Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education

The Tarleton State University Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education (Ag Ed) is nationally known for producing high-quality secondary agriculture teachers and FFA advisors. Ag Ed majors take classes and laboratories in the technical agriculture fields of animal science, plant science/horticulture, agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, and professional development in agricultural education. The 4-year degree culminates in a 13-week student teaching experience where preservice teachers apply the skills and knowledge learned in the secondary settings of classroom, laboratory, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE).

Within 3 months of graduation, over 98% are hired in the profession or are admitted to graduate school. Further, program completers have multiple opportunities outside of the high school classroom. Nationwide, Ag Ed graduates have opportunities in the Cooperative Extension Service/4-H, agricultural industries, other positions within the public schools, agricultural sales, as well as in the community college system. The Tarleton State University Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education can open doors wide … to wide-open opportunities.

What is Agricultural Education?

A combination of agriculture and business, agribusiness involves economic and commercial activities of farming-related products and services, such as machinery, seed supply, crops, breeding, ranching, processing, distribution, marketing and retail sales. The agricultural business field includes management of key resources — land, labor, capital, farming, ranching, conservation and sales — and all the required logistics, often using advanced technology.

In the United States, the economic impact of the food and fiber sector totals over $100 billion annually. Texas leads the nation in cattle, cotton, hay, sheep, goats, and mohair, as well as the number of farms and ranches, with nearly 250,000 farms and ranches covering about 130 million acres. One out of seven working Texans is in an agriculture-related job. With a rapidly changing population, the region continues to rely on agricultural production and marketing, while related recreational land use and industrial development increasingly contribute to the economy.