Education, Development and Community Engagement

The Education, Development and Community Engagement graduate program prepares graduates for employment in college and university programs, youth and family programming, state-level administration, local-level administration, private industry, and international education.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Master of education (M.Ed.)

All applicants must submit a letter of application, two or three pages in length, describing their professional experience, education, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the degree. Applicants must ensure that three recommendation and evaluation forms from individuals knowledgeable about the applicant are forwarded to the department. Only the most qualified applicants will be admitted to the graduate program. The graduate program may provisionally admit selected applicants pending resolution of the requirements listed here. Exceptions to the admission criteria listed below may be made at the discretion of the program for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.

Prerequisite for admission to a master’s degree program is a demonstrated professional interest for employment in college and university programs, youth and family programming, state-level administration, local-level administration, private industry, and international education. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for application. The GRE score is one of several variables taken into consideration for offers of admission to the EDCE graduate program.

The purpose of the EDCE M.Ed. degree program is to prepare students through experience and course work in teaching, learning, and educational planning and assessment to enhance their professional qualifications and career advancement. Prerequisite for admission to this program is a minimum of 18 credits in professional education courses (including educational psychology and teaching and/or professional internship), or certification as a teacher of agriculture, or equivalent professional experience, including extension. Credits obtained to fulfill this admission prerequisite requirement cannot be applied towards requirements for the degree. The program is designed for individuals who are primarily interested in teaching. Graduates can go on to become: agricultural educators at the secondary or post-secondary level; Cooperative Extension educators or related professionals; and professionals in the public, private, or non-profit sectors focused on education, training, or human capacity development.

Students considering graduate education beyond the Master’s level are encouraged to pursue the M.S. degree, which prepares students for advanced study and research activity.

Master of Science (M.S.)

All applicants must submit a letter of application, two or three pages in length, describing their professional experience, education, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the degree. Applicants must ensure that three recommendation and evaluation forms from individuals knowledgeable about the applicant are forwarded to the department. Only the most qualified applicants will be admitted to the graduate program. The graduate program may provisionally admit selected applicants pending resolution of the requirements listed here. Exceptions to the admission criteria listed below may be made at the discretion of the program for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.

Prerequisite for admission to a master’s degree program is a demonstrated professional interest for employment in college and university programs, youth and family programming, state-level administration, local-level administration, private industry, and international education. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for application. The GRE score is one of several variables taken into consideration for offers of admission to the EDCE graduate program.

The purpose of the EDCE M.S. degree program is to prepare students through experience and course work in research methods, data analysis, and research reporting to enhance their professional qualifications and career advancement. The program is designed for individuals who are primarily interested in conducting, interpreting, or communicating research for educational work or advanced graduate (i.e. doctoral) study. Graduates can go on to become: agricultural educators at the post-secondary level; Cooperative Extension educators or related professionals; and professionals in the public, private, or non-profit sectors focused on education, training, or human capacity development.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Letter of Introduction and Résumé. Applicants must submit a two-to three-page letter of introduction in which they describe their professional experience and education and delineate their career goals. A current résumé is also required.

Graduate Record Examination. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for application. The GRE score is one of several variables taken into consideration for offers of admission to the EDCE graduate program.

Official Transcripts. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted. Applicants must provide evidence of either a baccalaureate or a master’s degree in the agricultural sciences, human sciences, or related area.

Three Letters of Reference.

Professional Experience. A minimum of two years of appropriate professional experience is required either prior to admission or before the degree is awarded. An interview with the graduate faculty is recommended of all applicants prior to admission into a doctoral program.

Degree Requirements

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.

A program of study agreement between adviser and student, including planned course work (approved by the student’s graduate committee) and time frame, should be completed before beginning the second semester of study.

The Master of Education degree requires a minimum of 31 credits at the 400, 500, or 800 level, with a minimum of 18 credits at the 500 or 800 level, and at least 6 credits at the 500 level. The 31 credits include:

In addition to completing a minimum of 31 credits of required course work, M.Ed. candidates are required to:

• Conduct a Capstone Project, typically involving the development and/or evaluation of an educational curriculum, project, or program;
• Write a professional paper supporting and reflecting upon the Capstone Project;
• Conduct an oral defense of the Capstone Project and professional paper; and
• Submit at least one article to an appropriate forum (e.g. extension- or education-related journal, trade publication, editor-only reviewed publication, or conference proceedings). At least one required submission must be in an applied publication via Extension or other applied outreach venue.

Master of Science (M.S.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.

A program of study agreement between adviser and student, including planned course work (approved by the student’s graduate committee) and time frame, should be completed before beginning the second semester of study.

The Master of Science degree requires a minimum of 34 credits at the 400, 500, 600, or 800 level, with least 18 credits at the 500 and 600 level, combined, and a minimum of 6 credits of thesis research (600 or 610). The 34 credits include:

In addition to completing a minimum of 34 credits of required course work, M.S. candidates are required to:

• Conduct an empirical research study involving the collection of primary and/or secondary data;
• Write a thesis on their empirical research study;
• Conduct an oral defense of the research study and thesis; and
• Submit at least one article to a relevant peer-reviewed journal.

The thesis must be accepted by the committee members, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School, and the student must pass the thesis defense.

Options - M.S. and M.Ed. Programs

Students may elect to pursue either EDCE master’s degree (M.S. or M.Ed.) as a generalist following a base curriculum or with one of two graduate options. Options involve more tailored course work and are included on the student’s transcript and diploma after the primary degree title.

The generalist (base) curriculum educates students in core areas of EDCE, including leadership, formal education, non-formal program development, and evaluation. The base curriculum requires 9 credits of the following:

The Agricultural Education (AE) Option allows students to select course work related to their specific interests including: educational program planning and instructional development; leadership within and administration of agricultural education programs; and change in agricultural education. The Agricultural Education option requires 9 credits, chosen from the following:

The Youth, Family, and Community (YFC) Option allows students to select course work related to their specific interests including: program design, implementation, and evaluation; leadership development and civic engagement within communities; intergenerational programs; and volunteer program management. The Youth, Family, and Community option requires 9 credits, chosen from the following:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.

Approximately 32 credits of graduate work beyond the master's degree are required. Approximately two-thirds of the total program must be in the major field. Courses in education or statistics may be counted in the major with prior approval of the Ph.D. committee. A minimum of 30 credits must be earned in residence.

Courses completed in the doctoral program in EDCE should give students competence in at least one core area of expertise: educational processes; leadership development and communications; program development, and research. Students must complete the following course requirements, for a minimum of 32 credits:

Doctoral students develop an appropriate program of study to meet these requirements in consultation with their adviser and Ph.D. committee.

Official entrance into the Ph.D. program occurs upon successful completion of the qualifying examination. Ph.D. degree requirements include successful completion of the following: approved graduate course work, English Competence requirements, a comprehensive examination, and a final oral examination (the dissertation defense). To earn the Ph.D. degree, doctoral candidates must write a dissertation that is accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School.

All doctoral students in EDCE are required to write an article or a paper for publication or presentation based upon (1) their dissertation or (2) their assistantship responsibilities as determined by the academic adviser and assistantship supervisor prior to the granting of a degree. The article or paper will be reviewed and approved by the student's graduate adviser. The article or paper will be submitted to a refereed or professional journal, a professional or research conference, and/or a popular magazine. If co-authored with a faculty member, the student's name will appear as the lead author.

Ph.D. Options

Students may elect to pursue either EDCE Ph.D. degree with one of three options:

Option 1: Leadership/Community Development

Graduates in this option pursue careers in community develop, government and non government organizations, leadership development and civic engagement within communities, intergenerational programs, and volunteer program management. This option requires 18-24 credits, chosen from the following:

Option 2: Program Development and Evaluation

The Program Development and Evaluation option allows students to select course work related to their specific interests including: program design, implementation, and evaluation. This option requires18-24 credits,
chosen from the following:

Option 3: Agricultural Education

The Agricultural Education option allows students to select course work related to their specific interests including: educational program planning and instructional development; leadership within and administration of agricultural education programs; and change in agricultural education. This option requires 18-24 credits, chosen from the following:

Dual-Titles

Dual-Title M.S. and Ph.D. in Education, Development and Community Engagement and Comparative and International Education

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-208 Dual-Title Graduate Degree Programs.

M.S. and Ph.D. students with research and educational interests in schooling and education around the globe may apply to the dual-title program in Education, Development and Community Engagement (EDCE) and Comparative and International Education (CIED). Comparative and international education is a field devoted to the systematic analysis of the operation and effects of the world's education systems. The goal of the dual-title graduate program is to enable graduate students from EDCE to acquire the knowledge and skills of their primary area of specialization in EDCE, while at the same time gain the perspectives, techniques, and methodologies of comparative and international education. Graduate study in this program seeks to create opportunities for a range of people—administrators and policy makers in social welfare, health education, and development; school leaders; and scholars of education. Graduates of the dual-title program in EDCE and CIED will be able to compare, analyze, and make policy recommendations for agricultural and extension education at both national and international levels.

Admission Requirements

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in EDCE and The Graduate School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. After admission to their primary program, students must apply for admission to and meet the admissions requirements of the CIED dual-title program. Refer to the Admission Requirements tab on the CIED Bulletin page. Doctoral students must be admitted into the dual-title degree program in CIED prior to taking the qualifying examination in their primary graduate program.

Degree Requirements for the Dual-Title M.s.

To qualify for this dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the EDCE Master of Science degree program, listed on the Degree Requirements tab. In addition, they must satisfy the CIED program requirements for the dual-title master’s degree. Refer to the Degree Requirements tab on the CIED Bulletin page. Some courses may satisfy both the graduate primary program requirements and those of the CIED program. Final course selection is determined by the student after consulting, in advance, with their EDCE and CIED advisers.

For the dual-title M.S. degree in EDCE and CIED, the thesis must reflect the student’s education and interest in both AEE and CIED. All members of the student’s committee for the M.S. must be members of the Graduate Faculty. The master’s committee must include at least one Graduate Faculty member from CIED. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. A Degree Committee form should be filed upon selection of the committee members.

Degree Requirements for the Dual-Title Ph.D.

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the degree requirements for the degree they are enrolled in EDCE, listed on the Degree Requirements tab. In addition, students must complete the degree requirements for the dual-title Ph.D. in CIED, listed on the CIED Bulletin page.

The qualifying examination committee for the dual-title Ph.D. degree will be composed of Graduate Faculty from EDCE and must include at least one Graduate Faculty member from the CIED program. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. There will be a single qualifying examination, containing elements of both EDCE and CIED. Dual-title graduate degree students may require an additional semester to fulfill requirements for both areas of study and, therefore, the qualifying examination may be delayed one semester beyond the normal period allowable.

In addition to the general Graduate Council requirements for Ph.D. committees, the Ph.D. committee of an EDCE and CIED dual-title Ph.D. student must include at least one member of the CIED Graduate Faculty. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. If the chair of the Ph.D. committee is not also a member of the Graduate Faculty in CIED, the member of the committee representing CIED must be appointed as co-chair. The CIED representative on the student’s Ph.D. committee will develop questions for and participate in the evaluation of the comprehensive examination.

Students in the dual-title program are required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that is approved in advance by their Ph.D. committee and reflects their original research and education in EDCE and CIED. Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination (the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation must be accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School.

Dual-Title M.S. and Ph.D. in Education, Development and Community Engagement and International Agriculture and Development

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-208 Dual-Title Graduate Degree Programs.

M.S. and Ph.D. students with research and educational interests in international agriculture extension and education may apply to the dual-title program in Education, Development and Community Engagement and International Agriculture and Development. The goal of the dual-title graduate program is to enable graduate students from EDCE to acquire the knowledge and skills of their primary area of specialization in EDCE, while at the same time gaining the perspective and methods needed to work internationally. Graduate study in this program seeks to prepare students to assume leadership roles in developing contemporary curricula and programs, conducting high-quality research and development activities, and disseminating new knowledge in these areas in both national and international settings. Students are required to write research proposals and expected to write grants to support their research activities reflecting both research areas of the dual-title degree. As part of their professional development presentations, publication of research articles and active participation in professional societies is expected. Emphasis is placed upon the professional development of the student.

Admission Requirements

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in EDCE and The Graduate School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. After admission to their primary program, students must apply for admission to and meet the admissions requirements of the INTAD dual-title program. Refer to the Admission Requirements section of the INTAD Bulletin page. Doctoral students must be admitted into the dual-title degree program in INTAD prior to taking the qualifying examination in their primary graduate program.

Degree Requirements for the Dual-Title M.S.

To qualify for this dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the EDCE Master of Science degree program, listed on the Degree Requirements tab. In addition, they must satisfy the INTAD program requirements for the dual-title master’s degree. Refer to the Master's Degree Requirements section of the INTAD Bulletin page. Some courses may satisfy both the graduate primary program requirements and those of the INTAD program. Final course selection is determined by the student after consulting, in advance, with their EDCE and INTAD advisers.

For the dual-title M.S. degree in EDCE and INTAD, the thesis must reflect the student’s education and interest in both EDCE and INTAD. All members of the student’s committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty. The master’s committee must include at least one Graduate Faculty member from INTAD. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. A Degree Committee form should be filed upon selection of the committee members and must be approved by the INTAD Academic Program Committee Co-chair.

Degree Requirements for the Dual-Title Ph.D.

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the degree requirements for the Ph.D. in EDCE, listed on the Degree Requirements tab. In addition, students must complete the degree requirements for the dual-title in INTAD, listed on the INTAD Bulletin page.

The qualifying examination committee for the dual-title Ph.D. degree will be composed of Graduate Faculty from EDCE and must include at least one Graduate Faculty member from the INTAD program. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. There will be a single qualifying examination, containing elements of both EDCE and INTAD. Dual-title graduate degree students may require an additional semester to fulfill requirements for both areas of study and, therefore, the qualifying examination may be delayed one semester beyond the normal period allowable.

In addition to the general Graduate Council requirements for Ph.D. committees, the Ph.D. committee of an EDCEand INTAD dual-title Ph.D. student must include at least one member of the INTAD Graduate Faculty. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. If the chair of the Ph.D. committee is not also a member of the Graduate Faculty in INTAD, the member of the committee representing INTAD must be appointed as co-chair. The INTAD representative on the student’s Ph.D. committee will develop questions for and participate in the evaluation of the comprehensive examination.

Students in the dual-title program are required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that is approved in advance by their Ph.D. committee and reflects their original research and education in EDCE and INTAD. Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination (the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation must be accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School.

DUAL-TITLE M.S. AND PH.D. IN EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRANSDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ON ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-208 Dual-Title Graduate Degree Programs.

M.S. and Ph.D. students with research and educational interests in contemporary natural resource and societal changes may apply to the dual-title program in Education, Development, and Community Engagement (EDCE) and Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society (TREES). 

The goal of the dual-title graduate program is to enable graduate students from EDCE to acquire the knowledge and skills of their primary area of specialization in EDCE, while at the same time gaining experience in creating engaged approaches to transdisciplinary scholarship. Graduate study in this program seeks to prepare students to draw upon materials from the biophysical, sociocultural, and sociodemographic arenas in an integrated, collaborative framework. Graduates of the TREES program are equipped with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders affected by natural resource and environmental change issues in public settings. Students are required to write research proposals for collaboration and are expected to write grants to support their transdisciplinary research activities reflecting both research areas of the dual-title degree. As part of their professional development presentations, publication of research articles and active participation in professional societies is expected. Emphasis is placed upon the professional development of the student.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in EDCE and The Graduate School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. After admission to their primary program, students must apply for admission to and meet the admissions requirements of the TREES dual-title program. Refer to the Admission Requirements section of the TREES Bulletin page. Doctoral students must be admitted into the dual-title degree program in TREES prior to taking the qualifying examination in their primary graduate program.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DUAL-TITLE M.S.

To qualify for this dual-title degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the EDCE Master of Science degree program, listed on the Degree Requirements tab. In addition, they must satisfy the TREES program requirements for the dual-title master’s degree. Refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements section of the TREES Bulletin page. Some courses may satisfy both the graduate primary program requirements and those of the TREES program. Final course selection is determined by the student after consulting, in advance, with their EDCE and TREES advisers.

For the dual-title M.S. degree in EDCE and TREES, the thesis must reflect the student’s education and interest in both EDCE and TREES. All members of the student’s committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty. The thesis supervisor and chair of the student's committee shall be a member of EDCE and TREES.. Upon selection of the committee members, the committee should be officially appointed  via the current outlined process from the Graduate School and must be approved by the TREES Academic Program Committee Co-chair.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DUAL-TITLE PH.D.

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the degree requirements for the Ph.D. in EDCE, listed on the Degree Requirements tab. In addition, students must complete the degree requirements for the dual-title in TREES, listed on the TREES Bulletin page.

The qualifying examination committee for the dual-title Ph.D. degree will be composed of Graduate Faculty from EDCE and must include at least one Graduate Faculty member from the TREEs program. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. There will be a single qualifying examination, containing elements of both EDCE and TREES. The qualifying examination for EDCE will satisfy the qualifying exam requirement for the dual-title degree program in TREES. Dual-title graduate degree students may require an additional semester to fulfill requirements for both areas of study and, therefore, the qualifying examination may be delayed one semester beyond the normal period allowable. Dual-title graduate degree students may require an additional semester to fulfill requirements for both areas of study and, therefore, the qualifying examination may be delayed one semester beyond the normal period allowable.

In addition to the general Graduate Council requirements for Ph.D. committees, the Ph.D. committee of an EDCE and TREES dual-title Ph.D. student must include at least one member of the TREES Graduate Faculty. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role. If the chair of the Ph.D. committee is not also a member of the Graduate Faculty in TREES, the member of the committee representing TREES must be appointed as co-chair. The TREES representative on the student’s Ph.D. committee will develop questions for and participate in the evaluation of the comprehensive examination.

Students in the dual-title program are required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that is approved in advance by their Ph.D. committee and reflects their original research and education in EDCE and TREES. Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination (the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation must be accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School.

Minor

A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policy GCAC-218 Minors.

Student Aid

Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by the Fox Graduate School.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Agricultural and Extension Education (AEE) Course List

Applied Youth, Family and Community Education (AYFCE) Course List

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