M.Ag. Agricultural Development – Distance Education
The master of agriculture in agricultural development is an online-only, applied degree that prepares individuals for leadership roles in education, cooperative extension service, instructional design, and many other professional careers in agriculture and life sciences.
Students pursuing careers in fields such as instructional design, agricultural leadership or rural community development might seek the master of agriculture in agricultural development. All courses in this degree program emphasize the development of problem-solving skills involved in applying science and technology to benefit humanity.
Program Details
This program is a non-thesis degree program administered completely online. The Master of Agriculture degree program is ideal for professionals seeking leadership roles in agricultural education, extension, community development, and instructional design through a flexible, fully online program.
The degree plan consist of at least 36 credit hours of coursework, 18 credit hours of which are required courses within the department. Up to 18 credit hours of coursework of supporting courses may be completed in ALEC or other courses across campus. Distance courses are completed to meet the 12 credit hour residence requirement. Because of the diverse nature of the careers selected by master of agriculture graduate students, degree plans will vary and are generally unique for each individual.
To demonstrate knowledge in the discipline, students will complete a required program capstone course which includes case studies, asynchronous coursework, and structured discussions that focus on career pathways. Final course selections are determined in consultation with the student’s graduate committee chair. To earn the degree, students must successfully complete all program milestones (view below), including passing a required capstone course.
- Degree: Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) Agricultural Development
- Credit Hours: 36 total credit hours
Core Curriculum
While students are allowed the flexibility to select support courses to tailor their graduate program to match their academic interests and career aspirations, students are required to complete five core curriculum courses to gain content knowledge and skills. All students will be assessed on their performance in each of these five core courses:
ALEC 606: Foundations of Leadership Theory
Theory and Practice of leadership theory foundational to leadership education. Focus on analysis of leadership theories and models; synthesis of leadership theory as a philosophy; and application of leadership theories in various professional settings.
ALEC 610: Principles of Adult Education
Identification of basic principles motivating adults to learn. Procedures to implement these principles in bringing about changes in adult behavior.
ALEC 613: Techniques in eLearning and Delivery
Provides the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and deliver effective online courses, training programs, and learning units; specific topics include: management of eLearning projects, needs assessment and audience analysis, creation and editing of documents, images, audio, and video.
ALEC 623: Survey of Evaluation Strategies in Agriculture
Designed to pull together theory, concepts, and strategies to give a broad understanding of the fundamentals of evaluation and to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to design and administer appropriate and effective evaluations.
ALEC 670: Foundations of Youth Development
Principles and practices of youth development supports, opportunities, programs and services; emphasis on the role of out-of-school time settings in youth development; programming considerations related to gender, disability and culture; introduction to evaluation and financing of youth development programs.
Students are also required to complete field experience:
ALEC 677: Agricultural Development Capstone Experience
Application of agricultural development to a specific project or program related to agricultural education, extension, community development or instructional design.
Graduate Admissions
Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts you in the highest class of job candidates. If interested in seeking financial assistance, applicants are highly encouraged to submit application materials by the fall deadline dates.
What Do I Need to Apply?
- Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
- Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions
- Note: GRE Scores are not required
- We seek applicants with meaningful academic experience, evidence of leadership, and other relevant skills and accomplishments that demonstrate the potential for excellence. Students admitted to our Master’s programs typically have competitive GPAs of 3.00 (last 60 hours of undergraduate work) or higher.
- If the GPA is verified as not obtaining the above GPAs, applicants are still eligible to apply. We are fundamentally interested in admitting the best students and recognize that several factors including work experience and life experiences can add to the value of an application.
- Statement of purpose outlining intent and professional career goals*
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically with your application*
- Prior to and while in the process of applying, applicants are highly encouraged to meet with and have conversations with faculty in their desired research and interest area.
Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose is a key component of your M.A.G. application. In 1–2 single-spaced pages, explain your specific interest area; explain how your experiences connect to the specific field, provide a well-defined, focused academic and/or professional goal. Your statement should address these points:
- Academic Preparation
- Previous Experiences
- Motivation for Graduate Study (why do you seek the M.A.G. Degree)
- Career Goals (how will the M.A.G. help you achieve your goals)
Ensure your statement is well-organized, clearly written, and free of errors. Focus on your readiness for graduate-level coursework and how the M.A.G. Degree advances your professional development. Avoid general or overly personal reflections not directly related to your academic and/or career path.
Letters of Recommendation
Students will provide email addresses of recommenders in the online application. Recommenders will be asked to submit their recommendation letter electronically. Only one letter may be from faculty, staff or student employee in the department. Other ideal recommenders might be an immediate or past supervisor; previous professors; a peer or another person from the above categories.
International Students
Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Exams must be taken within the last two years. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the criteria below:
- a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (must be taken in last five years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL score of: 80 internet-based testing; 550 for paper-based testing (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of at least 8.5 (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 (from a test date within two years)
Admissions Decisions
Applicants will receive an admissions decision either in a letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions and/or from the department. Candidates will receive a decision letter within a month after application submission.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
By submitting an application, all students are considered for scholarships and fellowships. To be considered for additional funding opportunities outside of the department, students are encouraged to submit the financial aid application and a scholarship application, along with their graduate school application. This ensures students are reviewed for all the types of financial aid that you are eligible for. Remember: each student’s financial aid eligibility may vary. The types of financial aid you are offered is based on the data provided on your financial aid and/or scholarship application. If a student is an international or out-of-state resident and receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000, they may qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver. Students interested in assistantships should visit guidelines for applying for a departmental assistantship.
Contact Us
Gary Wingenbach
Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Programs
