From Classrooms to Boardrooms

The Agricultural Education and Advocacy (AEA) program is a degree for students who excel at working with people, sharing information and solutions, and promoting agriculture.

Students from across the county enroll at the University of Kentucky to learn from the #1 agricultural education program in the nation. Our hands-on program prepares students to communicate the complex science of agriculture to youth and adults.

You will participate in a semester-long senior capstone experience in a school, county extension office, non-profit organization, or federal agency. Over 200 hours of educator experience in our program, including over 60 hours of coursework in agricultural subject areas such as animal science, plant science, agricultural economics, and agricultural mechanics, will prepare you to seek teaching licensure in agricultural education. You will also benefit from our extensive network of alumni, representing over 100 years of success.

Careers

The Agricultural Education and Advocacy degree will prepare you to deliver scientific and technical agricultural information to a wide range of audiences in a variety of opportunities, such as:

  • Agribusiness manager
  • Agriculture teacher
  • Agricultural sales agent
  • Communications
  • Congressional staff
  • Extension agent
  • Human resources director
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative staff
  • Lobbyist
  • Non-profit manager

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

Learn More

The AEA Community

The AEA community is committed to the success of our students. With a 100% hiring rate, our faculty and staff are committed to preparing world-class educators and leaders and helping them identify employment opportunities post-graduation. We work with you to identify opportunities that best fit your goals—whether teaching in the classroom, lobbying on Capitol Hill, or engaging in human science research.

Field Day
Agricultural Education and Advocacy

Legacy of Success

Our legacy in the AEA program is strong. As one of the oldest degree programs in the country, our AEA program is built on a foundation for success, having been recognized five times by the National Alpha Tau Alpha Organization and by the National Association of Agricultural Educators as the best agricultural education program in the nation. Our faculty are nationally recognized for their commitment to preparing the next generation of agricultural educators and advocate by leading agricultural organizations such as the American Farm Bureau, National FFA Organization, 4-H, and North American College Teachers of Agriculture.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do in AEA. Our program provides students with opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings. From the senior capstone experience to facilitating the college’s 4-H/FFA Field Day for over 2,000 youth, our students are supported throughout their educational journeys.

AEA 210 Professional Growth in Agriculture

Students learn about educational and communication aspects of serving as leaders in agriculture.

AEA 362 Field Experience

Students examine formal and informal instructional practices and develop an education portfolio and philosophy.

AEA 586 Methods of Teaching

Students develop teaching competencies with emphasis on discussion, demonstration, problem solving, cooperative learning, student learning, and student engagement.

AEA 592 Teaching Experience

Students complete supervised teaching experiences in a school, county extension office, non-profit organization, or federal agency.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Academic Advisor II
Trevor Herald

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Sarah Sprayberry, PhD

Visit Campus 

More Information