Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Agricultural Education & Communication MS

Applied Economics
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Applied Economics Room 231 Ruttan Hall 6040A 1994 Buford Ave St. Paul, MN 55108
Email: ageddgs@umn.edu
Website: https://ag-ed.cfans.umn.edu/
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Length of program in credits: 30 to 45
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The MS degree in Agricultural Education and Communication includes a diverse cross-section of coursework and experiences, designed to advance knowledge about agriculture, food, and natural resources while developing professional skills within the context of education and/or communication. This customizable degree program is rigorous but flexible, offering two sub-specialty areas: agricultural education and agricultural communication. Students will select one of two sub-plans (Agricultural Education Initial Licensure or Agricultural Education & Communication Professional Studies). The Agricultural Education Initial Licensure sub-plan is designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees who wish to become licensed to teach school-based agricultural education in Minnesota. Sub-plan completers meet the requirements for Ag Ed 5 - 12 licensure and the Teacher Coordinator of Work-based Learning 9 - 12 endorsement. The Agricultural Education & Communication Professional Studies sub-plan is designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees who wish to advance professional knowledge and skills in the areas of education and communication. Perfect for school-based agriculture teachers, Extension educators, community-based educators, as well as those in communication and marketing careers. This sub-plan provides a relevant and customizable program that will lead to career advancement.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Sub-Plan Ag Ed Initial Licensure: Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
  • partially online (between 50% to 80% of instruction is online)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 2.50.
Relevant professional experience and/or a relevant undergraduate major is required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Sub-Plan Agricultural Education Initial Licensure: 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 30 credits). Applicable content areas include, but are not limited to: Animal Science (4 credits) Applied Economics and Agribusiness (4 credits) Food Science (3 credits) Plant Science (4 credits) Soil Science (4 credits) Technology [Ag Mechanics] (8 credits) General Psychology (3 credits)
Special Application Requirements:
In addition to other required materials, applicants must submit a personal statement addressing their career interests, a diversity statement, a resume, 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).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan B: Plan B requires 30 major credits and up to credits outside the major. The final exam is written. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:Capstone project will be completed as a part of AECM 5995: Integrating Paper/Project.
Plan C: Plan C requires 35 to 45 major credits and up to credits outside the major. There is no final exam.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for students to remain in good standing.
Courses must be taken A-F (unless only offered S/N) and students must earn a grade of C- or better. Sub-Plan Agricultural Education Initial Licensure: Additional requirements and credits may be necessary to obtain 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.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Agricultural Education Initial Licensure
This sub-plan is limited to students completing the program under Plan C.
Agricultural Education Coursework (32.5 credits)
The following courses are required for Agricultural Education Teacher Licensure.
Agricultural Education (21 credits)
Take the following courses. AECM 5696 must be taken for a total of 6 credits.
AECM 5115 - Foundations of Agricultural Education (3.0 cr)
AECM 5125W - Designing Curriculum & Instruction for Agricultural Education [WI] (3.0 cr)
AECM 5135 - Instructional Methodology for Agricultural Education (3.0 cr)
AECM 5145 - Agricultural Education Classroom & Program Leadership (3.0 cr)
AECM 5155 - Agricultural Education Teaching Seminar (3.0 cr)
AECM 5696 - Teaching Internship (2.0-10.0 cr)
Education (11.5 credits)
Take the following courses. CI 5452 must be taken for 2 credits.
CI 4602 - English Learners and Academic Language (1.0 cr)
CI 5163 - Child and Adolescent Development for Teaching and Learning I (1.0 cr)
CI 5164 - Child and Adolescent Development for Teaching and Learning II (2.0 cr)
CI 5307 - Technology for Teaching and Learning (1.5 cr)
CI 5452 - Reading in the Content Areas for Initial Licensure Candidates (1.0-2.0 cr)
EPSY 4001 - Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (1.0 cr)
OLPD 5005 - School and Society (2.0 cr)
OLPD 5009 - Human Relations: Applied Skills for School and Society (1.0 cr)
Additional Coursework (2 or more credits)
Take AECM 5280 and AECM 5995 for a total of 2 or more credits in consultation with your faculty advisor.
Take 2 or more credit(s) from the following:
· AECM 5995 - Integrating Paper/Project in Agricultural Education and Communication (1.0-5.0 cr)
· AECM 5280 - Current Issues for the Beginning Agricultural Education Teacher (1.0-3.0 cr)
Elective Coursework (1 or more credits)
Select electives in consultation with your advisor. Additional courses not listed here may be approved.
AECM 5220 - Special Topics in Agricultural Education and Communication (1.0-3.0 cr)
or AECM 5993 - Directed Study in Agricultural Education and Communication (1.0-4.0 cr)
Advanced Studies and Research
This sub-plan is limited to students completing the program under Plan B.
Core Courses
Under the direction of your advisor, choose 9 credits.
Take 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· AECM 5231 - Education Across AFNR (Agriculture, Food & Natural Resource) Contexts (3.0 cr)
· AECM 5233 - Advanced Learning & Curriculum for Agricultural Education (3.0 cr)
· AECM 5252 - Principles of Communication, Public Outreach, & Social Change for Ag, Environmental, & Life Sciences (3.0 cr)
· AECM 5454 - Foundations of Evaluation in Comm, Public Outreach & Education in Ag, Environmental & Life Sciences (3.0 cr)
Research
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5819 - Evaluating and Using Research in Organizations and Education (3.0 cr)
or EPSY 5216 - Introduction to Research in Educational Psychology and Human Development (3.0 cr)
· EPSY 5261 - Introductory Statistical Methods (3.0 cr)
or EPSY 5247 - Qualitative Methods in Educational Psychology (3.0 cr)
Electives
Take 9 - 12 credit(s) from the following:
Education Context Electives
Take 0 - 12 credit(s) from the following:
· CI 8572 - Learning Theory and Classical Research in STEM Education (3.0 cr)
· CI 8573 - Nature of Inquiry in STEM Education (3.0 cr)
· EPSY 5221 - Principles of Educational and Psychological Measurement (3.0 cr)
· EPSY 5243 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5201 - Strategies for Teaching Adults (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5202 - Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5204 - Designing the Adult Education Program (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5374 - Leadership for Professional Development (4.0 cr)
· OLPD 5387 - Leadership for Teaching and Learning (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5607 - Organization Development (3.0 cr)
· YOST 5952 - Everyday Lives of Youth (3.0 cr)
· YOST 5956 - Organizational Approaches to Youth Development (3.0 cr)
· YOST 5958 - Community: Context for Youth Development Leadership (3.0 cr)
· Communication Context Electives
Take 0 - 12 credit(s) from the following:
· APEC 5451 - Food Marketing Economics (3.0 cr)
· BIOL 5701 - Science Communication: A Primer for Scientists (2.0 cr)
· COMM 5441 - Communication in Human Organizations (3.0 cr)
· COMM 5451W - Intercultural Communication Processes [WI] (3.0 cr)
· GDES 8361 - Color, Design, and Human Perception (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 5501 - Communication, Public Opinion, and Social Media (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 5252 - Issue Management Communication and Brand Advocacy (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 5253 - Content Strategy and Development (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 8202 - Brand Thinking: Building Brands People Can Believe In (3.0 cr)
· JOUR 8208 - Digital Strategy, Planning and Analytics (3.0 cr)
· MSMK 6205 - Business Fundamentals for Marketing (3.0 cr)
· MSMK 6211 - Marketing Management (3.0 cr)
· MSMK 6088 - Strategic Marketing (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 8550 - Seminar in Technology, Culture, and Communication (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 5671 - Visual Rhetoric (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 5664 - Science, Medical, and Health Writing (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 5662 - Writing With Digital Technologies (3.0 cr)
· WRIT 5561 - Editing and Style for Technical Communicators (3.0 cr)
· Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Electives
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ANSC 5015 - Animal Welfare Science and Ethics (3.0 cr)
· ENT 5211 - Insect Pest Management (3.0 cr)
· FNRM 5104 - Forest Ecology (4.0 cr)
· HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets (3.0 cr)
· PLPA 5003 - Diseases of Forest and Shade Trees (3.0 cr)
· SOIL 5125 - Soil Science for Teachers and Professionals (4.0 cr)
· WRS 5101 - Water Policy (3.0 cr)
Capstone
Take 3 - 6 credit(s) from the following:
· AECM 5995 - Integrating Paper/Project in Agricultural Education and Communication (1.0-5.0 cr)
 
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AECM 5115 - Foundations of Agricultural Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores historical and philosophical foundations and current structures of school-based agricultural education programs. Students will understand, value, and apply strategies to implement and manage the integrated program model of agricultural education.
AECM 5125W - Designing Curriculum & Instruction for Agricultural Education (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course provides students an opportunity to understand, observe, and experience the process of developing curriculum and instruction for school-based agricultural education. Through coursework and a part-time clinical field experience (minimum of 25 hours at an assigned placement) in a school setting (grades 5-12), students will engage in the development of middle and secondary school agricultural education curricula. Special consideration in planning will be given to identifying regional, state, and community needs as well as student interest and prior knowledge. Students will have the opportunity to determine a programmatic framework, outline a scope and sequence of courses within a school-based agricultural education program, develop course outlines and materials, and create units, sub-units, and daily lessons for a variety of content areas. Additionally, using the integrated program model, curricular and instructional opportunities related to experiential learning (Supervised Agricultural Experience ? SAE) and leadership development (FFA) will be addressed. prereq: Jr or Sr Ag Ed student, or Ag Ed MS IL student.
AECM 5135 - Instructional Methodology for Agricultural Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course focuses on instructional methodology for use in school-based agricultural education. Students will understand and apply psychological principles of teaching and learning, practice a variety of instructional strategies, develop pedagogical content knowledge, and apply the integrated program model of agricultural education to classroom teaching. Prerequisites: Junior or senior Ag Ed student or Ag Ed MS IL student
AECM 5145 - Agricultural Education Classroom & Program Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course examines models of classroom and program leadership within school-based agricultural education. Through coursework and a part-time clinical field experience (minimum of 25 hours) in a school setting (grades 5-12), students will learn, observe, and experience the ways in which school-based agricultural education teachers create and maintain an effective classroom/lab environment, manage student behavior, communicate and engage with school district leaders, program stakeholders, and community members to ensure student success. (3 credits) Prereqs: Jr or Sr Ag Ed student or Ag Ed MS IL student
AECM 5155 - Agricultural Education Teaching Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course emphasizes professionalism and the code of ethics for school-based agricultural educators. Students are prepared for the job search and teacher licensure application process. Students take this course concurrent with AECM 5698-Teaching Internship and apply professionalism and the integrated program model in their classroom, school, and community. Prereqs: Jr or Sr Ag Ed Student or Ag Ed MS IL student
AECM 5696 - Teaching Internship
Credits: 2.0 -10.0 [max 20.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Agricultural Education teaching experience in a school system that provides instruction to grades 5-12. prereq: Admission to initial licensure program
CI 4602 - English Learners and Academic Language
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The course prepares teacher candidates to work effectively with English Learners (ELs) and other linguistically diverse students in their subject areas of music and agricultural education and to develop their students' academic language proficiency as needed for school success. prereq: Music ed student OR Ag Ed student OR instr consent(If there are questions, contact Naim Madyun)
CI 5163 - Child and Adolescent Development for Teaching and Learning I
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Attending to constant transitions/development in which children and adolescents negotiate their road to adulthood. How to foster learning/positive development. prereq: Enrolled in teacher initial licensure program
CI 5164 - Child and Adolescent Development for Teaching and Learning II
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Transitions/development in which children/adolescents negotiate road to adulthood. How to foster learning/positive development. prereq: Enrolled in teacher initial licensure program
CI 5307 - Technology for Teaching and Learning
Credits: 1.5 [max 1.5]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Diverse educational technology in K-12 classrooms. Effective use of technology. Computer technologies used to stimulate personal productivity/communication and to enhance teaching/learning processes. prereq: [MEd/initial licensure or CLA music ed major or preteaching major or instr consent], basic computer skills
CI 5452 - Reading in the Content Areas for Initial Licensure Candidates
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in licensure area methods course(s), enrolled in Initial Licensure Program, Internet access, basic understanding of [computer use, Web browsers, email, word processing software]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Web-based course. Fostering students' reading related to learning from text. prereq: Concurrent enrollment in licensure area methods course(s), enrolled in Initial Licensure Program, Internet access, basic understanding of [computer use, Web browsers, email, word processing software]
EPSY 4001 - Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Historical perspectives, definitions/professional language, characteristics, needs, service delivery systems for each area of exceptionality. prereq: Must be enrolled in either the initial teaching licensure program for music education or agricultural education students. All other initial teaching licensure candidates should enroll in 5015 and 5016.
OLPD 5005 - School and Society
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Readings in history, philosophy, social sciences, and law revealing diverse educational values in a pluralistic society. Multiple expectations of schools. Civil liberties, rights, community. Varying cultural backgrounds of students, family circumstances, exceptional needs. prereq: Jr or sr or MEd/initial licensure student or CLA music ed major or preteaching major or instr consent
OLPD 5009 - Human Relations: Applied Skills for School and Society
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Issues of prejudice/discrimination in terms of history, power, social perception. Knowledge/skills acquisition in cooperative learning, multicultural education, group dynamics, social influence, leadership, judgment/decision making, prejudice reduction, conflict resolution, teaching in diverse educational settings. prereq: MEd/init lic or CLA music ed or preteaching or instr consent
AECM 5995 - Integrating Paper/Project in Agricultural Education and Communication
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students prepare paper dealing with issues in agricultural education applied to professional responsibilities. AFEE 5995 can be taken for 1-5 credits, and students can enroll for two semesters for a combined max total of 5 credits.
AECM 5280 - Current Issues for the Beginning Agricultural Education Teacher
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Reflection, analysis on current problems and issues confronting beginning teachers of agricultural education. Issues in teaching methods, classroom and program management, discipline, curriculum, FFA and SAE development, school-to-work relationships.
AECM 5220 - Special Topics in Agricultural Education and Communication
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 12.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Content varies by offering.
AECM 5993 - Directed Study in Agricultural Education and Communication
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topics may be chosen to permit study of areas within education or to supplement areas of inquiry not provided in the regular course structure.
AECM 5231 - Education Across AFNR (Agriculture, Food & Natural Resource) Contexts
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Philosophy, organization, and administration of instruction in agricultural education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
AECM 5233 - Advanced Learning & Curriculum for Agricultural Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
New developments in methodology; assessment of innovations and procedures; consideration of various levels of instruction.
AECM 5252 - Principles of Communication, Public Outreach, & Social Change for Ag, Environmental, & Life Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course provides an overview of the essential communication theories, strategies, and practical tactics necessary for communicating information related to agricultural, environmental, and life sciences to different audiences. Course curriculum is designed to improve your ability to engage in public communication and outreach efforts. We will discuss both the science of science communication, as well as apply high-level concepts to the practice of science communication. Course content will include case studies, current research, and programs to better understand connections between science communication, information acquisition, and behavior change. We will focus on understanding audiences and their information needs, designing effective communication strategies that build dialogue, and strengthening science communication skills.
AECM 5454 - Foundations of Evaluation in Comm, Public Outreach & Education in Ag, Environmental & Life Sciences
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will explore the fundamentals of communication, public outreach, and education evaluation relevant to agricultural, environmental, and life sciences. Students will learn a variety of concepts, methods, and analysis techniques that will provide them with a foundational knowledge to be able to conduct, interpret, evaluate, and present communication and education research within the context of agricultural, environmental, and life sciences.
OLPD 5819 - Evaluating and Using Research in Organizations and Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Role of educational research in professional practice. Problems of practice for research. Alternative modes of research. Synthesis/application of results of research. prereq: Grad student
EPSY 5216 - Introduction to Research in Educational Psychology and Human Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designing/conducting a research study. Reviewing literature, formulating research problem, using different approaches to gather data, managing/analyzing data, reporting results. prereq: 5261 or intro statistics course
EPSY 5261 - Introductory Statistical Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 3264/5231/5261/5263
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
EPSY 5261 is designed to engage students in statistics as a principled approach to data collection, prediction, and scientific inference. Students first learn about data collection (e.g., random sampling, random assignment) and examine data descriptively using graphs and numerical summaries. Students build conceptual understanding of statistical inference through the use of simulation-based methods (bootstrapping and randomization) before going on to learn parametric methods, such as t-tests (one-sample and two-sample means), z-tests (one-sample and two-sample proportions), chi-square tests, and regression. This course uses pedagogical methods grounded in research, such as small group activities and discussion. Attention undergraduates: As this is a graduate level course, it does not fulfill the Mathematical Thinking Liberal Education requirement. If you would like to take a statistics course in our department that fulfills that requirement, please consider EPSY 3264.
EPSY 5247 - Qualitative Methods in Educational Psychology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to qualitative methods of inquiry. Contrasting different research traditions (e.g., case study, phenomenology, ethnography, social interactionism, critical theory). Practice with field notes, observations, and interviewing. Use of NVIVO to track/code data. prereq: Graduate student or Applied Psychology in Educational and Community Settings Minor
CI 8572 - Learning Theory and Classical Research in STEM Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Odd, Spring Even Year
STEM education research. Theorists/classical research. Mathematics, science, engineering education. prereq: Grad math educ major
CI 8573 - Nature of Inquiry in STEM Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
STEM Education. Mathematics, science, engineering. Teaching/ learning/teacher education through evaluation of national teaching standards, current research, current cognitive theories of learning. prereq: MA or PhD student or instr consent
EPSY 5221 - Principles of Educational and Psychological Measurement
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Concepts, principles, and methods in educational/psychological measurement. Reliability, validity, item analysis, scores, score reports (e.g., grades). Modern measurement theories, including item response theory and generalizability theory. Emphasizes construction, interpretation, use, and evaluation of assessments regarding achievement, aptitude, interests, attitudes, personality, and exceptionality.
EPSY 5243 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5501/EPsy 5243
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introductory course in program evaluation; planning an evaluation study, collecting and analyzing information, reporting results; overview of the field of program evaluation.
OLPD 5201 - Strategies for Teaching Adults
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Psychological theories of adult learning; learning styles and personality types; teaching styles; group and team learning; moderating and study circles; teaching technologies and distance learning; gender, race, and cultural communication. Applications of strategies. prereq: Grad student only
OLPD 5202 - Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Emphasis on major adult development theorists, theories, and current applications. Transformative learning, self-directed learning, experiential learning, and cooperative learning provide theoretical framework for exploring physiological, psychological, sociological, and cultural aspects of adult development through the life span.
OLPD 5204 - Designing the Adult Education Program
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Designing and implementing educational programs for adults. Application of concepts, theories, and models in different adult learning situations.
OLPD 5374 - Leadership for Professional Development
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designing, implementing, evaluating staff development in preK-12 settings. Research-based standards for effective staff development. Need for embedded time for collaborative learning, evaluating staff/student outcomes. prereq: Postbaccaleaureate, at least 3 yrs teaching experience
OLPD 5387 - Leadership for Teaching and Learning
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Multiple aspects of administrating teaching/learning. Administration of teaching/learning as system in inclusive schools. Questions administrator must ask as leader of learning for students/adults. Addresses competencies required under MN AR 3512 for administrative licensure. prereqs: OLPD 5385 Licensure Seminar: Program Policies and Inclusionary Leadership or concurrent registration and OLPD 5386 Leadership Portfolio or concurrent registration.
OLPD 5607 - Organization Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to major concepts, skills, and techniques for organization development/change. prereq: Grad student only
YOST 5952 - Everyday Lives of Youth
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Youth as idea/lived-reality in scholarship, public discourse, and professional practice. Building practice of work with or on behalf of youth.
YOST 5956 - Organizational Approaches to Youth Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, organizational practices, and public policies that shape nonformal educational experiences of youth in community-based or school-linked settings.
YOST 5958 - Community: Context for Youth Development Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Issues/policies in family, school, and community that drive the professional practice of community-based youth work. Practical projects explore what it means to be local, to build social capital for youth, and to involve youth in community change.
APEC 5451 - Food Marketing Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: ApEc 4451W/ApEc 5451
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Economics of food marketing in the United States. Food consumption trends. Consumer food behavior, expenditure, data collection. Consumer utility models, demand forecasting. Food distribution system. Changes in supply chain, industry structure that serves retail food outlets. Individual/group projects.
BIOL 5701 - Science Communication: A Primer for Scientists
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Are you interested in honing your skills as a communicator? This class will help you improve your skills and gain confidence through practice and feedback. At the end of the course, you will have two finished pieces that you can use for fellowship applications or to publish. Topics covered include, translating technical concepts and avoiding jargon, understanding your audience and employing storytelling to engage them, identifying what makes science newsworthy, exploring concepts in inclusive science communication, and writing science stories and a three-minute thesis talk. The skills and practice from this course will help you in your future writing, presentations, and networking whether you want a career in academia, industry, nonpro?t, government, or beyond. In addition to gaining a solid foundation in science communication, you will hear from guest speakers and experts about careers translating science.
COMM 5441 - Communication in Human Organizations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Communication in organizational settings. Organizational structure and dynamics and their effect upon the communication process. Individual projects.
COMM 5451W - Intercultural Communication Processes (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Theory and research on cultural differences in values, norms, behaviors, and perceptions that affect communication across cultures internationally and domestically.
GDES 8361 - Color, Design, and Human Perception
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Perceptual and psychological aspects of color and design. Human factors of color variables and design strategies that can enhance human experience of, and interaction with, color. prereq: Basic color theory course or instr consent
JOUR 5501 - Communication, Public Opinion, and Social Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Sharpen your understanding of public opinion and its role in political and civic life: What does it mean? Where does it come from? How is it measured? What impact does it have? How are the public's preferences shaped by the larger communications environment and the strategic messages of politicians, interest groups, and other actors in society? What are polls really measuring, and why do they seem so unreliable sometimes? How are social media technologies giving voice to new segments and dimensions of public opinion? But how are they vulnerable to manipulation from bots and other efforts designed to alter perceptions of collective opinions? Examine the theories of communication, psychology, political science, and sociology that underlie these dynamic questions. We?ll consider cutting edge approaches used by market researchers, political analysts, and data scientists to harness new forms of data about what the public thinks. We investigate theories that explain how people form their opinions, deliberate with others, change their minds, and reveal their preferences, and we apply these frameworks to understand contemporary public opinion issues and campaigns.
JOUR 5252 - Issue Management Communication and Brand Advocacy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advocacy and issue management communication provides organizations with a tool for promoting change, forming attitudes, and furthering dialogue about substantive issues. This course examines how advocacy and issue management communication creates dialogue that represents the goals of the organization and society, and the persuasive and media tactics used in advocacy and issue management communication. Typical class sessions will include a lecture and case discussion. Prerequisite: Strategic Communication MA student or instructor permission.
JOUR 5253 - Content Strategy and Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
In today?s disruptive world of digital and social communications, brands/organizations have found it necessary to become content publishers. This course will expose students to evolving, highly dynamic best practices in content strategy and brand journalism. The course will consider how editorial strategies, emerging technologies and digital delivery platforms can lead to more effective content creation, distribution, audience engagement and measurement. Students will learn the various stages of content development, from organizing the brand?s storyline and mapping it to the customer?s brand journey, to the processes of planning, implementing and auditing an organization?s content strategy. The course includes weekly readings and case studies for each topic; guest lecturers who are experts in their area of content strategy; as well as a semester-long class project that aligns with each stage of the content development process. prereq: Strategic Communication MA student or instructor permission
JOUR 8202 - Brand Thinking: Building Brands People Can Believe In
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Effective brand building can provide organizations of all kinds with the competitive advantage needed for success. From helping drive stakeholder engagement to building overall brand value, brand thinking plays a central role in the way today's most dynamic organizations build brands people can believe in. prereq: Strat Comm MA grad major
JOUR 8208 - Digital Strategy, Planning and Analytics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Summer
This is a class that will feel more like a workshop; purpose-built to provide a hands-on learning experience while developing a digital presence for a real-world brand. Starting with the why (business problem or opportunity), students will collaborate on a strategy that informs the what throughout the remainder of the class, including the creation of a website, content and ads - as well as becoming Google Analytics certified. At the end of the semester, each student will play a key role in presenting the digital strategy and work that came from it directly to the client, along with an articulation of the impact it made on the client?s business.
MSMK 6205 - Business Fundamentals for Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course focuses on fundamental business topics and knowledge central for marketers. These include understanding the fundamentals of finance, accounting, management, and operations. After taking this course students will understand business financials and the role of marketing with a larger business organization.
MSMK 6211 - Marketing Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Management of the marketing function; understanding the basic foundational marketing concepts and skills in strategy development and planning of operational and strategic levels pertaining to product offering decisions, distribution channels, pricing and communication.
MSMK 6088 - Strategic Marketing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Determining product-markets where organization should compete. Sustainable competitive advantage. Matching marketing strategy with environment. Coordinating marketing, other business functions. Organizing marketing function/management. [with Simulation]
WRIT 8550 - Seminar in Technology, Culture, and Communication
Credits: 3.0 [max 12.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics may include computer-mediated communication, democracy/technology, controversies over digital communication, privacy/ethical issues, feminist theory and interactions of gender with science and technology, communication in legal or medical settings. Topics vary. See the Class Schedule.
WRIT 5671 - Visual Rhetoric
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course investigates current understandings of how visuals participate in and extend the rhetorical strategies long associated with speech and writing. Students explore developments in the discipline of visual rhetoric by engaging with an emerging canon of texts that survey the work of rhetoricians, graphic designers, graphic novelists, commercial artists, fine artists, and technical communicators. Emphasis is placed on the use of visuals in science and technology; identifying shared principles of persuasion through visual information; developing the vocabulary to comment on, critique, and create visuals; and assessing whether visuals meet the needs of intended audiences.
WRIT 5664 - Science, Medical, and Health Writing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the theories and practices of rhetoric and writing in science, medicine, and health (SMH). Students learn about genres of SMH communication including regulatory documents from the FDA, podcasts created by scientists for the public, patient blogs, and published research articles. The course also engages topics including accessibility, writing in regulated environments, writing for complex audiences, and engaging biomedical and scientific research in writing. Students are challenged to consider how language, science, biomedicine, and health intersect and how different stakeholders such as patients, healthcare providers, scientists, government officials, and insurance companies engage in SMH communication.
WRIT 5662 - Writing With Digital Technologies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4662W/Writ 5662
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores current and emerging digital writing technologies and teaches students to assess writing situations and make appropriate decisions about digital form, production, and scholarship. Students learn the basic building blocks of writing in Internet environments (text, sound, images, video, interactivity); the vocabularies, functionalities, and organizing structures of Web 2.0 environments and how each impacts understanding and use of information; and how to produce Web 2.0 environments (i.e., multimedia internet documents) that facilitate interactivity and use. This course includes design projects and practice with apps, markup language (html and xml), and content management systems.
WRIT 5561 - Editing and Style for Technical Communicators
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Summer
In this course, students learn strategies for editing and revising writing for technical and non-technical audiences. Students practice three levels of editing skills: proofreading, copyediting, and comprehensive editing. Strategies include advanced grammar and style, editing tools, quantitative data, global documents, and various style guides. Students also examine an editor?s role with authors, in organizations, in global contexts, and in ethical situations. Editing projects focus on the three levels of editing, using proficient methods, collaborating between authors and editors, identifying audience and contexts, editing documents according to style guides, and using rhetorical principles to analyze and edit final documents.
ANSC 5015 - Animal Welfare Science and Ethics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AnSc 2015/AnSc5015
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This multidisciplinary course helps students develop an intellectual framework for understanding and interpreting issues involving animal welfare and ethics of animal use in agriculture, science and society.
ENT 5211 - Insect Pest Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Ent 3211/Ent 5211
Typically offered: Every Spring
Insect Pest Management is designed for graduate students in any major or minor. The course will emphasize principles of insect pest management and draw from examples related to agricultural, horticultural and landscape, and urban systems. Conventional (nonorganic) and organic approaches, the use of social media and modern technology, and economic, environmental, and social consequences of diverse tactics (chemical, cultural, biological, genetic, etc.) will be covered by the instructor and, on occasion, by guest lecturers. Student debates on pesticide-pollinator and genetic engineering issues will provide real-world context and insights on complexities of insect pest prevention and management.
FNRM 5104 - Forest Ecology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: FNRM 3104/FNRM 5104
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Form and function of forests as ecological systems. Characteristics and dynamics of species, populations, communities, landscapes, and ecosystem processes. Examples applying ecology to forest management. Weekly discussions on research topics, exercises, and current issues in forest resource management. Required weekend field trip. Introductory biology course recommended.
HORT 5033 - Growing Fruit & Vegetables for Local and Organic Markets
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Hort 5031, Hort 5032
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will focus on production of fruits and vegetables for local and organic markets in the Upper Midwest. Most fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota operate diversified production systems for local and organic markets (fresh market - not processing), and so we explore production within this specific framework. Examples from large-scale systems will also be highlighted in order to compare and contrast different production features and challenges. We will explore the specialty crop industry, trends, consumer behavior, and marketing, including organic regulations and certification programs. We will explore fruit and vegetable production within the framework of sustainable agriculture, which encompasses agricultural productivity, economic viability, environmental conservation, and social equity, and how this relates to the regulatory framework supporting organic certification. The format of this class is 70% discussion, 30% lecture. Prerequisites: SOIL 2125 and [HORT 1001 or AGRO 1101 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1001 or another applicable biological science equivalent]
PLPA 5003 - Diseases of Forest and Shade Trees
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course provides an overview of tree diseases in urban and forested areas. It covers diseases that have had a significant impact on society such as Dutch Elm disease; oak wilt, chestnut blight, white pine blister rust, sudden oak death and many others. It also provides an overview of important cankers, leaf diseases, wilts, rusts, root rots and other tree problems. Laboratory sessions enable students to get hands-on experience identifying disease agents, examining symptoms and learning appropriate control procedures. Emphasis will also be placed on ecological processes, biological and cultural control, and host-parasite interactions. This course should be of value to anyone interested in biological sciences, natural resources or ecology. It is a must or individuals that will have a career in natural resources but should also be useful to those interested in maintaining healthy trees at home, in urban areas or woodlands. Alumni of the University working with trees or woody ornamentals indicate this is one of the most important courses you can take as a student.
SOIL 5125 - Soil Science for Teachers and Professionals
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Soil 2125/Soil 5125
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil genesis classification, principles of soil fertility. Use of soil survey information to make a land-use plan. WWW used for lab preparation information.
WRS 5101 - Water Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PA 5723/WRS 5101
Typically offered: Every Spring
Socio-cultural, legal, and economic forces that affect water resource use. Water quality, Clean Water Act contrasted with international laws, roles of State and Local agencies. Water supply, drought, flooding, drainage, irrigation, storage. Sulfide mining, Line 3, hypoxia, wildfire, climate, snowpack, extreme events, China south-to-north transfer, CEC?s, AIS, Aral Sea, CAFOs, and more.
AECM 5995 - Integrating Paper/Project in Agricultural Education and Communication
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 10.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students prepare paper dealing with issues in agricultural education applied to professional responsibilities. AFEE 5995 can be taken for 1-5 credits, and students can enroll for two semesters for a combined max total of 5 credits.