Graduate Degrees Offered

We offer five degree programs majoring in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications with the exception of the Joint Doctor of Education which is in Agricultural Education (at distance degree program with Texas Tech University. Each degree option is listed below.

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science, with thesis, requires a minimum of 32 semester-hours of coursework. Typically, 22 or more hours will be taken in the department; four of these hours will be credited for the thesis, and the other coursework will be in supporting field(s) of interest.

Coursework in the supporting fields in the MS program may be in any academic area that contributes to a students career objectives. Examples include agricultural and life sciences, management, change management, adult education, research methods and sociology.  A residence requirement of nine semester hours of coursework in one semester or in two consecutive five-week summer terms must be completed on the main campus in College Station.  MS Suggested Degree Plan

Master of Education (MEd)

Students whose career objectives are concerned with formal or informal education in agriculture seek the Master of Education: e.g., teaching agricultural sciences or working as an Extension educator or in training and development. The 36 semester-hours of coursework consist typically of 18 to 24 semester hours in the department and the remainder in support areas: e.g., courses in agricultural and life science, methods of adult and extension education, educational administration, or other social sciences. A residence requirement of 12 semester hours of coursework in one semester or two consecutive five-week summer terms must be completed on the main campus in College Station. MEd Suggested Degree Plan

Master of Agriculture (MAg)

Students pursuing careers in fields such as agribusiness, international agricultural development, agricultural communication, or rural community development might seek the Master of Agriculture in Agricultural Development, a non-thesis degree. The MAg emphasizes problem-solving skills involved in applying science and technology to benefit humanity. One-half or more of the 36 semester hour program consists of courses in the department. A residence requirement of 12 semester hours of coursework in must be completed on the main campus in College Station.

Students pursuing a masters degree at a distance should consider the MAg degree in Agricultural Development. The program prepares individuals for leadership roles in education, natural resource management, cooperative extension service, and many other professional careers in agriculture and life sciences. This is a non-thesis degree program that emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills and the practical aspects of academic coursework. Because of the diverse nature of the careers selected by MAgr graduate students, degree plans will vary considerably and are generally unique for each individual.

The required internship is a unique feature of the MAg program, whether pursued on-campus or at-a-distance. The internship is completed at the end of formal coursework, and involves either paid or un-paid employment with a cooperating business or agency. Planned in concert by the student, university advisor and business supervisor, the internship normally lasts from three to six months. A professional paper is required. Four to six credits may be earned for the internship and professional goals.MAg Suggested Degree Plan

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy is a specialized, research-oriented degree. Coursework gives the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge in the field of study and methods of research. The program requires a minimum of 64 semester hours, including dissertation research, beyond the masters degree. Without the masters degree, one must complete a minimum of 96 semester hours. The program prepares individuals for university faculty positions, public and corporate leadership roles in education, natural resource management, the extension education, international development, and many other professional careers in agriculture and life sciences. Ordinarily, students pursuing the PhD degree choose supporting coursework closely aligned to their research interests and professional goals. PhD Suggested Degree Plan

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This Doctor of Education degree is primarily the campus-based professional degree designed to prepare a candidate for a position of leadership in the full range of educational settings, including public and private schools and colleges, business, government, industry and international organizations. The program is designed for the practitioner; a graduate may be expected to fill instructional, supervisory, administrative and policy positions in agricultural, educational and corporate settings. Although substantively different from the PhD degree, the EdD degree requires equivalent admission qualifications, standards of scholarship and breadth and depth of study. A record of study and an internship are completed in this 64 semester-hour program. Candidates electing the EdD option will pursue at least one supporting field of 12 of more semester hours or two supporting fields of nine semester hours each. Campus EdD Suggested Degree Plan

Joint Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education (at a distance)

The Joint EdD in agricultural education delivered at a distance is offered with the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications at Texas Tech University. Mid-career professionals enter as members of a cohort and advance through the program over four years. We will begin accepting applications for the next cohort January 1, 2009 through March 1, 2009. This cohort will begin registering for courses Fall 2009. If you are interested in applying to the next cohort, please review the Joint Doctor of Education program web page at http://alec.tamu.edu/graduate/jointedd.aspx.     

For more information about any of our degree programs, please contact the graduate program coordinator, Clarice Fulton, cfulton@aged.tamu.edu or by phone (979) 862-7180.