The Master of Science in Agricultural Education seeks to meet the needs of today’s agricultural educators. Courses include topics such as teacher pedagogy, research, communications, and leadership development. The fully online program offers the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in agricultural education while being employed full time. Graduate students can access graduate level work from respected faculty members across the nation through California State University, Chico participation in the AG*IDEA Consortium while completing master’s coursework. We look forward to providing an innovative approach to address the challenge of time management and travel presented through a traditional graduate degree program.
This master's degree is offered entirely online and partners with the AG*IDEA consortium. Courses are offered from participating universities and instructors across the United States. However, students are enrolled as California State University, Chico students and receive grades and the degree from Chico State.
Graduate Advising Requirement
Students are encouraged to seek advising information from the graduate coordinator prior to enrolling in courses each semester.
Requirements for the MS in Agricultural Education
Completion of all requirements as established by the departmental graduate advisory committee or graduate coordinator in agricultural education, and Graduate Studies, to include:
Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as follows:
At least 18 of the units required for the degree in 600-level courses.
At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education.
Thesis Plan: Upon agreement by the student's graduate advisory committee, an acceptable thesis composed of original research shall be submitted as the culminating activity.
Thesis proposal: A formal thesis proposal must be submitted and approved by the graduate advisory committee before students may begin research. The proposal must meet the criteria established by the graduate committee, including format, documentation, and quality of writing. The thesis proposal includes the following: literature review; problem and purpose or hypothesis of the research; research design; and research methodology.
Approval of thesis: Members of the graduate advisory committee shall approve the thesis.
Oral defense: Members of the graduate advisory committee shall conduct an oral defense of the thesis. The oral defense is generally limited to content within the scope of the thesis.
Comprehensive Project Plan: A creative component shall be completed upon the approval of the graduate advisory committee. The creative, comprehensive project will demonstrate applied research to solve a particular need or problem.
Comprehensive Project: A formal plan for the creative component must be submitted and approved by the graduate advisory committee prior to the onset of the project. The formal proposal for the comprehensive project shall include the following: review of literature; identification of problem or definition of a particular need; methodology employed to address the problem or solve a particular need; and a timeline for project completion. The comprehensive project will be reviewed and shall be graded as credit/no credit.
The graduate advisory committee shall review and approve the comprehensive project.
Graduate Grading Requirements:
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all coursework taken at Chico State subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.
Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Professional & Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.
Graduate Time Limit
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within seven years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency
All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status
A baccalaureate in agriculture, food, or natural resources from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by Graduate Studies. The GRE is not required, but the prospective student must have sufficient background to undertake a graduate program in agricultural education.
Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status
In addition to any requirements listed above:
Formation of a graduate advisory committee.
Development of an approved program in consultation with the graduate coordinator in agricultural education.
Advancement to Candidacy
In addition to any requirements listed above, students must have classified graduate standing and must have completed at least nine units of the proposed program at the University.
