Agricultural Education

In the bachelor of science in agricultural education program, you will learn to plan and teach course work and educational activities at the secondary level (grades 6-12), as well as to manage out-of-classroom teaching facilities such as greenhouses or aquaculture ponds. The degree also prepares you to help students with supervised agriculture experiences (SAE), such as raising crops, caring for animals, conducting research, or working for a farm or other agricultural business.

This major is a good stepping-stone for becoming an extension educator at a state university.

As an agricultural education major, you'll take courses in animal science, plant science, horticulture, agricultural economics and mechanics.

In technical agriculture courses, you'll learn by doing. At on-campus animal centers, you'll explore topics such as cow pregnancy rates and grazing management systems. On-campus greenhouses and plant science farms allow you to observe the effects of insects on the health of crops and to gain a greater understanding of water management and irrigation systems. You'll explore how engines and food-processing equipment work in the machinery lab.

You'll learn how to teach what you learn with courses on teaching methods from faculty in the University of Idaho College of Education. You’ll also get real-world experience when you spend 30-40 hours shadowing a local teacher, or assisting high school students with Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities.

Prepare for Success

The agricultural education major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Providing young people with lasting lessons.
• Learning about livestock, horticulture and other technical aspects of agriculture.
• Using strong communication skills to make connections with people and build community.

• Participate in 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities, volunteer at a county fair, help raise livestock, or work for a farm or ranch.
• Take as many courses as possible in math and science.
• Pay attention to current events in the news that discuss agriculture and education.

Your First Year

Your first year, you'll learn communication skills with course work in writing and public speaking. You will also familiarize yourself with your major with introductions in education theory and agriculture. 

More advanced courses will cover topics in shop practices, animal husbandry, agricultural markets and prices, and horticulture. You will select your areas of focus according to your interests.

See the four-year plan.

What You Can Do

With a bachelor of science in agricultural education, you may become a:

• Secondary school agriculture instructor: Teach secondary school agricultural science and technology, maintain learning facilities, and oversee student projects in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and supervised agricultural experience.
• Youth development educator: Provide learning opportunities for 4-H, FFA, and other organizations serving youth.
• Marketing specialist: Make decisions about marketing strategies and advertising for a farm cooperative, farm equipment manufacturer, trade group or other agribusiness entity.
• Community planning consultant: Help rural areas create jobs and expand their economies.

Opportunities

Demand for our graduates exceeds supply, and they often receive more than one job offer. Starting salaries are as high as $40,000. While most of our graduates become teachers, others find employment with agricultural commodity organizations and governmental agencies.

You may also choose to continue your education. If you choose to go on to graduate school in agricultural economics, agricultural education or business, you may become an extension educator with a state university.

Current Research

The University of Idaho maintains 12 field research stations located from Sandpoint to Kimberly. Faculty members of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences work to solve Idaho’s most pressing agricultural problems, and they examine innovations that increase efficiency and sustainability in growing crops and producing livestock.

Additionally, professors in the College of Education examine issues such as:

• Ethics in education
• Curriculum development
• Diversity in the classroom

Activities

Collegiate Future Farmers of America (FFA): Manage livestock judging at the Latah County Fair, hear special presentations by agriculture students and professionals in the agriculture industry, attend state and national FFA events.
Collegiate 4-H: Teach workshops and attend conferences.
Block and Bridle: Practice showmanship, judge contests, and exhibit livestock at regional shows.

Hands-On Experience

Student teach. In your senior year, you will draw on everything you’ve learned when you teach in a secondary school classroom in Idaho, Washington or Oregon. Student teaching opportunities include:   

• Teaching small engine and fabrication to students at Troy High School.
• Teaching an introduction to livestock at Meridian High School.
• Teaching introductions to agriculture, nursery work and beginning welding at Kendrick High School.

Study abroad. Deepen your understanding of your major — and the world — in countries like these:

• Peru: Gain a new perspective on the global marketplace.
• India: Discover how mango farmers package and market their products.
• Taiwan: See how farms are organized to get the most out of the country’s small size.

Facilities

You’ll have access to on-campus greenhouses, plant science farms, livestock facilities and numerous scientific laboratories.