Combining the best of both agriculture and teaching, the Agricultural Education major prepares students to educate the next generation of agricultural leaders and consumers. Highly sought after by employers, graduates can go on to teach high school and middle school agricultural science classes, as well as serve as FFA advisors, adult education instructors, community outreach coordinators, or university extension agents.
This degree requires students to complete the AFS core courses, a collection of courses specific to the agriculture education major, as well as a series of teaching and learning courses to meet initial teacher certification requirements. Students will also gain valuable hands on experience when they spend a semester student teaching in an agricultural education program in a Washington high school.
Employment and Career Possibilities Within This Major
- Middle School or High School Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor
- Non-Profit Organization Employee
- Adult Education Instructor
- Community Outreach and Education Director
- Customer Service or Sales Executive
- Public Relations Executive
- High School Career & Technical Education Director
- Government Agency Employee
- 4-H Youth or Agricultural Extension Educator
- Peace Corps Volunteer
Examples of Required/Preferred Classes for First-Year Students
- Ag Ed 110: Introduction to Agricultural Education
- Anim Sci 101: Introduction to Animal Science
- Crop/Hort 102: Cultivated Plants
- Bio 120: Introduction to Botany
- Chem 101: Introduction to Chemistry
- Eng 101: College Composition
- Hist 105: Roots of Contemporary Issues
Required Math
- Stat 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
Transfer Pathways
Many of our best students attend local community colleges prior to transferring to WSU. Below is a list of suggested WSU courses to take locally and transfer into WSU. You can find your institution’s equivalent courses with our Transfer Course Search Tool or submit a course for evaluation with our Course Evaluation Request Form.
- BIOLOGY 106: Intro to Organismal Biology, 107: Intro to Cell Biology and Genetics or 120: Introductory Botany (2 of these)
- CHEM 101: Introduction to Chemistry or 105: Principles of Chem I
- CHEM 102: Chemistry Related to Life Sciences or 106: Principles of Chem II
- ENGLISH 101: Introductory Writing
- ENGLISH 201: Writing and Research
- ECONS 101: Fundamentals of Microeconomics
- SOIL_SCI 201: Soil a Living System
- ANIM_SCI 101: Introduction to Animal Science
- WSU UCORE [DIVR] course
- WSU UCORE [HUM] course
- STAT 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods, MATH 140: Calculus for Life Scientists, MATH 171: Calculus I or MATH 202: Calculus for Business and Economics
Check out our Transfer Student page for more information about the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Transfer Student Experience!
Agricultural Education Advising Sheet (PDF)
Student Organizations/Clubs Associated with this Major
Information for New Students
This is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural and Food Systems with a major in Agricultural Education. Agricultural Education students are required to be certified with both the Agricultural Education major and the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences. This major is managed by the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences. All students participate in student teaching prior to graduation.
Teaching Certificates in Various States
Graduates who earn their WA Initial Residency Teaching Certificate and Career and Technology Education Certificate qualify for reciprocity teaching certificates in most states. A list of reciprocity agreements can be found at here.
Salary data figures collected from national, state, and private sources.
Agricultural Education Advisors
From a Student’s Perspective…
The Agricultural Education program at WSU has shaped me into a more confident leader, collaborator, and future teacher. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, I’ve gained skills that will guide me not only in the classroom, but also in building strong relationships with my students. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and apply it in my own classroom in hopes to inspire the next generation.
Caitlyn Garvey, Class of 2026
Program Highlights
More Information
- Washington State TeachAg
- Why #TeachAg
- WSU Prepares Next Generation of Ag Teachers; FFA Advisors Amid a National Shortage
- The Washington Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE) is working to promote agriculture education in Washington state.
- Future Teacher Resources
- Demand grows for WSU graduates in agriculture, sustainability
- WSU Working to Address the Shortage of AG Teachers
- WSU FFA Team Up to Address Washington Ag Teacher Shortage
- Back in Blue: FFA’s Return to WSU Pullman Reforges a Tradition
- Innovative classes teach teachers about technology
