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Agricultural Education and Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2011-12 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Undergraduate Study

For undergraduate curricula in agriculture and life sciences education, and agricultural studies, leading to the degree of bachelor of science, see College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Curricula.

The department offers two curricula for students desiring to enter careers in agriculture and related fields. These curricula are agriculture and life sciences education, and agricultural studies. The agricultural and life sciences education curriculum prepares persons for careers as agricultural education instructors, and educational specialists for industry, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies. The agriculture and life sciences education curriculum has two options, teacher certification and communications. The agricultural studies curriculum prepares persons for careers in production agriculture and agricultural industry. Graduates of both curricula accept positions in agricultural business, industry, agencies, and production agriculture.

Graduates will have a broad base of agricultural knowledge, and will be skilled in decision making, planning, organizing, presenting, and evaluating information. Through the successful completion of the required coursework, active participation in clubs and organizations, and the acquisition of technical skills and experiences associated with work experiences, internships, and international travel, graduates of our baccalaureate programs meet the university, college, and departmental outcomes in the following nine areas:

  1. professional, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communications
  2. Problem solving and critical thinking
  3. leadership
  4. entrepreneurship
  5. life-long learning
  6. ethics
  7. environmental awareness
  8. U.S. diversity
  9. international perspectives.

More information regarding the departmental learning outcomes can be found at www.ageds.iastate.edu/assessment/agedsindex.htm.

The department offers a minor in agriculture and life sciences education which may be earned by completion of a minimum of 15 credits in agricultural education and studies courses, with a minimum of two courses at the 400 level. Courses that can be taken for a minor are:

AGEDS 211Early Field Based Experience1
AGEDS 310Foundations of Agricultural Education Programs3
AGEDS 311Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences3
AGEDS 315Personal, Professional, and Entreprenurial Leadership in Agriculture3
AGEDS 412Internship in Agricultural Education and Studies2-6
AGEDS 414Developing Agricultural Education Programs in Non-Formal Settings2
AGEDS 450Farm Management and Operation3
AGEDS 490Independent Study in Agricultural Education and Studies1-3
AGEDS 496Agricultural Travel Course1-3
AGEDS 499Undergraduate Researcharr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Visit the departmental website at www.AgEds.iastate.edu/.

Graduate Study

The department offers the degrees of master of science, and doctor of philosophy, with a major in agricultural education; master of agriculture, with a major in professional agriculture; a specialization in agricultural extension education; opportunities for emphasis in international agricultural education; and a minor for students majoring in other curricula. Graduate students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural discipline may plan a course of study that leads to teacher certification. Candidates pursuing the master of science degree may do so by completing either a thesis or nonthesis program of study. The master of agriculture, professional agriculture degree is nonthesis only; this interdepartmental graduate program in professional agriculture is designed for off-campus students; see Off-Campus Credit Courses and Programs.

Students have an opportunity to develop competence in disciplinary foundations and ethics, program planning, learning theory, instructional methods, program leadership and administration, program evaluation, research methodologies, data analysis and interpretation, writing for publication, and grant proposal writing.

The department also cooperates in the international development studies option of the General Graduate Studies Program. Courses and workshops are offered, both on and off campus, for extension educators, teachers, and industry and government personnel.

Curriculum in Agricultural and Life Sciences Education

Administered by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies. Students majoring in Agricultural Education choose between two options: Teacher Certification or Communications.

Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA. Teacher certification requires 2.5 GPA at particular points in the program of study, and C- in selected courses.

International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications Proficiency:

6 cr. of English composition with a C or better and 3 cr. of speech fundamentals with a C or better.

Interpersonal and Public Communication 9.5 cr.:
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
AGEDS 311Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences3
LIB 160Library Instruction0.5
Total Credits9.5
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.
PSYCH 230Developmental Psychology3
3 credits from approved American history list3
Ethics: 3 cr.

From approved list.

Math, Physical and Life Sciences: 19 cr.
CHEM 163College Chemistry4
or CHEM 177 General Chemistry I
CHEM 163LLaboratory in College Chemistry1
or CHEM 177L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
MATH 104Introduction to Probability and Matrices3
or MATH 150 Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 211LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 212Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 212LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
STAT 104Introduction to Statistics3
Total Credits19

Agricultural Sciences and Economics: 31 cr.

All courses minimum grade C- is required.

ACCT 284Financial Accounting3
AGEDS 315Personal, Professional, and Entreprenurial Leadership in Agriculture3
AGEDS 488Methods of Teaching Agricultural Mechanics3
AGRON 114Principles of Agronomy3
AGRON 154Fundamentals of Soil Science3
AN S 101Working with Animals2
AN S 114Survey of the Animal Industry2
ECON 101Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON 230Farm Business Management3
HORT 221Principles of Horticulture3
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3
Total Credits31
Electives:

No more than 4 cr. of ECON 297 Internship, ( and/or 397) may count toward graduation.


Options

Teacher Certification option: 40.5 cr.

All courses minimum grade C is required.

AGEDS 110AAgriculture and Life Sciences Education (Fall only)0.5
AGEDS 211AHigh School Agriculture Programs1
AGEDS 310Foundations of Agricultural Education Programs3
AGEDS 401Planning Agriculture and Life Sciences Education Programs3
AGEDS 402Methods of Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences3
AGEDS 416Pre-Student Teaching Experience in Agricultural Education1
AGEDS 417Supervised Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences1-16
C I 202Digital Learning in the 7-12 Classroom3
C I 204Social Foundations of American Education3
C I 333Educational Psychology3
C I 406Multicultural Foundations of School and Society: Introduction3
SP ED 401Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education3
Total Credits27.5-42.5

Communications option: 128 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA. 

International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications Proficiency:

6 cr. of English composition with a C or better and 3 cr. of speech fundamentals with a C or better.

Interpersonal and Public Communication 9.5 cr.:
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
AGEDS 311Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences3
LIB 160Library Instruction0.5
Total Credits9.5
Humanities and Social Sciences: 9 cr.
ECON 101Principles of Microeconomics3
or ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
Psychology elective3
Approved humanities elective3

Ethics: 3 cr.

From approved list.

Math, Physical and Life Sciences: 23-24 cr.
CHEM 163College Chemistry4
or CHEM 177 General Chemistry I
CHEM 163LLaboratory in College Chemistry1
or CHEM 177L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
MATH 104Introduction to Probability and Matrices3
or MATH 150 Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 212Principles of Biology II3
STAT 101Principles of Statistics4
or STAT 104 Introduction to Statistics
Life science elective3
BBMB 221Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes3
or PHYS 106 The Physics of Common Experience

Agricultural Sciences and Economics: 32 cr.

10 credits in a selected area of agricultural sciences and economics including 6 credits at the 300-400 level; 6 credits each in two additional areas of agricultural sciences and economics; 10 credits agricultural sciences and economics electives.

Professional Communications: 32.5 cr.
AGEDS 110AAgriculture and Life Sciences Education (Fall only)0.5
AGEDS 211Early Field Based Experience1
AGEDS 215Career Seminar1
AGEDS 315Personal, Professional, and Entreprenurial Leadership in Agriculture3
AGEDS 412Internship in Agricultural Education and Studies2-6
21 credits from approved electives21
Electives: 12-13 cr. 

Curriculum in Agricultural Studies

Administered by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies. Students are encouraged to develop one or more areas of concentration in agricultural sciences and economics.

Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.

International Perspective:

3 cr. from approved list.

U.S. Diversity:

3 cr. from approved list.

Communications Proficiency:

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6 cr. of English composition with a C or better and 3 cr. of speech fundamentals with a C or better.

Communication/Library 12.5 cr.:
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
AGEDS 311Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences3
AGEDS 327Advanced Communications for Agriculture and Life Sciences3
LIB 160Library Instruction0.5
Total Credits12.5
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.
ECON 101Principles of Microeconomics3
Plus 3 credit hours from approved humanities list3
Total Credits6
Ethics: 3 cr.

3 cr. from approved list.

Math Physical and Life Sciences: 19 crs.
BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 211LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 212Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 212LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
CHEM 163College Chemistry4
or CHEM 177 General Chemistry I
CHEM 163LLaboratory in College Chemistry1
or CHEM 177L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
MATH 104Introduction to Probability and Matrices3
or MATH 150 Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
STAT 104Introduction to Statistics3
Total Credits19
Agricultural Sciences and Economics: 43.5 cr.
AGEDS 110BAgricultural Studies (Fall only)0.5
AGEDS 215Career Seminar1
AGEDS 315Personal, Professional, and Entreprenurial Leadership in Agriculture3
AGEDS 450Farm Management and Operation3
AGEDS 451Agricultural Law4
AGRON 114Principles of Agronomy3
AGRON 154Fundamentals of Soil Science3
AGRON 212Crop Growth, Productivity and Management3
AN S 101Working with Animals2
AN S 114Survey of the Animal Industry2
ECON 230Farm Business Management3
ECON 235Introduction to Agricultural Markets3
ECON 334Entrepreneurship in Agriculture3
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3
NREM 130Natural Resources and Agriculture3
And 6 credit hours from AN S, any level. 6
Total Credits45.5
Other Required Course:

ACCT 284 Financial Accounting

Electives:

No more than 4 cr. of ECON 297 Internship or 397 may count toward graduation.

Preveterinary Studies

reparation for admission to veterinary medicine may be accomplished through the agricultural studies curriculum.

Courses primarily for undergraduate students

 

AGEDS 110. Orientation.

(1-0) Cr. 0.5. F.S.
Orientation to the department. Careers in agriculture.

A. Agriculture and Life Sciences Education (Fall only)
B. Agricultural Studies (Fall only)
C. Agricultural and Life Sciences exploration (Spring only)

AGEDS 111. Dean s Leadership Seminar.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Permission of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Introduction to leadership in agriculture and the life sciences, problem solving applied to current case studies, global perspective required by leaders, and designing programs to respond to societal needs in the agricultural and life sciences.

AGEDS 112. Agriculture Biotechnology Colloquium.

(1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: Enrollment as an agricultural excellence scholar
The scientific basis of biological and social sciences in agriculture.

AGEDS 113. Access to Success Seminar I.

(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Course provides career skills, learning strategies and social and academic integration techniques to student members of Step Forward Learning Community. Utilization of campus resources, encouragement of self-exploration, and development of academic skills. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

AGEDS 211. Early Field Based Experience.

(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 110
Forty hours on-site in an agricultural setting. Students will have an opportunity outside the classroom for career guidance, role modeling, and reflection on their observations that they can apply to their courses and other educational experiences.

A. High School Agriculture Programs
C. Agricultural Industries and Agencies

AGEDS 215. Career Seminar.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Sophomore classification
Overview of career opportunities. Evaluation of interests and accomplishments and setting career goals. Development of job search and interviewing skills. Establishing networks of job contacts.

AGEDS 310. Foundations of Agricultural Education Programs.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Historical development of agricultural education programs. Philosophic premises, program goals and objectives. Educational and social issues impacting the implementation of agricultural education programs.

AGEDS 311. Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Utilizing instructional methods, techniques, and problem solving, presentation and sales strategies with agricultural audiences.

AGEDS 312. Science With Practice.

(1-3) Cr. 2. Repeatable. F.S. Prereq: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences majors only
A planned learning experience wherein each student and faculty mentor develops a learning agreement that encompasses specific activities and expectations. Students are engaged in reflective activities that include journals, micro-reflections, formal presentations, and a comprehensive portfolio.

AGEDS 315. Personal, Professional, and Entreprenurial Leadership in Agriculture.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Leadership principles and strategies to influence and motivate team members to achieve personal, professional, and entrepreneurial goals in production agriculture, agricultural education, and agricultural organizations.

AGEDS 327. Advanced Communications for Agriculture and Life Sciences.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: English 250 or equivalent.
Development of written, oral, visual and electronic communications relevant to agriculture and life sciences. Students develop skills and perspectives consistent ethical and democratic principles applicable to agriculture, natural resource, and life science issues. Provide explanations of scientific and technical concepts to rural, industry, and urban audiences. Field trips.

AGEDS 398. Cooperative Education.

Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; junior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

AGEDS 401. Planning Agriculture and Life Sciences Education Programs.

(Dual-listed with 501). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 310
Responsibilities of an agricultural education teacher, curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities including FFA and SAE, and assessment and maintenance of program quality.

AGEDS 402. Methods of Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

(Dual-listed with 502). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in 401
Topics include: principles of teaching and learning, individualized and group methods, application of learning, instructional management, special populations, and evaluation.

AGEDS 412. Internship in Agricultural Education and Studies.

Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 211, junior classification in AgEds and permission of instructor
A supervised two to twelve week learning experience in an approved learning setting with application to educational, agricultural and/or environmental practices and principles. Nonmajor graduate credit.

AGEDS 414. Developing Agricultural Education Programs in Non-Formal Settings.

(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 211 and permission of instructor
Basic concepts in planning, conducting, and evaluating educational programs in non-formal settings. Includes programming for youth and adults in Extension, agricultural industry, and related agencies. Nonmajor graduate credit.

AGEDS 416. Pre-Student Teaching Experience in Agricultural Education.

Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: 211, 402 and admission to teacher education program
A forty hour field-based experience in an approved secondary agricultural education program. Concurrent enrollment in 417 is required.

AGEDS 417. Supervised Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Cr. 1-16. Repeatable. F.S. Prereq: 211, 402 and admission to teacher education program
Supervised teaching in public schools.

AGEDS 450. Farm Management and Operation.

(1-6) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: ECON 235, Econ 330, junior classification
Participation in the management and operation of a diversified Iowa farm. The class is responsible for the plans, records, and decisions for buying and selling the farm's livestock, crops, and equipment. Special speakers on current topics. May be taken for credit 3 times at different times of the year with permission of the instructor. Nonmajor graduate credit.

AGEDS 451. Agricultural Law.

(3-2) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: Senior classification
The legal framework impinging upon decision-making by firms, families, and individuals, real and personal property, contracts, secured transactions, negotiable instruments, debtor-creditor relations, bankruptcy, farm income tax organization of firms, intergenerational property transfers, trusts and farm estate planning, civil and criminal liabilities, environmental law, federal and state regulatory powers. Nonmajor graduate credit.

AGEDS 488. Methods of Teaching Agricultural Mechanics.

(2-3) Cr. 3. F.S.
Methods and management techniques in agricultural mechanics laboratories. Emphasis will be on safety, mechanical skills development and management of students, facilities, equipment, and materials. Nonmajor graduate credit.

AGEDS 490. Independent Study in Agricultural Education and Studies.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior or senior classification, permission of instructor

A. Philosophy, Curriculum, and Methods
B. Leadership, Evaluation, and Administration
C. Business, Industry, and Production Agriculture
D. Extension and International Agriculture
E. Instructional Technology
F. Environmental Issues
G. Entrepreneurship
H. Honors
I. Communications

AGEDS 496. Agricultural Travel Course.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor
Limited enrollment. Extended field trips to study agriculture and education related topics. Location and duration of trips will vary. Pre-trip sessions arranged. Trip expenses paid by students. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A. International
B. Domestic

AGEDS 499. Undergraduate Research.

Cr. arr. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor, adviser, and departmental chair
Research experience in agricultural education and studies with application to selected problems.

 

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students

 

AGEDS 501. Planning Agriculture and Life Sciences Education Programs.

(Dual-listed with 401). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 310
Responsibilities of an agricultural education teacher, curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities including FFA and SAE, and assessment and maintenance of program quality.

AGEDS 502. Methods of Teaching in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

(Dual-listed with 402). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in 501
Topics include principles of teaching and learning, individualized and group methods, application of learning, instructional management, special populations, and evaluation.

AGEDS 510. Introduction to Research in Agricultural Education.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification
Determining your research focus; developing research problems and objectives; reviewing the literature and establishing a theoretical framework; establishing procedures for data collection and analysis; ethical issues.

AGEDS 514. Organizing Agricultural Information for Professional and Scientific Meetings.

(1-2) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Graduate classification in agriculture
Concepts and practices in planning, preparing, and presenting materials used in professional meetings and scientific papers by agriculturalists with special emphasis on computerized delivery methods.

AGEDS 520. Instructional Methods for Adult and Higher Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate classification
Theory and practice of adult education. Teaching and learning in formal and non-formal instructional programs for adult learners.

AGEDS 524. Program Development and Evaluation in Agricultural and Extension Education.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate classification
Theories and practice of program planning for nonformal education. Addresses use of program logic modeling and considers critical theories of planning to address power and interests in program development, needs assessment, and evaluation.

AGEDS 533. Introduction to Learning Theory in Agricultural Education.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification
Introduction to a variety of theoretical perspectives of learning and how they may be used within the context of agricultural education. Emphasis will be on the major domains of learning, developmental considerations, basic assumptions, concepts, and principles of various learning theories; understanding how each theoretical perspective may be used in both formal and non-formal educational settings.

AGEDS 550. Foundations of Agricultural Education.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate classification
Philosophical premises, ethical principles, historical development, contextual applications, and knowledge bases for agricultural education.

AGEDS 552. Data Analysis and Interpretation.

(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 510
Strategies for analyzing, interpreting, and reporting quantitative research data in the social and behavioral sciences.

AGEDS 561. Technology Transfer and the Role of Agricultural and Extension Education.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2012. Prereq: Graduate classification
The impact of agricultural and extension education processes on development and their role in the transfer of agricultural technology. Utilizing situational analysis techniques to analyze and solve problems in international agricultural education programs.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

AGEDS 590. Special Topics in Agricultural Education.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: 12 credits in agricultural education

A. Curriculum
B. Methods
C. Philosophy
D. Evaluation
E. Administration
F. Leadership
G. Guidance
I. Instructional Technology
J. Extension
K. International Agriculture

AGEDS 593. Workshop in Agricultural Education.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: 12 credits in agricultural education

A. Curriculum
B. Methods
C. Evaluation
D. Administration
E. Leadership
F. Extension
G. Program Planning
H. Instructional Technology
M. Biotechnology Workshop

AGEDS 599. Creative Component.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
For nonthesis masters degree programs.

 

Courses for graduate students

 

AGEDS 604. Evaluation in Agricultural and Extension Education.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2012. Prereq: Graduate classification
Criteria and procedures for designing and facilitating evaluations of programs in agricultural and extension education. Critique of evaluation theories. Match quantitative and qualitative methods and instruments to evaluation contexts. Evaluation reporting and utilization.

AGEDS 615. Seminar in Agricultural Education.

(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

A. Writing for publication
B. Ethics
C. Grant writing
D. Career planning
E. Contemporary issues

AGEDS 617. Professional Internship for Agricultural Educators.

Cr. 1-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor
Analysis of the roles and activities of professionals in agricultural education. Supervised professional field-based experience in public and private settings. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

AGEDS 625. Leadership, Administration, Supervision and Management of Agricultural Education Programs.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2012. Prereq: Graduate classification
Principles and best practices for leading, administering, supervising, and managing agricultural education programs. Analyzing selected case studies that apply theory to practice in agricultural situations.

AGEDS 699. Research.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.