Agricultural Education and Communication

Program Information

The Master of Science program is designed to prepare graduates for domestic and international teaching, research, extension, administrative and leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Courses are taught in an agricultural and natural resources context and are broadly applicable in educational, business, government, and agency settings. The Master of Science program is delivered on-campus and online via the AEC e-Learning Institute (eLI). The Doctor of Philosophy degree program is primarily designed to prepare graduates for academic positions in teaching, research, and extension within the realm of Agricultural Education and Communication. In addition, graduates may obtain positions in administration, human resource management, or training and development.

The Agricultural Communication specialization prepares students for professional communication careers in or dealing with agriculture and agribusiness. It is intended primarily for students who enter with a bachelor's degree in journalism, agricultural communication/journalism, advertising, broadcasting, public relations, or related fields. Graduates of this option are employed in:

1. communication or management positions with the numerous commodity or special-interest associations in agriculture and related fields;
2. communication support positions in agricultural extension and research information departments of land-grant universities, agencies of USDA, state Departments of Agriculture, and agricultural development projects overseas;
3. advertising and public relations positions with agribusiness firms or commodity associations; and
4. media positions involved in reporting on agriculture, agribusiness, and natural resource issues.

Students in Agricultural Communication also develop strong skills/application in media writing, production, campaign strategies and/or Web design/desktop publishing. Graduates become prepared for positions in both public and private sectors in both industry and educational settings.

The Agricultural Education specialization is designed to enhance the careers of those employed in the educational professions in agriculture and natural resources. Regardless if one is employed in public school teaching, community college instruction, or training and development in agribusiness, students gain valuable knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. In addition, graduates of the program command added depth in the understanding of the teaching and learning process. This specialization may be designed to allow students to complete the requirements of teacher certification while completing their master's degree program. The PhD is a research-oriented degree that has a primary focus of preparing candidates to assume faculty positions in colleges or university teacher education programs.  Candidates develop an individual program of study that provides a comprehensive knowledge of teaching and learning processes. The degree also seeks to extend the candidate's development by providing instruction, research opportunities, and experiences that enhance the depth and breadth of the candidate's prior learning opportunities.

The Extension Education specialization is designed to prepare students for careers in the Cooperative Extension service, outreach education, and/ or other international agencies. Through coursework and research, students will gain valuable knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. Extension graduate students choose between a domestic or international focus in regards to coursework and/or research. In addition, graduates of the program command tremendous depth of the teaching and learning process. Candidates who select the Extension Education specialization develop an individual program of study that focuses on such topics as program development, experiential education, the change process, educational technologies and extension, program evaluation and organizational accountability, administration and leadership, and international extension. Graduates become prepared for a variety of positions including extension specialists, county and district extension directors, outreach education coordinators for private and public agencies, 4-H Extension agents and specialists, and educator specialists with international agencies.

The Leadership Development specialization is designed to prepare students for educational leadership, training, and outreach positions in agricultural, extension, community and governmental agencies. Course work in the major will focus on a core of agricultural courses along with emphasis in designing educational/training programs, professional presentation enhancement, leadership development, teaching/training methods, and interpersonal communication. Candidates who select the Leadership Development specialization develop an individual program that focuses on leadership theory and measurement, critical and creative thinking, and leadership in cross-cultural settings. Students will encompass a strong research and theory-based program with a strong knowledge of training and development, and human resource management. Graduates become prepared for positions in both public and private sectors in both industry and educational settings.

Agricultural Education & Communications (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Summarize contemporary and foundational theory and research in the selected specialization

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Apply, analyze and synthesize content knowledge, evolving concepts and philosophies in the selected specialization to solve problems by identifying component parts, relationships and ideas.

SLO 3     Skills     
Apply visual and nonvisual techniques in the use of instructional materials and methods.

SLO 4     Skills     
Apply concepts and principles related to design, implementation and evaluation of formal and non- formal education and/or training and development programs.

SLO 5     Skills     
Apply principles, practices and strategies for conducting behavioral research in agricultural and natural resource professions.

SLO 6     Professional Development          
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professional conduct and communication.

Agricultural Education & Communications (MS)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Display competency in contemporary and foundational theory and research in their selected specialization.

SLO 2     Knowledge        
Apply, analyze and synthesize content knowledge and evolving concepts and philosophies in the selected specialization to solve problems by identifying component parts, relationships and ideas.

SLO 3     Skills     
Apply visual and nonvisual techniques in the use of instructional materials and methods.

SLO 4     Skills     
Apply concepts and principles related to design, implementation and evaluation of formal and non-formal education and/or training and development programs.

SLO 5     Skills     
Apply principles, practices and strategies for conducting behavioral research in agricultural and natural resource professions.

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Display ethical behaviors, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, professional conduct and communication.

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

Start by exploring our more than 250 degree programs to determine the application requirements and if additional items, such as transcripts, portfolios or recommendation letters, are needed in your application. Application deadlines also vary by department, so be sure to apply before the deadline.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that is uploaded within your graduate application.

If the program of interest requires recommendation letters, these should be submitted electronically through the admissions application. You must request these recommendations prior to submitting your application. You cannot add or delete recommendations once your application has been submitted. If your recommendation is supplied by paper or PDF, check with your academic program to inquire if this will be accepted.

You can check the receipt of materials by the Office of Admissions on the Check Status page. This page will only reflect information concerning materials forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and does not include materials that are required to be sent directly to your academic unit.

Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your online application, your 8-digit UF Identification Number (UFID) will be available on the status of your application. Use the same username and password used to submit your CollegeNET application.

Your UFID is unique to you and should be used in all email communication and any subsequent applications submitted. If you do not use your UFID in communications and submissions, it is difficult for us to match your test scores, transcripts, and financial aid information to your academic record.