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Bachelor of Science in Career & Technical Education – Agriculture Education

Department of Agriculture

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Career & Technical Education – Agriculture Education

Department of Agriculture

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Empower Others to be Good Environmental Stewards and Early Adaptors of Agriculture Innovation

Narrow the divide between farm and table while preparing students for rewarding careers in agriculture, food science, environmental preservation. EKU’s bachelor’s degree in career and technical education is a collaboration between our departments of agriculture and teaching, learning and educational leadership. The program enables you to combine educational courses with your choice of several agricultural concentrations. Join the ranks of leaders and educators and prepare future generations to address the world’s biggest issues including food production and security, energy production and management, and environmental shifts.

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Career Outlook


Despite limited employment growth from 2022 to 2032, about 14,800 openings for career and technical education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Continued interest in career and technical education programs in middle schools, high schools, and postsecondary institutions is expected to help drive demand for these educators during this period.

Overall employment of career and technical education teachers is projected to remain steady from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates are prepared for teaching careers in secondary schools. They are prepared to lead programs in horticulture and agriculture and to advise their chapter’s FFA members in carrying out their annual program of activities.

Job Titles Include:

  • Postsecondary Teacher
  • High School Teacher
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • School and Career Counselor

EKU agricultural career and technical education graduates typically work in a variety of settings and positions, including schools, career and technical organizations, and nonprofit organizations.

Employers Include:

  • Madison County, Kentucky Schools
  • Meade County, Kentucky Schools

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • CAEP accredited
  • Guided laboratory-based experiences and school-embedded experiences
  • Supervised, sustained practice teaching experiences
  • Full-time assignment in an accredited school to observe, participate, and teach in classroom settings
  • Preparation for the required PRAXIS Exam and PLT exam for educators

Program Options

Choose between five specialty concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

After learning the principles of agricultural economics, you can choose from the study of agribusiness management, agricultural marketing, agriculture business records and analysis, agricultural financing, pest management, or a professional skills seminar that prepares you for the job market including instruction for resumes, interviews, and presentation.

After learning the principles of agricultural mechanics and energy systems, you can choose from the study of metal fabrication, hydraulic systems, or diesel power systems.

After learning the fundamentals of handling, restraint, and management for a variety of agricultural animals, you can choose to study types of feeds and feeding, beef production, swine production, or technical management of dairy cattle.

After learning the foundations of agricultural and horticultural crop production and soil management, you will progress to the study of ecology and management of grasslands and pastures.

After learning the principles of a variety of agricultural soils, you will progress to the study of soil and water conservation technology.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Agriculture

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Animal & Veterinary Sciences
  • Crops, Soils, and Resources
  • Greenhouse & Fruit/Vegetable Production
  • Turfgrass & Landscape Horticulture

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment


Learn essential skills for today’s agricultural education environment. Our fully accredited programs are made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as foundations of career and technical education, curriculum and instructional design, teaching of career and technical education in middle and secondary schools, animal science, agricultural mechanics and energy systems, soil and water conservation, plant science, agricultural economics, and agribusiness management.

A minimum of 121 – 122 credits are required to graduate with a career and technical education bachelor’s degree, including 45 – 46 agriculture education credits.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

CAEP

The teacher education programs offered by Eastern Kentucky University and the College of Education are accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). The initial teacher preparation programs, including the undergraduate baccalaureate programs, Masters of Arts in Teaching, and Communication Disorders are accredited by both CAEP and EPSB and the advanced level professional education programs are accredited by EPSB only.


Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

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Aida Bermudez

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2902
aida.bermudez@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Madeline Bentsen

EKU Forensic Science Graduate
The faculty was tough and fair, they wanted me to succeed and they pushed me to think critically and logically. However, they were very understanding and cared deeply for their students. They helped to prepare me for the field of forensics and helped me strengthen my weaknesses.
photo of Brad Rich

Brad Rich

EKU Forensic Science Graduate
The thing that I feel like many people, including myself, find surprising about the program is how encompassing it is. It’s not all chemistry or biology but also public speaking and critical thinking incorporated with mock trial and capstone that truly prepare you for the field of forensic science. After graduating I realized just how well I was prepared by the faculty in my program, making the transition from education to career seamless.

Madison High

EKU Environmental and Applied Geology Graduate
My degree provided me with the knowledge I needed to get a solid start to my career. I was able to get a job with the Kentucky Geological Survey within a few months of graduating and I am thrilled to be working for them. I also took the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam shortly after graduating and passed it on my first try.

Upcoming Events


News & Updates

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Related Programs

B.S. in Agriculture

Common Job Titles: animal scientist, agricultural and food scientist, soil and plant scientist

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

A.S. in Technical Agriculture

Common Job Titles: soil scientist, greenhouse manager, professional landscaper, food scientist

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 57-63


Contact Information

Department of Agriculture

521 Lancaster Avenue
A.B. Carter Building, Room 2
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2228
Fax: 859-622-6676
agriculture@eku.edu