Agricultural Education

The School of Education offers graduate study leading to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Agricultural Education. Advanced work may involve specialized training in vocational education, extension education, international extension, and agricultural education.

The master’s degree program in Agricultural Education is most ideally suited for current school-based agricultural educators. However, the degree program is modular enough to meet the needs of students seeking advancement and expertise in multiple disciplines. Core coursework will prepare students to evaluate educational programs which they currently or intend to lead with a blended focus on adolescent and adult educational development. Further, coursework extends principles of baccalaureate teacher preparation in agriculture. Foundational coursework in research and evaluation methods are taught in a practical and applied manner. 

Degree programs are planned cooperatively to meet the needs of individual students. Some courses focus on problems related to various phases of Agricultural Education, including secondary, post-secondary, adult, and extension programs. Others emphasize issues common to all service areas in agricultural and extension education. Candidates should work closely with an adviser.

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) programs in education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board. Changes in national and state legislation, standards, or rules can affect academic program requirements.

Options with Great Plains Ag*Idea

• https://www.gpidea.org/program/agricultural-education
• May have a focus on the secondary classroom, post-secondary environments, extension, leadership, or agricultural communications

In addition to the Graduate College’s required application materials, the program requires submission of a statement of career goals consistent with the five propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), as well as reasons for applying to the program. If a program has a cohort group with enrollment limitations, an entrance interview will be required.

Admission decisions are based upon the predicted success of the applicant as a student and professional in the chosen field and are made only after considering all available data. A student must meet all requirements for full admission.

NOTE: The School of Education reserves the right to obtain additional information about the student's professional competence from qualified professionals.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is a non-thesis, practitioner-oriented degree that has three options. The first option is for currently licensed teachers. The second option is for those seeking initial teacher licensure. Candidates for this option will have earned a bachelor's degree in an agriculture or closely related area. Candidates must meet all requirements of related TLO program: www.ndsu.edu/ted/graduate/teacher_licensure_option/.  NDSU has a dual degree program with Dickinson State University that provides a teacher licensure opportunity. Refer to DSU/NDSU Degree Plan for BS Credit requirements. Students must be enrolled at Dickinson State University at the time of application to the Collaborative Ag Ed TLO program.

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree requires a master's thesis or master's paper.

Master's programs within the School of Education require a minimum of 30 semester credits (minimums vary by academic program). Programs vary on requiring a written comprehensive exam or a portfolio/oral.

NOTE: Earning an academic/professional degree does not necessarily lead to state credential or licensure. People seeking licensure must provide evidence of the required number of years of teaching or counseling, and, in the case of school administration, administrative experience. Potential and current students should consult with the appropriate academic program coordinator for advice about licensure, certification, or credentialing after communicating with the appropriate state official.

Adam A. Marx, Ph.D.
University of Missouri, 2014
Research Interests: Adolescent Career Decision-Making, Student Engagement, Teacher Development

Brooke Thiel, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2020
Research Interests: Career Readiness, 21st Century Skills, Teacher Development