A bachelor of science degree in agricultural education at UMC is a career-oriented degree that has three emphases available to students. Agricultural science, agricultural systems engineering technology, and natural and managed environmental science allow students the flexibility to select the emphasis that matches their career goals. All emphases serve students preparing to teach agriscience, agribusiness, agriculture, horticulture, food systems, agrimechanics, natural resource management, engineering technology used in agriculture, and management of the associated student organization (FFA) including SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience). Each fits within the licensure field of agricultural education in public schools at the 5-12 grade levels. A second license will allow graduates to teach work-based learning skills and supervise work-based learning students placed on the job as a part of their education. Graduates with the agricultural science emphasis are also qualified for a broad array of agriculturally-related positions in sales, management, agricultural finance, and production aspects of agriculture. Graduates with a natural and managed environmental science emphasis can enter environmental learning center education, natural resource management, and soils conservation-related fields. Graduates with an agricultural systems engineering technology emphasis can provide customer service to precision agriculture systems, machinery sales and service, welding services, and facilities design and selection. Program Outcomes for Agricultural Education Graduates will be able to: • Apply learners' growth and development principles across all domains to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences; • Ensure inclusive learning through understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures; • Work with others to create environments that support collaborative and engaged learning including self-motivation; • Demonstrate content knowledge, concepts, and tools of inquiry in the career clusters associated with agriculture, natural resources, and forestry; • Connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in authentic contexts; • Use a variety of assessment tools and practices to monitor learner progress and to plan and evaluate effective instruction; • Plan instruction that supports all learners in meeting rigorous learning goals within an integrated curriculum; • Use a variety of instructional strategies that encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content and make relevant connections; • Engage in ethical practices and professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility; • Provide leadership and collaborate with families, school professionals, and community members in support of student learning.

(1) Earn a minimum GPA of 2.50 overall. (2) Take the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination (MTLE) Basic Skills tests. (3) Purchase personal liability insurance: can be obtained inexpensively through an annual student membership in Education Minnesota or Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators. (4) Successful completion of ED 2200, Foundations of Education. (5) Complete and submit Teacher Education Application package. (6) Submit a reflective writing sample.

Students must complete 40 upper-division credits. A maximum of two “D” grades are allowed for core courses required in the program, subplan/emphasis, and technology requirements. This includes grades earned at UMC or transferred in from another institution.