Program Overview

Graduate Degree Program

The Master of Extension Education features a multi-disciplinary program with core courses focused on the extension principles shaping needs assessment, program development, evaluation, non-formal education, and social science research methodology as well as a suite of supportive elective courses in a variety of extension specialty areas. Graduates with Extension education experiences are prepared for dynamic careers in secondary and post-secondary education, non-profits, government, and leadership roles in enterprise.

Program Overview

Abstract

The Master of Extension Education is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of extension principles and practices. The program includes core courses in needs assessment, program development, evaluation, non-formal education, and social science research methodology, as well as elective courses in various extension specialty areas.

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose/Essay
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Supplementary Application - Intended Coursework
• Supplementary Application Two - Non-formal Education Essay
• Writing Samples (2 required): Please submit a sample of your professional writing. Note if it was published and where (some examples include: Extensions fact sheet, journal article, practitioner article, popular media
  ewspaper [educational focus], grower's newsletter, etc.). Also note your role/position as an author (e.g., first author, etc.).
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional): This is an opportunity to further describe your previous research/work (in addition to items listed in your statement of purpose).
• All applicants are requested to respond to at least one of the prompts below as an additional component:
  • Community involvement and/or service
  • Engagement in leadership roles, facilitating change, and/or mentoring
  • Overcoming social, economic, educational, or physical barriers

Application Deadlines

Graduate Application Deadlines - Fall, Spring, Summer

• Domestic Applicants:
  • US Citizens and Permanent Residents: August 7, 2026 (Fall), January 9, 2026 (Spring)
• International Applicants:
  • F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas, E, G, H, I, and L visas, and immigrants: March 6, 2026 (Fall), September 26, 2025 (Spring)

Faculty

The following faculty members are associated with the Master of Extension Education program:

• Alexander Chan, Full Member, M.S., Auburn University; Ph.D., Mississippi State University, Senior Agent, Extension Education
• Joseph Cho, Full Member, B.S. University of Missouri, 2014; M.S., Seoul National University, 2016; Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University, 2022, Agent, Extension Education
• Diana Cochran, Associate, B.S., Auburn University, 2005; M.S., Auburn University, 2007; Ph.D., Mississippi State University, 2012, Director, Plant Science, Assistant Clinical Professor, Plant Science, Assistant Clinical Professor, Extension Education
• Nicole Fiorellino, Full Member, B.S., Rutgers University, 2008; M.S., University of MD College Park, 2010; Ph.D., 2015, Assistant Professor, Plant Science, Assistant Professor, Extension Education
• Anna Mae Glenn, Full Member, MS, Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communications with certificate in International Agricultural Development (Texas A&M), 2014; BS, Animal and Avian Sciences (UMD) BS, Agricultural Sciences & Technology (UMD), 2012, Agent, Extension Education
• Mengjun Hu, Full Member, B.S., China Agricultural University, 2008; Ph.D., Huazhong Agricultural University, 2013, Assistant Professor, Plant Science, Assistant Professor, Extension Education
• Darren Jarboe, Full Member, B.S., Iowa State University, 1985; M.S., Iowa State University, 1991; Ph.D., Iowa State University, 2012, Assistant Director, Extension Education, Principal Agent, Extension Education
• Andrew Kness, Full Member, B.S., University of Delaware; M.S., University of Delaware, Senior Agent, Extension Education
• Hemendra Kumar, Full Member, B.S., Punjab Agricultural University, 2014; M.S., Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and University of Stuttgart, 2016; M.C.E., Auburn University, 2021, Ph.D. Auburn University, 2022, Agent, Extension Education
• Neith Little, Full Member, B.A., College of the Atlantic; M.S., Cornell University, Senior Agent, Extension Education
• Luke Macaulay, Full Member, B.S., University of Notre Dame, 2002; M.S., University of California-Berkeley, 2010; Ph.D., 2015, Agent, Extension Education
• Colby Silvert, Full Member, B.S., University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, 2014; M.S., University of Florida, 2020; Ph.D., University of Florida, 2023, Co-Director, Extension Education, Assistant Professor, Plant Science, Assistant Professor, Extension Education
• Kurt Vollmer, Full Member, B.S., Emory & Henry College, 2006; M.S., University of Florida, 2010; Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 2014, Agent, Extension Education
• Xuan Wei, Full Member, B.A., Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, 1998; M.A., University of Tsukuba, 2007; M.A., Michigan State University, 2009; Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2013, Agent, Extension Education
• Melissa Welsh, Full Member, B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1999; M.Ed., Pennsylvania State University, 2009; Ph.D., Purdue University-West Lafayette, 2014, Director, Extension Education, Assistant Clinical Professor, Plant Science, Assistant Clinical Professor, Extension Education

Conclusion

The Master of Extension Education program at the University of Maryland is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of extension principles and practices, preparing them for dynamic careers in secondary and post-secondary education, non-profits, government, and leadership roles in enterprise. The program includes core courses in needs assessment, program development, evaluation, non-formal education, and social science research methodology, as well as elective courses in various extension specialty areas. With a faculty of experienced professionals and a strong focus on practical application, the Master of Extension Education program is an excellent choice for those looking to make a positive impact in their communities.