(Teaching Option)
Experiences provided in agricultural
science prepare the graduate to direct a program of agricultural
science as an integral part of the high school educational
system or to function effectively in extension education. The
teaching option in agricultural science provides a well-rounded
education in areas involving teacher-student and teacher-community
relationships, scientific agriculture and general education.
Courses involving teacher-student and
teacher-community relationships offered in the agricultural
science curriculum are educational psychology, secondary school
teaching methods, principles of agricultural education, course
building, methods of developing agricultural experience programs,
preparation of instructional materials and student teaching
in agricultural science and technology. These courses are designed
to develop basic educational philosophies, methods of selecting
problems to be taught, and methods of teaching in-school youth
and adults involved in agriculture.
A minimum of 48 semester hours in scientific
agriculture is required by the Texas Education Agency for teacher
certification in agricultural science. This provides an opportunity
for the graduate to have a knowledge of scientific agriculture
that is essential for the successful teaching of agriculture.
Master of Agriculture, Master of Education, Master of Science,
Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are also
available to majors in agricultural education.
The curriculum is fortified by courses
in English, history, political science, and natural, physical,
behavioral and biological sciences. Courses in these subjects
provide prospective teachers of agricultural science and technology
with adequate academic and technical experiences needed to
direct effective programs for youth and adults.
For further information, see the section
on Agricultural Science under the College of Agriculture and
Life Sciences. The Department of Agricultural Education administers
the program in agricultural science. The department, in conjunction
with the Department of Horticultural Sciences, also administers
the certification program in vocational horticulture.