UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Ag Ed smart board activity course

Majors & Minors

Agricultural Education Degree

Program Overview

The Agricultural Education major at UW-River Falls prepares graduates to teach agriculture, food and natural resource related classes in the K-12 public school setting. The program combines technical agriculture, professional education and agricultural education courses. The knowledge and skills developed through this major are also in demand by a wide range of agriculture related employers.

Highlights of the Agricultural Education Major

  • While the program is designed to meet the requirements for an agricultural education teaching license in Wisconsin, the curriculum is also closely aligned to the requirements for a Minnesota teaching license.

  • Students interested in extension education careers such as 4-H youth development will also find opportunities to work with area extension staff and volunteers.

  • Agricultural education majors spend time in area middle and high school classrooms observing teachers and building their teaching skills prior to a semester-long student teaching experience at the end of the program.

  • Agricultural education majors have many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom through two departmental student organizations: the Agricultural Education Society and Alpha Tau Alpha, which is an honorary society for agricultural education professionals.

  • Build a professional network and develop skills through service projects, judging FFA competitions, presenting workshops and competing in collegiate contests.

  • A master's program in agricultural education is also available that offers additional opportunities for its graduates.

Skills and Learning Outcomes

As a student in this program, you will learn to:

  • Develop educational programs based on state and national curriculum standards.
  • Advise youth organizations including 4-H and FFA.
  • Utilize instructional technology to support learning.
  • Work with learners with a range of backgrounds, abilities and interests.
  • Implement experiential, service and work-based learning programs.
  • Create assessment tools that support learner development and program improvement.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared for a career in the agricultural education field. Below is a list of potential job titles and employers that graduates have found employment or internship opportunities with.

Potential Job Titles

  • 4-H Youth Development Educator
  • Ag in the Classroom Coordinator
  • Ag Lender
  • Agribusiness Science and Technology Instructor
  • Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor
  • County Program Technician
  • Farmer Relations Coordinator
  • Livestock Production Specialist
  • Production Agronomist
  • Program Manager

Employers

  • Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives
  • Animal Feed Companies
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Cooperative Extension
  • Farm Bureau
  • Local Banks
  • Local Feed and Agronomy Cooperatives
  • National FFA Organization
  • Public and Private K-12 Schools
  • Seed Companies
  • USDA-FSA (Farm Service Agency)

Related Programs

Not what you were looking for?
Here are some related programs you may also want to consider:

Agricultural Studies

Marketing Communications

Master of Science in Agricultural Education

STEM Education Programs

STEMteach Graduate Program


There is a nationwide shortage of agricultural instructors. It is estimated that more than

400

additional graduates are needed every year to fill open positions in agricultural education (National Association of Agricultural Educators)