission of Agricultural Education, provide growth opportunities for its practitioners, and foster development of a vision for the profession.
  • Monitor the development of trends and administration of policies in and outside the discipline of Agricultural Education and explain their impact or potential impact on the discipline.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • For PhD: Evidence of 3 years of relevant professional experience clearly shown on the resume or cv is a preferred qualification.
  • Three letters of reference. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a university professor. Ask your university references to comment on your past academic performance, potential to succeed in graduate school, character and work habit.
  • It is recommended that the other two letters be from professionals in education or business and industry who are familiar with your overall abilities and goals. Ask references to be specific and identify factors that will help the admissions committee.
  • Please do not ask friends and relatives to submit reference letters.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Doctoral applicants: August 15, October 15, January 15 and March 15.

Master's applicants: Evaluated on a rolling admission cycle

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions