College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Agricultural and Extension Education (M.A.)
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Agricultural and Extension Education (M.A.)
Further Your Career in Agriculture
The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education at NMSU prepares educators in agricultural-related industries to tackle real-world challenges in teaching, community outreach, and workforce development.
Focusing on the close connections between agricultural industries and the social and economic structures of communities, this flexible graduate program enhances your skills in planning, evaluating, and delivering educational programs that foster lifelong learning in agriculture and technology. You’ll also develop the creativity and vision needed to navigate future challenges in this fast-evolving sector — making a lasting impact on agricultural education and outreach.
If you’re a New Mexico secondary public school teacher, you can use this program to achieve Level III licensure!
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 20
Delivery Format
In person and 100% online
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Master of Agricultural and Extension Education typically work in education, extension services, and industry leadership. Here is a sampling of your professional career options:
- Agricultural education teacher
- Agricultural extension agent
- High school agricultural teacher
- Human resources specialist
- Program coordinator (museums, national parks)
- Youth development specialist (4-H, FFA)
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education? Fill out our inquiry form.
Explore the Human Story at NMSU
The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education offers a deep understanding of agriculture’s impact on society, applying scientific and business principles to address real-world challenges. Students in this program will gain practical skills and knowledge in key areas of agricultural and extension education, including:
- Exploring the historical and philosophical roots of agricultural and extension education to understand its influence on the industry today.
- Examining how new agricultural ideas, technologies, and practices spread — and what strategies help communities and organizations successfully adopt them.
- Designing, managing, and improving educational programs to support youth development in agriculture.
Students can tailor their degree to their interests with two flexible options: a research-driven thesis or a hands-on project or investigation — both designed to align with professional goals and passions.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
CAEP-Approved
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education requires 30 credits to complete. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis plan. Both include a final oral examination.
Thesis plan: Requires a minimum of 30 semester credits, including six credits of thesis work.
Non-Thesis plan: Requires 30 semester credits of coursework, including a six credit creative component.
Take classes like:
- AXED 5110 - Management of Change, Diffusion, and Adoption of Innovations
- AXED 5150 - Strategic Communications Campaigns and Evaluation
- AXED 5155 - Youth Program Development and Management
- AXED 5310 - New Mexico Water Issues
- AXED 5320 - Risk and Crisis Communications in Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
- AXED 5515- Data Collection and Analysis
This concertation is only available online. The Agricultural Strategic Communications (ACS) degree at NMSU Global Campus is designed for working professionals, specifically educators, who wish to advance their skills in strategic communication within the agricultural sector. Through this program, you will gain the expertise needed to strategically influence and advance organizational missions through effective communication strategies.
If you’re a New Mexico secondary public school teacher, you can potentially use this graduate degree program to achieve Level III teacher licensure. We advise you to check with your school district for their specific guidelines.
The Master of Agricultural Strategic Communications (ASC) equips students with advanced skills and strategies in communication. By enrolling in this program, students follow a comprehensive curriculum focused on deploying a diverse array of communication tools to strategically plan, execute, and assess the effectiveness of communication initiatives. They also gain insight into various media platforms, including paid, earned, shared, and owned media.
The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education: Agricultural Strategic Communications consists of 30 credits, including 15 required credits from the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education (AXED) and 12 required credits in Journalism and Media Studies (JMS). Students must select either Plan A: Thesis Option with four to six credits of thesis work, or Plan B: Creative Component Option with four to six credits of project work. Both plans require a final oral examination.
View more courses and degree road mapAgricultural and Extension Education
A graduate student who wishes to minor in AXED, while majoring in another academic program, should select an advisor from the AXED Graduate Faculty. A student minoring in AXED must complete at least nine credit hours of approved courses in the AXED department.
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Letter of interest
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation
If you have relevant professional experience but hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field, or if your undergraduate GPA is between 2.5 to 2.9, you are still encouraged to apply. GRE scores are not required.
For Strategic Comm — online program
The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education requires the following items be sent directly to the department for admission:
- Two letters of recommendation — Applicants should request letters of recommendation from individuals who know them well enough to comment on their professional skills and abilities.
- Career statement — A two-page letter of application to identify your professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
- Personal Interview — A personal interview may be required at the discretion of the Departmental Graduate Committee.
Ready to take the next step?
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.