The graduate studies program in the Department of Youth Development and Agricultural Education at Purdue University prepares individuals for professional careers as educators in both school and non-school settings and communicators in a range of academic and private-sector settings. Our program offers eight focused but flexible areas of specializations to fit the diverse interests of students entering the program. A student can pursue specializations leading to master’s (thesis and non-thesis) or doctoral degrees in any of the following specializations. Discuss with your primary advisor the area of specialization you wish to consider.
Agricultural and Extension Education: This option is designed to enhance the careers of those employed in the educational professions in agriculture and natural resources. Regardless if one is employed in public school teaching, community college instruction, Cooperative Extension, or training and development in agribusiness; students gain valuable knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. In addition, graduates of the program command tremendous depth of the teaching and learning process.