Agricultural Education 146 Ruttan Hall 1994 Buford Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108

This Master's degree leads to an initial licensure in Agricultural Education. Master of Science (MS)/initial licensure programs are for individuals with bachelor's degrees who want to become licensed teachers. These graduate-level programs provide rigorous, professional teacher preparation in accordance with Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers (SEPT) and content standards of the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The agricultural education initial licensure program at the University of Minnesota is designed to help students become accomplished professional educators who can help students succeed in the classroom. The program prepares inquiring, analytical, and reflective professional educators who can teach in the classroom and lead in the schools. Students enter a 12 to 15-month program integrating educational theory with classroom practice. Working closely with experienced teachers, students observe firsthand the daily rewards and pressures of their profession. Flexibility is an important advantage of this program. Students may enroll in any semester and are welcomed into the entire agriculture education program, building valuable professional support. A second advantage is that most program credits may be applied toward completion of the MS degree. This program includes two components: initial licensure and the MS degree. After successfully completing licensure requirements and appropriate work experience, students are recommended for state licensure to teach agricultural education in grades 5-12.

Other requirements to be completed before admission:

Experience in youth education. Content course credits are required for licensure. Students can take these courses as an undergrad prior to entering the program or enroll in these courses concurrently (totaling 42 credits). Applicable content areas include, but are not limited to: Animal Science (7.0 credits) Applied Economics and Agribusiness (7.0 credits) Food Science (3.0 credits) Natural Resources (3.0 credits) Plant Science (7.0 credits) Soil Science (4.0 credits) Technology [Ag Mechanics] (8.0 credits) General Psychology (3.0 credits)

In addition to other required materials, applicants must submit a personal statement addressing career interests and prior youth experience, a diversity statement, a résumé and two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's potential in the field. Admissions is done on a rolling basis with the following semester deadlines: March 1 (Summer), July 1 (Fall), and November 1 (Spring).

Courses must be taken A-F (unless only offered S/N) and students must earn a grade of C- or better. Additional requirements and credits may be required to be recommended for licensure. Required licensure coursework is subject to change. Please visit https://www.cehd.umn.edu/teaching/ for the most up to date requirements and coursework. The University of Minnesota does not award licensure. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) determines licensure for the state of Minnesota in the areas of teacher education and related services.