The Agricultural Education Communications Option emphasizes academic coursework to prepare students to communicate about emerging agricultural issues to diverse audiences.  Students will develop professional verbal, written, and technological skills to advocate for the agricultural industry.  Courses in this track include advanced writing, communications, interpersonal skills, marketing, and media development. All students will also enhance their degree by pursuing a Leadership Fellows certificate integrated into their program of study. Careers may include agribusiness and communication positions related to public relations, rural broadcasting and news, magazine editors and writers, communications specialists, and sales representatives. The Communications Option includes a non-teaching writing minor. An approved internship with an agricultural agency is required.

The Agricultural Education Extension Option emphasizes academic coursework to prepare students for careers to educate others in the Cooperative Extension Service and other non-formal settings.  This track provides broad-based coursework that includes animal science, plant science, agricultural economics, non-formal teaching methods, adult and youth education, communications, and leadership development. All students will also enhance their degree by pursuing a Leadership Fellows certificate integrated into their program of study.  Careers may include positions in extension education, community and nonprofit education, government and nongovernmental agencies, and other non-formal educational organizations.  An approved internship in a local Extension office or with an agricultural organization is required.

The Agricultural Education Leadership Option emphasizes academic coursework to develop knowledge and skills necessary to work with people in leadership and management positions.  Students will develop fundamental abilities in interpersonal communication, teamwork, leadership, motivation, and management in the broad area of agriculture. All students will also enhance their degree by pursuing a Leadership Fellows certificate integrated into their program of study.   An array of careers in private and public sectors may include sales, management, organizational training, community development, non-formal education, and consulting in agricultural and natural resource industries. An approved internship with an agricultural agency is required. 

Courses