NCSU CALS Career Services -Student - Majors - Agricultural Education


Agricultural Education
Department: Agricultural & Extension Education 
The Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education prepares one to teach agriculture in a school setting. In North Carolina, high school and middle school agricultural education teachers teach horticulture, animal science, agricultural mechanics, environmental and natural resourses, biotechnology and other relevant courses and topics important to the agricultural industry.  Our graduates have also found many opportunities working in the agricultural industry using their skills in working with people in an agricultural setting.

A Quote from the Agriculture Education Department:
The job outlook for Agricultural Education teachers continues to be great. With over 400 high school agricultural education teachers in our state and many nearing retirement age, we feel this trend will continue. In 2011, all our graduates seeking a job teaching agricultural education in a middle or high school found a job loving what they do. - Dr. Elizabeth Wilson

Career Opportunities
Below are sample entry level jobs that represent the types of opportunities that students with this major qualify for upon completion of their degree.  Included are also additional qualifications that the employer is looking for when selecting candidates.  Students should build in ways of developing important skills and gaining career related experience into their college experience.

Education

Agricultural Education teachers prepare students in secondary schools to either enter the industry of agriculture directly after high school or to continue their advanced study at a two-year or four-year institutions. In addition to classroom and laboratory instruction in agriculture, they assist students in developing and conducting supervised agricultural experience programs that reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Many Agricultural Education teachers also serve as an FFA advisor and provide leadership and career development opportunities for their students.

In addition to traditional teaching roles with the NC school system, Agricultural Education majors might also consider programs like these:
Cooperative Extension

  • County Extension Agent, 4-H; NC Cooperative Extension Service
    Responsibilities include planning, implementing and evaluating programs for youth ages 5-19.  Objectives include developing and maintaining community 4-H clubs, speical interest programs, 4-H projects, after-school programs, summer day camp programs, school enrichment programs and other traditional 4-H and youth activities.  Requires strong work ethic and initiative, skills in leadership, communications, grant writing, budgeting, networking and public relations.  A Master's degree is not required but would make you more competitive for this position.
Agricultural Business

  • Hands On Health Program Coordinator; Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
    Assist with planning and implementation of program aimed at integrating healthy food provision, community activities, nutrition and cooking classes, community gardens, physical activity, and tutoring & mentoring services as guided by community input & participation.  Requires organization, communication, and leadership, teamwork,  skills.  Experience coordinating volunteers, event planning, and collaboration will make you more competitive for this position.

Salary Information
Averages are based on skills & experiences gained at the Bachelor's degree level.

National Association of Colleges & Employers National Salary Survey
Average salary gathered from recent graduates in this field at the national level
  2011 $32,661

Related Links
Clubs/Organizations
More Information


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