Majors at the University of Connecticut

Agricultural Education

Students that undergo a curriculum in agricultural education are preparing themselves to teach in public schools or regional vocational agriculture centers. Those students who specialize in animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, or natural resources conservation add teaching, managerial, and human relations to their backgrounds by completing the Agricultural Education program at the University of Connecticut. The university offers an integrated program that results in students obtaining both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. This five year program requires students to complete both professional education requirements and a subject area major in agriculture or natural resources.

Academic Department

• NEAG School of Education

Nature of Work

Becoming an agricultural education major gives one the opportunity to work with people while still working within the agricultural field. The main focus of an agricultural teacher is to teach students about the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. Agricultural teachers often work in hands-on learning environments and will teach both inside and outside. An agricultural teacher must teach technical, leadership, and management skills to middle and high school students going into agricultural careers or going on to further their education in agriculture. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) plays an important role in agricultural education by providing life skills that students need for a successful career in Agriculture. Most Agriculture teachers incorporate the learning-by-doing method in their approach to teaching. This allows the students to experience work that is directly related to the kinds of careers that they would like to pursue.

Sample Job Titles

Potential Employers

Public schools are the most likely employer of agricultural education majors. Agricultural teachers are needed for middle schools, secondary schools, and for adult education. Vocational or technical schools are another potential employer for students graduating with a degree in this major.

Useful Skills

Communication and organizational skills are important in any teaching job, as is being able to work with people from diverse backgrounds. One must be able to work well with various technologies relating to agriculture and be able to teach various agricultural techniques.

Getting Experience

There are several ways to get experience within the field of agricultural education. The Neag School of Education provides ample experiential opportunities through their system of clinic placements, student teaching and internships. However, for those interested in learning more about the field, one may partake in a job shadowing program that allows the student to follow a music education professional for a day (Visit the Department of Career Services for more information).

Employment Opportunities

Aside from being hired by a school, an agricultural education major may also be hired by a farm or another business within the agricultural field. One can work in the business aspect of agriculture such as marketing or sales, or within the technical aspect of the field such as research.

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