Master of Science (M.S.) in Agricultural Education - Thesis Option

This program is viewed as having a dual role. Candidates work towards improving their professional proficiency and status while developing knowledge and skill related to research. A course in research methods and statistics must be included in the program of study. Candidates must pass a final oral examination conducted by the candidate?s graduate committee. The oral examination focuses on courses taken, professional experiences, and defense of the thesis. Students will become well-versed in the following learning areas while in their tenure as a graduate student in the Agricultural Education program at Iowa State University: Delivery Systems: Select, organize, and implement appropriate delivery systems to fit a variety of teaching and learning situations. Learning Systems: Model and utilize appropriate learning principles and theories in agriculturally related learning situations. Evaluation: Select, organize, and implement appropriate formative and summative evaluation strategies for accountability and program improvement. Philosophy and Knowledge Base of Agricultural Education: Develop a foundation for one?s personal philosophy of agricultural education by synthesizing and evaluating appropriate philosophical models. Needs Assessment Analysis: Develop and evaluate appropriate strategies for analyzing and assessing educational needs, situations, and processes. Planning and Development: Organize educational programs utilizing appropriate planning and development models. International Agricultural Education and Technology Transfer: Organize and evaluate international agricultural education programs based upon the principles of technology transfer. Research Design and Analysis: Design, conduct, report, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative research utilizing appropriate design and analysis models. Administration, Supervision and Leadership Development: Organize, conduct, and evaluate activities that further the mission of Agricultural Education, provide growth opportunities for its practitioners, and foster development of a vision for the profession. Policy and Trends in Agricultural Education: Monitor the development of trends and administration of policies in and outside the discipline of Agricultural Education and explain their impact or potential impact on the discipline.