Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation

CURRICULUM:

• Agricultural and Extension Education

The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation (AEEE) prepares and supports highly-qualified agricultural and extension professionals to teach, lead, and serve youth and adults. AEEE’s focus is on two of our greatest assets—the agricultural industry and our human capital. Students in this program learn about effective teaching methods and techniques as they prepare for careers in both formal and non-formal educational environments of the agricultural sector.

Concentrations are available in Agricultural Leadership and Development and Teaching in Formal Education. Students interested in the Agricultural Education major should contact the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation for deadlines and specific details about each concentration. Students who anticipate entering the Teaching in Formal Education concentration for teacher certification should inform the faculty advisor at the time the undergraduate program of study is being developed. Students interested in a teacher certification program other than agricultural education should contact the College of Human Sciences and Education.

Admission Requirements

Agricultural Leadership and Development Concentration

Students meeting admissions requirements for the College of Agriculture are eligible for admission to the Agricultural Leadership and Development concentration. Graduates in this concentration are prepared for careers in:

• Cooperative Extension Service as agents, educators, youth development professionals, and specialists;
• Agriculture professions related to business, communication, industry, and government; and
• Other non-profit agencies and organizations.

Teaching in Formal Education Concentration

The teacher certification program prepares students specifically for teaching agricultural education in secondary schools (grades 6-12); however, teacher education graduates are also in demand for working in agricultural business, for serving as county extension agents, and other professional positions in agriculture. Students are admitted to the agricultural education teaching in formal education concentration according to the following criteria:

• Students must have a 2.50 cumulative and LSU grade point average and passing scores on all parts of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (PRAXIS CORE) or minimum ACT composite score of 22 or minimum SAT composite score of 1030; and
• A minimum grade point average of 2.50, cumulative and LSU, is required for entry into and continuation in upper (3000/4000) level agricultural education courses, including student teaching.
• A grade of C or better is required for all CATS critical courses, agriculture content courses and education courses in both EDCI and AEEE.
• The Praxis Agriculture Content Exam (5701) and Principles of Teaching and Learning – Grades 7-12 (5624) must be completed by April 1 for Spring graduates and November 1 for Fall graduates.
• Per the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, students in AEEE formal education will participate in 180 hours of clinical experiences before participating in their student teaching clinical experience. It is anticipated that students will participate in the following activities the summer before their student teaching semester.
  • 60 hours of observation with their Cooperating Teacher
  • Attendance at Louisiana State FFA Convention
  • Attendance at one week of FFA State Leadership Camp
  • Attendance at the Louisiana Agriscience Teacher’s Association Summer Professional Development Conference
  • One week of observation in a public school setting at the beginning of the school year prior to the start of LSU’s academic year.
  • Any change to the above mentioned 180 hour activities must be approved by the student’s academic advisor by April 1 of academic year prior to student teaching. Any alternative activities must be similar in time and scope to the activities listed above and must be approved in writing and signed by the student’s academic advisor. Failure to complete these hours, or a suitable alternative to these hours may result in the student being unable to receive their teaching license upon completion of their degree.

Programs

• Agricultural & Extension Education, B.S

• Youth Development and Extension Minor