Agricultural Education and Studies

Department Code
AGEDS
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Education and Outreach in Agriculture and Natural Resources Certificate is an online program housed in the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies at Iowa State University.
Erin five centered

A certificate enhances an individual’s professional skills and knowledge. This online certificate supports individuals who work with industry, extension, nonprofits, and government who want to polish their practice in nonformal education and outreach. The certificate provides graduate level opportunities in a way that is more comprehensive than most professional development programs.

This certificate develops skillsets that assist with the adoption and transfer of this new information. The curriculum includes needs assessment and instruction, transfer of learning and evaluation. Students will have the opportunity to focus on adult and youth learners.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate 

 

Program Degrees Offered
515-294-0894

Dr. Nancy Grudens-Schuck

ngs@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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:

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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
ngs@iastate.edu
Program Staff
suzshow@iastate.edu
pezhorne@iastate.edu
program_contact_email_new
ngs@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The world needs people like you! Turn your passion for teaching and love of agriculture into an impactful career.
People sitting around talking

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)
Program Degrees Offered

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.
515-294-5872

Paige Zhorne

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

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Doctoral applicants: March 15 for summer or fall admission, October 15 for spring admission.

Master's applicants: Evaluated on a rolling admission cycle

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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
  • 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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Degree Specialization
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
ngs@iastate.edu
Program Staff
pezhorne@iastate.edu
suzshow@iastate.edu
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