Pursuing a Dual Degree in Agricultural Systems Management and Agricultural and Extension Education

In its most recent report on High Priority Occupations, Pennsylvania Workforce Development noted several key areas of importance related to agricultural systems management/agricultural mechanics. Examples of the high priority areas, related to agricultural education and agricultural systems management, outlined in the report are: structural systems design, mechanical engineering, industrial machinery maintenance, tool and die specialists, woodworkers, machinists, and welders/cutters/brazers.

Currently, agricultural education teachers are needed at the secondary level to teach students these important skills related to agricultural systems/mechanics. Students at the high school level that have been instructed by a quality teacher with the appropriate knowledge and skills will be better able to pursue further education, or directly enter the workforce, in these high priority occupational areas.

Career opportunities are available for individuals that understand the agricultural systems/mechanics content and are able to teach this content to others. Topics, taught at the secondary level, often include equipment maintenance and repair, small engine repair, surveying, electrical systems/wiring, woodworking and construction trades, welding, drafting, and concrete and masonry skills.

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education have worked together to provide a dual degree program in ASM and AEE that provides a strong education for those who want to teach technical agriculture courses at the secondary level, as described above.

If you are interested in pursuing this dual degree program, please see your adviser to learn more.  To help students acquire these two degrees efficiently, the following schedule is recommended:

• Bold type indicates courses requiring a quality grade of C or better.