Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Agriculture continues to be an important part of the high school curriculum in North Carolina. The Agricultural Education major emphasizes the teaching and learning process in both formal classrooms and other settings. A broad understanding of agriculture is required so that students will be able to communicate effectively agricultural information to a variety of audiences.

This program leads to a teacher license in agricultural education; however, students must select from one of the following subject matter concentrations: Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Agronomy, Animal Science, Horticultural Science, Natural Resources, or Poultry Science.

Courses include:

Fundamentals of Agricultural and Extension Education, Computer Applications and Information Technology in Agricultural & Extension Education, Administration and Supervision of Student Organizations, Communication Methods and Media, Leadership Development in Agriculture, Conducting Summer Programs in Agricultural Education, Methods of Teaching Agriculture

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Agricultural and Extension Education courses, and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Presentation skills
• Active listening
• Active learning
• Problem solving skills

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Course credit is available for this experience through the College of Agriculture and Sciences. Each curriculum culminates in a semester-long practicum experience in which students apply the knowledge and skills developed in the program in a real-world setting. You should not expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The CALS Career Services office provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
High School Teacher	Education
Middle School Teacher	Public Schools
Community College Instructor	Community Colleges
Extension Agent	Government
4-H Agent	Government
Training Consultant	Private Industry

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Professor

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ $35,700 starting salary
From NC Public Schools 2008-2009

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Agricultural and Extension Education Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, 515.9441, bwilson@ncsu.edu

Collegiate FFA
Faculty Adviser: Josh Starling, 513.7069, joshua_starling@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• National Association of Agricultural Educators
• North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association
• North Carolina State FFA

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Agricultural & Extension Education
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
• Cooperative Education Program
  

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 1st of September, 2009 at 2:06:03 PM

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