Program Overview

Major in Agricultural Education

The Agricultural Education major prepares students to educate the next generation of agricultural leaders and consumers. This degree requires students to complete the AFS core courses, a collection of courses specific to the agriculture education major, as well as a series of teaching and learning courses to meet initial teacher certification requirements. Students will also gain valuable hands-on experience when they spend a semester student teaching in an agricultural education program in a Washington high school.

Employment and Career Possibilities Within This Major

• Middle School or High School Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor
• Non-Profit Organization Employee
• Adult Education Instructor
• Community Outreach and Education Director
• Customer Service or Sales Executive
• Public Relations Executive
• High School Career & Technical Education Director
• Government Agency Employee
• 4-H Youth or Agricultural Extension Educator
• Peace Corps Volunteer

Examples of Required/Preferred Classes for First-Year Students

• Ag Ed 110: Introduction to Agricultural Education
• Anim Sci 101: Introduction to Animal Science
• Crop/Hort 102: Cultivated Plants
• Bio 120: Introduction to Botany
• Chem 101: Introduction to Chemistry
• Eng 101: College Composition
• Hist 105: Roots of Contemporary Issues

Required Math

• Stat 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods

Transfer Pathways

Many students attend local community colleges prior to transferring to WSU. Below is a list of suggested WSU courses to take locally and transfer into WSU:

• BIOLOGY 106: Intro to Organismal Biology, 107: Intro to Cell Biology and Genetics or 120: Introductory Botany (2 of these)
• CHEM 101: Introduction to Chemistry or 105: Principles of Chem I
• CHEM 102: Chemistry Related to Life Sciences or 106: Principles of Chem II
• ENGLISH 101: Introductory Writing
• ENGLISH 201: Writing and Research
• ECONS 101: Fundamentals of Microeconomics
• SOIL_SCI 201: Soil a Living System
• ANIM_SCI 101: Introduction to Animal Science
• WSU UCORE [DIVR] course
• WSU UCORE [HUM] course
• STAT 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods, MATH 140: Calculus for Life Scientists, MATH 171: Calculus I or MATH 202: Calculus for Business and Economics

Student Organizations/Clubs Associated with this Major

• Agricultural Education Club
• Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
• Other CAHNRS clubs

Information for New Students

This is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural and Food Systems with a major in Agricultural Education. Agricultural Education students are required to be certified with both the Agricultural Education major and the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences. This major is managed by the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences. All students participate in student teaching prior to graduation.

Teaching Certificates in Various States

Graduates who earn their WA Initial Residency Teaching Certificate and Career and Technology Education Certificate qualify for reciprocity teaching certificates in most states.

Average Salary and Employment Information

Salary data figures collected from national, state, and private sources.

Program Highlights

Washington’s Baser, Baerlocher to receive National FFA Honor

Student Testimonial

The Agricultural Education program at WSU has shaped me into a more confident leader, collaborator, and future teacher. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, I’ve gained skills that will guide me not only in the classroom, but also in building strong relationships with my students. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and apply it in my own classroom in hopes to inspire the next generation.

• Caitlyn Garvey, Class of 2026

Degree Details

• The degree is a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Food Systems with a major in Agricultural Education.
• Students are required to complete the AFS core courses, a collection of courses specific to the agriculture education major, as well as a series of teaching and learning courses to meet initial teacher certification requirements.