Advance Your Career with a Master's of Science (M.S.) in Agricultural Education

To meet the ever-changing demands on learners' lives, the Agricultural Education Master's program is designed to prepare graduates for entry into or advancement in formal and non-formal teaching careers. Offered both online and in-person, this program also provides development of professional leadership skills for other careers in agricultural leadership and communications.

The master's degree program in Agricultural Education, provides a program that can be tailored to meet each student's career goals. In addition to the wide variety of professional courses in agricultural education, offerings are also available from all academic Departments in the College of Agriculture and beyond. Specialization courses such as adult education, educational administration, higher education, and curriculum coordination are also available through cooperation with the College of Education, Health and Human Development. The Department offers three pathways to completion in an online and in-person format: a traditional thesis option, a professional paper option, and a professional master's option.

The online Master’s in Agricultural Education program offers you the opportunity to grow professionally, expand your knowledge base, and enhance your skills in a flexible, fully online format. This program is designed specifically for educators who want to advance in their careers, but it is not intended for those seeking a path to becoming a certified teacher.

 

 

Why Choose MSU's Agricultural Education Degree Program?

 

Flexibility: Choose from on-campus and online courses, making it easier to balance your professional and personal life.

Tailored Options: Whether you’re looking to engage in research or focus on career advancement, we offer three program options to suit your goals.

Expert Faculty: Learn from highly skilled instructors with real-world experience in agricultural education.

Reputable Institution: Montana State University is known for its strong programs in agriculture, and our graduates are respected across the industry.

Three Options to Fit Your Career Path

 
Thesis Option
Professional Paper Option
Professional Master's Option
Credits
20 Coursework Credits + 10 Thesis Credits
24 Coursework Credits + 6 Professional Paper Credits
30 Coursework Credits
Comprehensive Exam
No
No
Yes
Ideal For
Students seeking to pursue a career in academia or research-focused roles.
Educators who want to enhance their career with research but are more focused on applying practical outcomes rather than pursuing further academic degrees.
Educators seeking advancement in their current career without the need for research, focusing on practical knowledge and skills to move up the career ladder.
Time Commitment
Requires more time due to the additional research and writing of the thesis, which can extend the duration of the program.
May take less time than the thesis option, as it focuses on a more practical, project-based approach.
Likely the quickest option since it focuses entirely on coursework, with no research project requirements.

Program Requirements

Regardless of the chosen pathway, all students must complete the following core courses:

  • AGED 505 – Statistical Analyses for Agricultural and Technology Education
  • AGED 506 – Research Methods
  • AGED 507 – Program Planning and Evaluation
  • AGED 511 – Philosophy of Teaching and Learning in Agricultural Education
  • AGED 594 – Graduate Seminar

This structured yet flexible program ensures that students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to advance in their careers while accommodating their individual learning preferences and objectives.

Application Information

 

Application deadlines are July 1 for a Fall start, November 15 for a Spring start, and March 15 for a Summer start (International applicants must have materials two months before these dates). Based on their review, the department will provide its recommendation to The Graduate School; all applications will receive a response through your application portal.

Teaching and Research Assistantships may be available for qualified students. If interested, please direct your questions to the Department Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Shannon Arnold, at Shannon.Arnold@montana.edu. 

Required Application Materials

The following is a list of application materials required by the Department:

  1. Letter of Intent: Plans and interest in teaching and research in agriculture.
  2. 3 Professional Letters of Recommendation
  3. Official transcripts
    1. 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
  4. (Plans A & B Only) Writing Sample - up to 10 pages and may be a previous capstone project, thesis, journal article, or other scholarly work that exemplifies your writing abilities.
  5. (Optional) GTA Application
    1. Check box
    2. Statement of Interest in teaching
  6. (GTA Application Only) - Phone Interview

Whether you're looking to delve into research or take your career to new heights, MSU’s Master’s in Agricultural Education has an option tailored to your needs. Apply today and take the first step toward enhancing your professional journey in agricultural education.

Elevate your career. Advance agricultural education. Join Montana State University today!

 
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