Program Overview

Education for Agricultural Professionals

The Education for Agricultural Professionals program is a web-based, teacher certification program in agricultural education offered through NC State University. The program is available nationwide and is delivered through online education technologies. It is academically challenging and requires a serious commitment from those enrolled. The program certifies individuals who have baccalaureate degrees in agriculture, natural resources, and closely related disciplines to teach agriculture in school settings.

Program Overview

• The program is designed for professionals who have a bachelor's degree and seek licensure to teach agriculture in a middle or secondary school.
• The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the supply of qualified middle and high school teachers.
• Graduates of this program receive a Class "A" teaching license from North Carolina.
• The North Carolina teaching license is recognized by 45 states, Department of Defense schools, and the U.S. territories through a Reciprocity Agreement.

Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in agriculture, natural resources, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States.
• 24 credit hours of agriculture content is required for an agricultural teaching license.
• Minimum 2.75 GPA on all collegiate-level work.

Program Requirements

• The LEAP program requires 15 credit hours.
• Students must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA in all coursework.
• Only courses in which you earn a grade of "C" or higher can be counted toward licensure requirements.
• All LEAP students are assigned an advisor to assist in selecting courses and determining the appropriate course load.

Applying to the LEAP Program

Step 1

Send transcripts of your academic work to the program advisor.

Step 2

Apply for admission to NC State University through one of the following options:

• Enroll in the Agricultural and Extension Education graduate certificate program.
• Enroll as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student.
• Enroll in the Agricultural and Extension Education master's degree program.

Step 3

After admission to the university, students work with their LEAP advisor to register for classes.

Career Prospects

• The Licensure in Education for Agricultural Professionals program is tailored to professionals who have a bachelor's degree and seek licensure to teach agriculture in a middle or secondary school.
• Graduates of this program are qualified to teach in public, private, and charter schools.
• The program prepares students for careers as middle or high school teachers, policy analysts, and program coordinators.

Accreditation

• North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.
• The teacher education program at North Carolina State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).