Agricultural Education

Teaching for Tomorrow
Educating people about agriculture and natural resources is critical to our future livelihood. From the classroom to the boardroom, there is a need for better understanding of the diverse disciplines that make up the food, fiber and environmental systems that run the world.

Agricultural Education (AGED) offers professional training and certification preparation to those interested in becoming tomorrow’s educational leaders in agriculture and natural resources. Through a unique blend of coursework and practical experience that is integrated into the curriculum, AGED majors develop the skills and background necessary to use their education in a variety of challenging careers.

Components of the Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education is an organized blend of technical courses in agriculture and natural resources; professional development courses and experiences; and breadth requirements, designed to give students academic diversity in their undergraduate experience.

To develop their expertise in agriculture and natural resources, AGED majors take at least 30 credits in three of the following areas: animal and food sciences; entomology and wildlife conservation; food & resource economics; engineering technology; and plant & soil sciences. Courses in these areas can contribute toward a double major and/or a minor for the AGED major.

AGED majors develop their professional selves via a series of education courses, covering topics such as teaching materials and approaches; adolescent development; diversity in the classroom; and classroom management. Leadership skills are enhanced through involvement in FFA activities and participation in other student organizations. All of this leads to the capstone student-teaching experience in the senior year, which is done after successful completion of the PRAXIS tests.

Rounding out the curriculum are the College breadth requirements, which include choices in social sciences, humanities, mathematics, computer science, and the physical sciences.

Successful completion of the AGED program qualifies graduates for certification by the Delaware Department of Public Instruction. (Certification requirements vary by state; please check with your state for specifics.)

A Place to Learn
AGED majors take courses across campus, from the formal halls of main campus to the more casual facilities of Townsend Hall, home to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Situated at the edge of our 350-acre teaching and research complex, Townsend Hall houses a student Commons, faculty offices, a branch library, several laboratories, a lecture hall and several problem-based learning classrooms. We also maintain the Townsend Computer Center, known across campus as one of the most up-to-date and impressive sites at UD.

Our outdoor research center, located on site, means easy access for field trips to our farm, botanical gardens, field plots, small wetlands, and 35-acre woodlot. An active apiary provides a unique resource for students interested in learning about bees and their behavior. The farm features a working dairy; equine and beef herds; flocks of sheep; and an extensive poultry unit. Our natural-resource area harbors numerous species, including migratory birds, red foxes, box turtles, white-tailed deer, and great-horned owls.

Being close to many middle and high schools, nature centers, Cooperative Extension offices, and agribusiness firms creates excellent opportunities for internships and summer employment for AGED majors.

Enriching the Experience
Education is achieved in ways that reach beyond the walls of the classroom. AGED majors find this especially true, as they experience a variety of unique opportunities designed to enrich their academic experiences.

The cross-disciplinary nature of the AGED major makes it easy for students to get to know faculty from a variety of disciplines. In addition, our AGED Coordinators monitor student progress toward graduation, advise students on course selection, suggest internships and supervise the student-teaching placements. The coordinators also advise our collegiate FFA chapter, in which all AGED majors participate. These interactions—both in and out of class—provide numerous opportunities for AGED majors to distinguish themselves and to make good connections for references and recommendations.

Beyond these experiences, AGED majors may choose to be involved in internships and volunteer opportunities; to conduct faculty-mentored research projects; or to travel beyond our borders with UD study abroad programs. Agricultural Education offers an exciting four-week study abroad program that meets every other Winter Session in Australia at Charles Sturt University. Along with experiencing the beauty of the Down Under, students participate in two classes—one focusing on Australian livestock production and the other on leadership techniques. Both are taught by UD faculty and count as required courses in the AGED curriculum. In addition to the Australia program, there are more than 100 others in which AGED majors may participate.

Life After College
While high-school and middle-school agriscience programs are the biggest employers of our graduates, some alumni have taken their careers in different directions. AGED is excellent preparation for careers in fields such as Cooperative Extension; sales and marketing; nature education; government; public relations, communications and media.

We hold many career-preparation programs throughout the year, covering topics such as resume writing, interviewing, networking, and graduate school. Career Fairs are held each year, allowing students to mingle with prospective employers. We encourage all students to participate in these events; to seek related experience through internships; to develop their communication skills; and to learn to network with prospective employers. This, in addition to doing well academically, greatly enhances post-graduate opportunities.

Take A Closer Look
We invite you to meet our faculty, talk with our students, and tour our facilities.
To arrange a visit or to receive further information, contact:
The Office of Academic Programs
104 Townsend Hall
Newark, DE 19716-2103
Phone: 302/831-2508
FAX: 302/831-6758
E-mail: kra@udel.edu
http://ag.udel.edu