COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education at Northwest Missouri State University is a comprehensive four-year program designed to prepare students for careers in teaching and agricultural leadership. In the first year, students build foundational skills through courses in animal science, communication, mathematics, digital literacy, and introductory agricultural concepts, along with general education subjects like humanities and chemistry. The second year introduces more specialized topics such as plant science, educational psychology, agricultural education foundations, and soils, while also incorporating field-based experiences to connect theory with practice. Students are required to complete observation hours in teaching environments and meet academic benchmarks, including GPA requirements and passing the MOGEA assessment, before entering the teacher preparation phase.In the third year, the curriculum focuses on applied agricultural and educational concepts, including farm management, adolescent psychology, community programming, and supervised agricultural experience programs. Students also study inclusive classrooms, communication in teaching, and participate in professional learning communities to enhance collaboration and teaching skills. The program continues to emphasize hands-on learning, integrating classroom instruction with real-world agricultural and educational practices. In the fourth year, students advance to higher-level courses in program planning, instructional methods, multicultural education, and curriculum design. They also complete agricultural electives to deepen expertise in specific areas of interest. The final term is dedicated to directed teaching and a professional education capstone, where students gain full-time teaching experience in real classroom settings. Overall, the program requires approximately 127 to 128 credit hours and combines academic knowledge, field experience, and professional development to prepare graduates for successful careers in agricultural education and related fields.