A degree in Agricultural Education gives students a broad education in agriculture while preparing them to teach agriculture in public high schools. Students in this field take a variety of courses in animal science, agronomy, agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, horticulture, natural resources and agribusiness with electives in their areas of interest. Because of the broad educational background, agricultural education graduates also are qualified to acquire positions, such as industry trainer, personnel manager and public relations specialist, outside the area of teaching. It is reassuring, however, to know that because of the high demand for agriculture teachers in Missouri, starting salaries range from $30,000-$46,000. Students with a background in agricultural education and the FFA organization have found agricultural education to be an exciting and rewarding way to continue their involvement with agriculture..

Students completing the Agricultural Education program receive a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Agriculture. Requirements for graduation include 44 to 49 hours of general education, 45 hours of courses in Agriculture and courses in Agricultural Education and secondary education to complete their requirements. Students pursuing this degree must have a 2.50 GPA to graduate and successfully pass the Praxis II exam as do all students who receive Bachelor of Science in Education degrees.

Agricultural Education majors also are required to complete 16 weeks of student teaching to be selected in consultation with the faculty member in charge. High school courses in agriculture and science will help prepare students for this course of study.

The following is a representative list of the 80 courses offered by the Department of Agriculture. Please consult the Missouri State Catalog online at www.missouristate.edu/catalog for course descriptions and specific degree requirements.

• Animal Science
• Soils and Crop Science
• Suburban Horticulture
• Agricultural Economics I
• Introduction to Agricultural Education
• Agricultural Mechanics Practices
• Course and Program Building in Agricultural Education
• Methods of Teaching Agricultural Management
• Methods of Teaching Agricultural Mechanics

The Agricultural Education program is offered through the Department of Agriculture. The department has 15 full-time faculty members, who hold doctoral degrees in their areas of specialization. A number of supply faculty and adjunct professors with unique experiences also are of great benefit to students.

Faculty members in the department pride themselves on student advisement. Each student receives the individual attention needed
to help assure success at the university.

Agricultural Education majors are encouraged to belong to an active Collegiate FFA Chapter while at Missouri State. The FFA chapter was chartered in 1981 and keeps students informed and active in this dynamic youth organization. Missouri State also offers four collegiate judging teams that provide students with intercollegiate judging experience on national levels in livestock, horses, meats and soils.

The judging teams have a strong tradition at Missouri State, and students are encouraged to participate in these rewarding and extremely valuable educational experiences. Governors and Presidential Scholarships, as well as more than 20 departmental scholarships, are available to qualified students. Agricultural Education faculty provide placement information and help every Agricultural Education major secure jobs in teaching or other areas.