This degree will allow you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to create curriculum, training materials, advocacy campaigns, and communicate content in a variety of settings.
Our program provides students with a practical international experience, multicultural training, and is considered a national leader in multiculturalism and multicultural education. The Agricultural Education courseload will help you become an agriculture advocate equipped with more than 200 hours of educating experience and a license in agricultural education.
Many of our students obtain a minor in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment because our program requires over 60 hours of coursework in various agricultural subject areas including animal science, plant science, economics and agriculture mechanics.
From Classrooms to Boardrooms...
There are three focus areas within this major:
Agricultural Industrial Education
focuses on the training industry within corporate agriculture companies
Agricultural Service and Advocacy Education
focuses on building public support and/or global service toward an agricultural need
Agricultural Teacher Education (ATE)
focuses on 5th to 12th grade teacher certification in agricultural science education
More than just a degree...
Agricultural Education graduates don’t just receive a degree. On top of gaining real educating experience in a classroom setting, learning how to adapt to formal and non-formal educational settings, and achieving proficiency in a variety of teaching methods, graduates attain their Rank III teaching certification in Agricultural Education.
Come See for Yourself
To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases.
"I’ve been able to find my dream career thanks to the Agricultural Education program. I had the opportunity to learn ‘people’ skills at the same time I was enrolled in turf management courses, and now I’m representing Dow AgriSciences at golf tournaments and trade shows. How can an avid amateur golfer do better than that?"
Agricultural Education and Advocacy120 - 127 hours
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
«
»
Total Freshman Year Credit Hours
: 30 - 31
Fall Semester
15 - 16 Credit Hours
AEA 110
3
AEA 110 - Introduction to Agricultural Education and Advocacy
AEA 110
3 credit hours
The history, status, philosophy, and objectives of agricultural education and advocacy.
ASC 101
3
ASC 101 - DOMESTIC ANIMAL BIOLOGY
ASC 101
3 credit hours
Introduction to the biological principles of animal sciences with emphasis on anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, and breeding and genetics of livestock, poultry, and horses.
Prereq: Fall semesters - Animal sciences majors. Spring semesters - Animal sciences majors and minors, Agricultural Education and Advocacy majors, Equine Science and Management majors, or consent of instructor.
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
3
AFE 100
3
AFE 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT
AFE 100
UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen
3 credit hours
How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.
Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.
UK Core - Quantitative Foundations
3 - 4
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
ASC 102 or ECO 201
3
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason
3
UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3
Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours
: 32
Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
AEA 362
3
AEA 362 - Field Experience in Agricultural Education and Advocacy
AEA 362
3 credit hours
Early field experience in agricultural education and advocacy.
EDP 203
3
EDP 203 - TEACHING EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS IN REGULAR CLASSROOMS
EDP 203
3 credit hours
An introduction to the characteristics and instructional needs of exceptional learners is presented with an overview of principles, procedures, methods, and materials for adapting educational programs to accommodate the integration of exceptional children in regular classrooms, when appropriate. A field experience in a school or other educational agency is a required and basic part of the course. Lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, two hours per week for a maximum of six weeks.
Prereq: Successful completion of EDP 202 with an earned grade of C or higher.
ECO 201 or ASC 382
3
UK Core - Social Sciences
3
UK Core - Humanities
3
Spring Semester
17 Credit Hours
AEC 302
4
AEC 302 - AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
AEC 302
4 credit hours
A comprehensive study of economic principles and management tools useful in farm and agribusiness decision making. Utilizes a systems approach to the planning, implementation and control of the agricultural business. Specific attention to application of management and decision theory, economic principles used in decision making, and risk management strategies. Emphasis on planning the future course of the business, acquiring and managing the necessary resources, and establishing physical and financial control over the business. Lab incorporates microeconomic applications of management principles developed in lectures. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, two hours per week.
Prereq: "C" or better in ECO 201.
AEA 371
3
AEA 371 - Advising a Non-Profit Youth Organization
AEA 371
3 credit hours
This course is designed to assist students in developing skills and competencies needed to plan, implement, advise, and evaluate a non- profit youth organization as part of the total Agricultural Education and Advocacy program.
AEN 252
3
AEN 252 - FABRICATION AND CONSTRUCTION FOR TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
AEN 252
3 credit hours
Wood and metal work, including reading engineering drawings, welding, power woodworking tools, soldering and pipe work. Lecture, 1 hour; Laboratory, 4 hours.
Family Development Course
3
PLS 366
4
PLS 366 - FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL SCIENCE
PLS 366
4 credit hours
Study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and how these properties relate to plant nutrient availability and plant growth, land- use planning and management issues, and soil and water quality issues. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.
Prereq: CHE 105.
Total Junior Year Credit Hours
: 26 - 31
Fall Semester
15 - 16 Credit Hours
AEA 580
3
AEA 580 - Foundations of Teaching Agricultural Education and Advocacy
AEA 580
3 credit hours
Course focuses on the foundation of teacher development including: effective teacher characteristics, principles of teaching and learning, and preparation of lesson plans.
PLS 210 or PLS 386
3 - 4
AEN Class
3
ASC Class
3
UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math
3
Spring Semester
11 - 15 Credit Hours
AEA 583
3
AEA 583 - The Art and Science of Curriculum Design and Assessment
AEA 583
3 credit hours
Instructional methodology course focused on analyzing the principles of teaching and learning to design curriculum, instruction, and assessment for formal and non-formal educational settings. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
AEC Class
3
NRE or FOR Course
3
Agriculture Elective
1 - 3
Agriculture Elective
1 - 3
Total Senior Year Credit Hours
: 22 - 33
Fall Semester
10 - 21 Credit Hours
AEA 586
3
AEA 586 - Methods in Teaching and Advocating Agriculture
AEA 586
3 credit hours
Development of teaching competencies with emphasis on: discussion, demonstration, problem-solving, cooperative learning, service learning methods.
Prereq: Admission into the Teacher Education Program and AEA/FCS 580.
PLS Class
3
Agriculture Elective
1 - 3
Elective
1 - 4
Elective
1 - 4
Elective
1 - 4
Spring Semester
12 Credit Hours
AEA 592
12
AEA 592 - Teaching Experience in Agricultural Education
AEA 592
12 credit hours
Planned and supervised practicum in teaching, extension, governmental agencies, etc. Requires the integration of observation skills, development and use of objectives, using instructional strategies, developing effective interpersonal skills, using appropriate communication skills, developing a portfolio, selecting instructional materials, and evaluating instruction. Regularly scheduled seminars included as integral part of course.
Prereq or Coreq: AEA/FCS 586 or consent of instructor.
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and
personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.
Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Pre-Med? Pre-Vet? Pre-Law?
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Listing required courses for respective professional schools
Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements
Suggesting supplemental coursework
Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students are involved in:
National Association of Agricultural Educators
provide agricultural education for the global community through leadership advocacy and service
Agricultural Education Society
for students who are passionate about sharing the story of agriculture and serving affiliated youth organizations
Collegiate Farm Bureau
develop leadership abilities while learning about agricultural issues, philosophy and public policy.
