Master's Degree Program Requirements


We have two options for students wishing to pursue a master's degree in Agricultural Systems Technology. One is Education (FCSEE and Ag Ed) and the other is Extension. There is a set of core classes required of all students no matter what their option is, and then there are specific courses for each option. There are also currenlty two "plans" for completing the degree. Plan A is a thesis option (total of 33 graduate credits required) requiring a research project which is then written up in the proper format on which you will be examined by your graduate committee (formed after you apply for admissions). Plan B is not currently offered due to limited faculty availability. Plan C is primarily coursework (37 credits required) with a written scholarly paper or extension fact sheets (your committee will provide you with specific requirements).

Program of Studies Form

Following are the courses for the AST Master's Degree:

Core (15 credits):
ASTE 6300 - Foundations of Adult Education
FCSE 6520 - Administration and Supervision in Career and Technical Education
ASTE 6700 - Research Methods
FCSE 6290 - Current Issues in Research
FCSE 6210 - Social Research Data Analysis OR STAT 5200 - Experimental Design

Education Option (12 credits):
FCSE 6540 - Program Development
FCSE 6550 - Advanced Teaching Strategies
FCSE 6530 - Classroom Management, Student Motivation, and Guidance
FCSE 6560 - Mentoring New Professionals

Extension Option (12 credits):
FCSE 6540 - Program Development
ASTE 6510 - Principles and Practices of Extension Education
ASTE 6260 - Environmental Impacts of Ag Systems
Additional 3 credits (may use coursework from the education option or other coursework with committee approval)

Plan A (Total 33 credits required):
Take the above Core and either the Extension or Education Option (27 credits)
Take 6 credits of either ASTE 6970-Research and Thesis or FCSE 6970-Research and Thesis
Complete a research thesis that will be presented to your department and defended to your committee.

Plan C (Total 37 credits required):
Take the above Core and either the Extension or Education Option (27 credits)
Take 1 credit of either ASTE 6250-Special Problems or FCSE 6250-Graduate Internship
Complete a scholarly paper suitable for publication or complete two extension fact sheets.
      - Requirements for students in the education option.
Take an additional 9 credits (may come from approved previous coursework, extension option courses, administration certificate pre-requisites, etc.)

Most of the courses are offered over our satellite system. Others are offered in the summer during short (two or three week) but intensive workshop-type settings.