Agricultural Education and Human Sciences

Creating Leaders Who Support Agriculture, Youth and Families

In the Agricultural Education and Human Sciences (AEHS) academic program, we educate students in agriculture and human sciences, find solutions to problems and extend knowledge to create healthy communities for youth and families. Our graduates teach in formal and non-formal settings, work with nonprofit organizations, and community and government agencies, and are employed in various fields of agriculture and in the human sciences sectors. Our department encompasses a diverse group of professionals and experts across many professions and specialties all focused on improving the lives of farmers, families, youth, individuals, and communities.

You can earn a Master of (Non-Thesis) or Master of Science (Thesis) in one of four concentrations:

Agricultural Education
Agricultural Leadership Development
Extension Education
Family and Community Sciences

Agricultural Education

Our graduate programs offer flexibility and enable graduates to pursue diverse career options. Prepare for a career teaching agricultural education to middle or high school students, or become an extension agent helping farmers and families succeed in their communities. Or pursue other rewarding positions such as agricultural museum curators, environmental educators, agricultural public relations representatives, or congressional officers.

Agricultural Leadership Development

In our master’s degree programs, you will learn the breadth, depth, and diversity of leadership across contexts (teams, organizations, communities). Our work is rooted in the foundational research of the discipline, and you will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively work with a global constituency. We emphasize positive and applied learning environments and communities of practice so that you will not only leave fully prepared to excel in your careers, but have a network of individuals on whom you may call throughout your professional life.

Extension Education

The extension education concentration is especially appropriate for students enrolled in agricultural, human sciences, natural resources, and nutrition majors and/or those students who are interested in careers with the Cooperative Extension Service or other non-formal educational/community outreach organizations. Students completing a minor in extension education will become familiar with the organization, structure, and mission of the Cooperative Extension Service; planning and delivery of non-formal educational programs; management and leadership of volunteers; communication media and technology; and leadership theory, principles, and skills.

Family and Community Sciences

Demand is high for qualified professionals to teach, administer and create educational programs and support systems for children, youth and families in North Carolina and beyond. A concentration in Family and Community Sciences will prepare and strengthen current and future professionals to work with youth and families in community-based settings.

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree required. No entrance exams.

Plan of Study

Masters Program Plans of Work

The plans of work and course requirements for the four concentrations for an MS or MR in Agricultural Education and Human Sciences are outlined below.

Agricultural Education Concentration
M.R. Non-Thesis Option (30 hours) 
Core Courses (6 hours)
Curriculum/Program Planning (3 hours)
Instructional Methodology (3 hours)
Culminating Project (3 hours)
Electives (15 hours)

Agricultural Education Concentration
M.S. Thesis Option (36 hours) 
Core Courses (6 hours)
Additional Course in Research (3 hours)
Curriculum/Program Planning (3 hours)
Instructional Methodology (3 hours)
Thesis Research (6 hours)
Electives (15 hours)

Family and Community Sciences Concentration
M.S. Thesis Option (36 hours)
Theoretical Foundations (6 hours)
Professional Development (12 hours)
Methodological Inquiry (12 hours)
Electives (6 hours)

Family and Community Sciences Concentration
M.R. Non-Thesis Option (30 hours)
Theoretical Foundations (6 hours)
Professional Development (12 hours)
Methodological Inquiry (3 hours)
Electives (9 hours)

Extension Education Concentration
M.R. Non-Thesis Option (30 hours)
Core Courses (6 hours)
Program Planning and Evaluation (6 hours)
Program Delivery (9 hours)
Culminating Project (3 hours)
Electives (6 hours)

Extension Education Concentration
M.S. Thesis Option (36 hours)
Core Courses (6 hours)
Additional Course in Research (3 hours)
Program Planning and Evaluation (6 hours)
Program Delivery (9 hours)
Thesis Research (6 hours)
Electives (6 hours)

Agricultural Leadership Development Concentration
M.R. Non- Thesis Option (30 hours)
Core Courses (9 hours)
Leadership Content (6 hours)
Instructional Methodology (3 hours)
Culminating Project (3 hours)
Electives (9 hours)

Agricultural Leadership Development Concentration
M.S. Thesis Option (36 hours)
Core Courses (9 hours)
Additional Course in Research (3 hours)
Additional Leadership Content (6 hours)
Instructional Methodology (3 hours)
Thesis Research (6 hours)
Electives (9 hours)

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master of Agricultural Education and Human Sciences program are poised for a wide array of career opportunities that blend the fields of agriculture, education, community outreach, and human sciences. Their comprehensive training prepares them for impactful roles in educational settings, non-profit organizations, community and government agencies, and various sectors of agriculture and human sciences. Whether it's teaching and disseminating knowledge about sustainable agriculture, leading community development initiatives, or crafting policies and programs for family and youth welfare, graduates are equipped to make significant contributions. Their expertise in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application positions them as valuable assets in creating healthier, more informed, and sustainable communities.