Master's Degree Program Requirements

We have two options for students wishing to pursue a master's degree in Agricultural Systems Technology. One is Education (FCSEE and Ag Ed) and the other is Extension. There is a set of core classes required of all students no matter what their option is, and then there are specific courses for each option. There are also currently two "plans" for completing the degree. Plan A is a thesis option (total of 30 graduate credits required) requiring a research project which is then written up in the proper format on which you will be examined by your graduate committee (formed after you apply for admissions). Plan B is not currently offered due to limited faculty availability. Plan C is primarily coursework (37 credits required) with a written scholarly paper or extension fact sheets (your committee will provide you with specific requirements).

Program of Studies Form - must be submitted by the end of the second semester of courses

Graduate Course Schedule click here

Following are the courses for the AST Master's Degree:

Core (12 credits):

  • ASTE 6160 - Foundations of Adult Education (Su odd yrs)
  • FCSE 6180 - Administration and Program Planning (F odd yrs)
  • FCSE 6140 - Evaluation and Ethics of Research in Education and Extension (F even yrs)
  • ONE of the following research design courses: 
           ASTE 6100 - Research Methods (Su even yrs; Prerequisite: One of the following:     STAT 2000, STAT 3000, SOC 3120, PSY 2800.)
               OR
               STAT 5200 - Experimental Design (Sp; Prerequisite: One of the following:  STAT 2000 or STAT 3000.) 

Extension Option (12 credits - must take a minimum of 3 of the following courses):

  • ASTE 6200 - Principles and Practices of Extension Education (Sp odd yrs)
  • ASTE 6220 - Volunteer Programs and Partnerships (Su even yrs)
  • ASTE 6260 - Environmental Impacts of Ag Systems (F)
  • FCSE 6950 - Graduate Internship (required) (F, Sp, Su)
  • ASTE 7000 - Diffusion of Innovations (Sp even yrs)

Education Option (12 credits - must take a minimum of 3 of the following courses):

  • FCSE 6300 - Advanced Teaching Strategies (Sp odd yrs)
  • FCSE 6320 - Classroom Management, Student Motivation, and Guidance (F even yrs)
  • FCSE 6340 - Curriculum Development, Testing, and Evaluation (Su odd yrs)
  • FCSE 6380 - Mentoring and Supervision (F odd yrs)

Graduate Course Schedule click here

Plan A (Total 30 credits required):

Take the above Core and either the Extension or Education Option (24 credits)
Take 6 credits of ASTE 6970-Research and Thesis
Complete a research thesis that will be presented to your department and defended to your committee.

Plan C (Total 37 credits required):

Take the above Core and either the Extension or Education Option (24 credits)
Take 1 credit of ASTE 6960 - Graduate Seminar
Complete a scholarly paper suitable for publication or complete two extension fact sheets.
        - Requirements for students in the education option.
Take an additional 12 credits (may come from approved previous coursework, extension option courses, administration certificate prerequisites, etc.)

Fall and spring Semester Courses are broadcast to distance education sites in Utah or are online. Others, including summer courses, are offered in intensive workshop-type settings or as hybrid (online and workshop style) courses.