Agricultural Education

Overview

A major in Agricultural Education provides the communication skills, leadership training, and knowledge of technical and agriculture necessary to be certified as a teacher of agricultural education, particularly in high schools and community colleges. You can also find employment in agricultural development, personnel training, and sales positions in various agricultural-related industries.

Agricultural teachers need a broad background in agriculture. As such, expect to take courses in agricultural economics, animal science, entomology, veterinary science, and crop and weed sciences. You can frequently choose among several certification areas including horticulture, agribusiness, natural resource management, and agricultural production.

State teacher certification is based on the recommendations from the departments of education in individual states. Wherever you are, though, it's a virtual certainty that you'll participate in student teaching at high schools near campus. Keep in mind, by the way, that you should make your student teaching plans as early as you can.