Graduate Student Handbook
Department of Agricultural Education, Communications & 4-H Youth Development

MISSION STATEMENT

 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

    The Oklahoma State University is a modern comprehensive land grant university that serves the state, national, and international communities by providing its students with exceptional academic experiences, by conducting scholarly research and other creative activities that advance fundamental knowledge, and by disseminating knowledge to the people of Oklahoma and throughout the world.

    Since its creation in 1890, Oklahoma State University has met its land grant mission while evolving into a comprehensive research university with statewide, national, and international responsibilities. The role of the University is:

1. to accelerate the intellectual and leadership development of students seeking baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees;
2. to instill in every graduate an appreciation for his or her individual responsibility for citizenship and leadership in a multicultural society;
3. to provide lifelong educational experiences for those persons it serves;
4. to develop and preserve fundamental knowledge through research, scholarship, and other creative activities;
5. to disseminate knowledge through publications and presentations; and
6. to develop strategic alliances and partnerships with government, business, and industry that lead to enhanced economic development of the state and nation.

    The OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural resources is comprised of three entities: the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. These entities represent, respectively, OSU’s mission of teaching, research, and extension.

    The Division, in comparison to systems in many other states, represents a highly integrated organization. Academic programs are under the purview of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Research programs, through the continuum from the most fundamental to the strictly applied, are conducted by the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station. Technology generated from the research programs is transferred to potential users by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. The functions of teaching, research, and extension form the basis of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Many faculty within the Division hold joint appointments between functions; a few even hold three-way (teaching-research-extension) responsibilities. This interactive system lessens institutional constraints so that Division faculty and staff can more easily cross departmental lines in pursuit of interdisciplinary studies.

    Through the teaching, research, and extension functions of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development enhances the quality of life for Oklahomans by:

· preparing individuals to become leaders in education, communications, and extension through formal and non-formal education;

· fostering visibility and awareness among our various publics about the Division’s programs and organizations, including the department’s programs in 4-H youth development, agricultural communications, and agricultural education;

· producing and delivering research-based educational resources and materials to the public;

· conducting research on teaching and learning about agriculture and on evaluation of programs in education, communications, and youth development.

 

    Oklahoma State University’s graduate programs in agricultural education are designed to prepare students for entry into or advancement in formal and non-formal teaching careers. They also provide development of professional leadership skills for other careers in agribusiness, government service, extension, or adult education. The graduate programs in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at OSU are among the most respected in the nation, with internationally recognized faculty and state-of-the-art laboratories.

    The master’s degree program in agricultural education, with its multiple options, provides a flexible program, which can be tailored to meet each student’s unique situation. In addition to the wide variety of professional courses in agricultural education, offerings are also available from all academic departments in the Division, including agricultural economics, biosystems and agricultural engineering, agronomy, animal science, biochemistry, entomology and plant pathology. Specialization areas such as administration, applied behavioral studies, supervision, counseling, community education, occupational education, adult education, and career education are also available through cooperation with the College of Education.

SUMMARY OF CREDIT HOUR REQUIREMENTS

Master of Science

Master of Agriculture

* The specialty-area courses may be chosen from technical agriculture, educational administration, community education, other areas, or a combination of areas which most effectively achieve the student’s educational goals.
** Totals Must Include

5000 or higher credit hours (Minimum) 21
Resident credit hours (Minimum) 23
Extension or Transfer credit hours (Maximum) 9

MASTER OF SCIENCE

    The Master of Science in agricultural education is designed primarily for students interested in research who may later wish to pursue their specialist or doctoral degree. The program develops the student’s theoretical and research foundation for further graduate studies in addition to further knowledge and skills in agriculture and education. This program requires 30 approved credit hours of coursework including a six-credit-hour formal thesis. The thesis is a report of scholarly research conducted by the student and following the Graduate College format outlined in the OSU Thesis Writing Manual. The scope of the study will normally be of state or national interest, and the thesis will include an in-depth analysis of the findings.

1. Consult temporary adviser regarding enrollment in first semester of classes.
2. Select graduate committee (consisting of three members of the Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development graduate faculty, one of which will serve as committee chair) and develop plan of study.
3. Submit plan of study to Graduate College prior to completing the 17th credit hour of enrollment.
4. Submit an "Application for Diploma" card to the Graduate College at the time of enrollment for the semester in which the degree is to be conferred.
5. Work with graduate committee to select thesis topic and areas of research. (See Institutional Review Board (IRB) information below.)
6. Complete research, prepare final draft copy of thesis and submit it at least one week prior to the final examination.
7. Complete oral examination within two weeks of submitting final draft copy of thesis to Graduate College (deadlines available from Graduate College).
8. Upon successful completion of oral examination, four copies of each thesis and six copies of the abstract must be submitted in a manila envelope with the student's name and thesis title at the top of each envelope. The six abstracts are to be in one envelope with the student's name and title of thesis as well as department listed at the top of the envelope. One copy of each thesis should be submitted to the departmental graduate secretary on regular copy paper, tape bound. Another copy of each thesis (including the abstract) should be submitted to the departmental graduate secretary as a Microsoft word file on a 3.5 inch diskette. Two copies of the abstract must also be submitted to the secretary on regular copy paper.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

    Federal regulations and Oklahoma State University policy require review and approval of all research studies that involve human subjects before investigators can begin their research. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) conducts this review to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in biomedical and behavioral research. In compliance with the aforementioned policy, each graduate student doing research involving human subjects is required to submit an application for Review of Human Subjects Research to the IRB executive secretary at 305 Whitehurst Hall, (405) 744-5700. Applications are available from the IRB and on the Institutional Review Board web page at http://www.osu-ours.okstate.edu/osuresre/IRB.htm

MASTER OF AGRICULTURE

    The Master of Agriculture in agricultural education is designed to further develop the knowledge and skills of the students in preparation for advancement in teaching, extension, administration, and many other professional careers. Most students in this program do not wish to complete a thesis or continue beyond a master’s degree with their graduate studies. There are two options available for the Master of Agriculture program:

1. Consult with temporary adviser regarding enrollment in first semester of classes.
2. Select graduate committee (consisting of three members of the Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development graduate faculty, one of which will serve as committee chair) and develop plan of study.
3. Submit plan of study to Graduate College prior to completing the 17th credit hour of enrollment.
4. Work with graduate committee to select the creative component to be completed and enroll in the course which will serve as the basis of the creative component or two hours of special problems.
5. Schedule oral examination over creative component and coursework with graduate committee. Examination should be scheduled within two weeks of final draft deadline for theses as designated by the Graduate College or as directed by committee.

Internship Option—

1. Consult temporary adviser regarding enrollment in first semester of classes.
2. Select graduate committee (consisting of three members of the Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development graduate faculty, one of whom will serve as committee chair) and develop plan of study.
3. Submit plan of study to Graduate College prior to completing the 17th credit hour of enrollment.
4. Under the direction of the graduate coordinator and graduate committee, select internship site and cooperator.
5. Upon completion of internship, coordinate with graduate committee the presentation of the internship report and oral examination.

Intern Responsibilities—

1. Work with their adviser to prepare the plan of study including the internship listed as either AGED 5990 or AGED 6100 for six (6) hours credit.
2. After consultation with their adviser, contact the internship cooperator of their choice to plan and arrange the internship. The internship plan should include the position(s) in which the intern will work during the internship and the duties and responsibilities they will experience. It should list beginning and ending dates, working hours, days off, insurance provisions and any other pertinent information. A tentative schedule of activities and changes of responsibilities is desirable. It should also include arrangements for transportation, housing and board during the internship. The plan should be discussed and signed by the intern, cooperator, and adviser.
3. Enroll in six (6) hours of AGED 5990 or AGED 6100 the semester the internship will be done.
4. Report directly to the cooperator at the agreed upon date and time for instructions. Interns are expected to follow instructions given, to carry out policies and duties outlined by the cooperator or assigned supervisors, and to meet all scheduled commitments and arrangements made in connection with their assignments.
5. Notify the cooperator in advance when unable to report for work. In case of prolonged illness, accident, or emergency, notify both the cooperator and the on-campus adviser.
6. Discuss with the on-campus adviser and/or cooperator any problems which cannot be resolved by the student alone.
7. Establish regular conferences with the cooperator.
8. Help the on-campus adviser schedule visits to the internship site during the internship.
9. Maintain a daily log and weekly report of activities and accomplishments. Submit weekly reports to the on-campus adviser.
10. Prepare final reports and evaluation of the internship program.
11. Meet with the on-campus adviser for a personal conference after the internship has been completed.
12. Prepare a seminar presentation of the internship for faculty and other students. The seminar will be scheduled at the end of the semester in which the internship is completed. The internship cooperator should be invited to attend the seminar.

Cooperator Responsibilities—The cooperator’s role is that of both employer and teacher. The cooperator has knowledge, experience, and equipment that cannot be found in a classroom but which, when shared with the graduate student, can add a new dimension to the intern’s education. The cooperator’s responsibilities include:

1. Providing the graduate student with learning experiences through a work and counseling association.
2. Encouraging the graduate student to serve as a productive, thinking employee during the internship period.
3. Reviewing with the graduate student the goals and purposes set for the internship work experience and helping them plan and arrange the internship. The intern will develop a written plan in consultation with the cooperator to be discussed and signed by the intern, cooperator, and on-campus adviser.
4. Furnishing appropriate counseling and guidance during the graduate student’s work experience. The cooperator will need to set aside time for regular, periodic conferences with the intern.
5. Assisting the on-campus adviser by means of an evaluation of the graduate student’s performance. An evaluation sheet will be provided for the cooperator to complete and submit to the on-campus adviser.
6. Working with on-campus personnel to stimulate improvement in the on-campus and off-campus educational programs. If time permits, attend the on-campus seminar presentation prepared by the intern at the end of the internship and suggest improvements.

Internship Evaluation—An on-campus faculty adviser has the primary responsibility for evaluating the graduate student’s program. This evaluation will be closely coordinated with the internship cooperator.

1. Weekly reports from the student intern will be submitted to the on-campus adviser. These reports will bear the signature of approval of both the intern and the cooperator.
2. The graduate student will submit a portfolio including a summary of the total educational experience. The portfolio will be made available for review by interested students and/or faculty. The graduate student should be innovative and creative relative to content and organization of the portfolio.
3. An oral report of the internship experience will be presented to interested students, faculty, and cooperators.
4. Faculty advisers will visit with the graduate student and cooperator during the internship.
5. Participating graduate students will complete and submit an Internship Appraisal form.
6. Cooperators will complete and submit a Student Final Evaluation form.
7. Assignment of the final grade is made by the on-campus adviser in consultation with the cooperator.

    The Doctoral Program in Agricultural Education began at Oklahoma State University in 1955. The program’s graduates hold a variety of positions, including faculty and administrative positions in colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, and 4-H; supervisory and administrative positions in state departments of education and vocational education; as well as numerous positions in agribusiness, government, and related industry.

    In 1997, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved a program leading to the Ph.D. in Agricultural Education to replace the Ed.D. With the additional emphasis placed on research, it is believed that the Ph.D. program will better prepare graduates to compete and contribute in the global community.

    The program is designed to be tailored to the individual needs and goals of the student. There is a wide array of quality agriculture, education, administration, extension, occupational, and other course offerings from which to choose.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Admission to the program requires the following:

1. A master’s degree in an appropriate field from an accredited university;
2. An acceptable grade point average in graduate studies (an undergraduate GPA of 2.80 and a graduate GPA of 3.0 in 24 or more hours);
3. An acceptable score on the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination (a minimum MAT score of 46 or a minimum GRE score of 1050 or 525 on appropriate advanced test);
4. Three years of appropriate professional experience;
5. Recommendations from three people knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional qualifications;
6. A career goal consistent with a doctoral degree in agricultural education;
7. A curriculum vitae and a statement of goals.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours above the master’s degree. Required coursework includes 20 hours of agricultural education and education courses, 13 hours of specialty-area courses, 12 hours of statistics and research courses, and 15 dissertation hours.

A minimum of 30 semester hours must be taken in residence at Oklahoma State University. One year (two concurrent semesters) of the last two years must be spent in continuous residence at the institution.

1. Consult temporary adviser regarding enrollment in first semester of classes.
2. Select graduate committee. Four faculty members with graduate faculty membership are required, one of whom is from outside the department (usually from the area of specialty). The appointment of the committee is made by the Dean of the Graduate College after recommendation by the department.
3. Complete the Doctoral Advisory Committee Appointment Form and file with the Graduate College.
4. Develop a Plan of Study with the major adviser.
5. Develop a dissertation research proposal with the major or thesis adviser.
6. Schedule Advisory Committee meeting and submit plan of study and dissertation research proposal for committee approval.*
7. File Plan of Study and dissertation proposal with the Graduate College. (Plan of study should be filed during second semester of enrollment, proposal must be filed during semester prior to requesting to take qualifying examination.)
8. After completing a majority of coursework and submitting the dissertation proposal, file letter of request with the graduate coordinator to take comprehensive examination.
9. Take written comprehensive examination.
10. Schedule comprehensive oral examination with graduate committee. Upon completion, file report of completion with the Graduate College.
11. At the beginning of the semester in which the degree will be conferred, complete the Application for Diploma card, provided by the Graduate College.
12. After enrolling in the final semester, check the Plan of Study for accuracy. Secure copy from Graduate College for advisor to note changes and return to Graduate college.
13. Submit draft of dissertation to Graduate College by deadline for semester you plan to graduate
14. Schedule committee meeting for oral examination over dissertation. Prepare final copy of dissertation by making changes requested by the committee and the Graduate College. Get committee members to sign all necessary signature pages for final dissertation copies.
15. Submit completed Result of Final Examination form to Graduate College.
16. Four copies of each dissertation and six copies of the abstract must be submitted in a manila envelope with the student’s name and dissertation title at the top of each envelope. The six abstracts are to be in one envelope with the student's name and title of dissertation as well as department listed at the top of the envelope. One copy of the dissertation should be submitted to the departmental graduate secretary on regular copy paper, tape bound. Another copy of each dissertation (including the abstract) should be submitted to the departmental graduate secretary as a Microsoft Word file on a 3.5 inch diskette. Two copies of the abstract must also be submitted to the secretary on regular copy paper.

 *Refer to Institutional Review Board Information

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
FOR PH.D. CANDIDATES

A. To encourage an in-depth review and assimilation of the individual’s educational experiences.

B. To provide an opportunity for the individual to demonstrate the extent to which he/she can integrate and synthesize his/her total educational experiences and apply these to the solution of problems in the field.

    The responsibility for development, implementation and on-going evaluation of the comprehensive examination procedures will rest with the Departmental Graduate Coordinator in cooperation with the graduate faculty members in the Department.

1. Monday and Tuesday (or the first two work days) of the week prior to the beginning of spring semester classes.
2. Monday and Tuesday (or the first two work days) of the week prior to the beginning of summer school classes.

    The student who fails the examination (or any part) is eligible to retake the examination (or appropriate parts) at the next scheduled time upon the recommendation of the student’s advisory committee chairperson within the guidelines established by the Graduate College.

    The written examination will consist of four sessions of three hours each, conducted during two consecutive days. Each session will consist of essay questions (usually three or more with choices of three). An oral session will consist of two hours of questions from the student’s advisory committee at a date scheduled by the student two to five weeks after the written examination.

First Session—This portion of the comprehensive examination will be designed to assess the student’s ability to demonstrate ways in which concepts from these foundation areas relate to current issues and problems in agricultural education;

Second Session—This portion of the comprehensive examination will assess the extent to which the student has mastered the content in his/her area of specialization and can apply it to problems and situations. The questions will normally be prepared by the outside member of the student’s advisory committee, but may involve other members of the advisory committee or faculty in the area of specialization.

Third Session—This portion of the comprehensive examination will assess how well the student has mastered research methodology and can explain how to use it to solve problems and design research.

Fourth Session—This portion of the comprehensive examination will assess how well the student knows the concepts and content in agricultural education and can explain how to use them in approaching problems and in planning, implementing, and evaluating agricultural education programs.

Oral Session—The oral examination will be a defense and/or clarification of the written responses to the questions in the written sessions. This will be an opportunity for the student to clarify responses. It is also an opportunity for the committee to clarify understanding of questions or responses.

    The student’s handwritten responses will be photocopied and returned to the student to have typed verbatim. The Graduate Coordinator will keep the original. Those preparing their responses on the computer will print the responses at the end of each session and turn them in to the Graduate Coordinator or the person supervising the examination. Those using computers must ensure the hard drive is clear of resource material for the test and that responses are saved on a clean disk. Students are responsible for getting copies of responses to each committee member along with evaluation sheets. They are also responsible for checking with committee members to set the date for the oral examination. Committee members will bring responses and evaluation sheets to the oral examination for final determination of a pass/fail decision. The committee chair will check responses for verbatim typing and copying.

    The committee will recommend pass or fail for each of the four written sessions and the oral session. Results will be reported to the student at the conclusion of the oral session. Results will be reported to the Graduate Coordinator to be officially submitted to the Dean of the Graduate College. If one or more written sessions or the oral session is failed, a retake of the oral session will be necessary to defend the session(s) that are retaken. Also, in the event of a failure on any session, it will be the committee’s responsibility to identify the condition under which another examination may be taken. The committee will identify the areas of weakness, suggest topics for further study, and specify details for the retake.

    The written sections of the examination are to determine the extent to which the student can recall, synthesize, organize, and apply, in his/her unique personal style, knowledge directly pertaining to various aspects of and issues in agricultural education. What is sought is prima facie evidence that the respondent does (1) understand the question or problem presented, (2) cite appropriate sources and research, (3) logically develop the most important aspects of the problem or issue, and (4) succinctly conclude with his/her own position regardless of how this may vary from or adhere to traditionally accepted positions. Above all, students should "personalize" their responses and then defend their positions.

All graduate students are expected to read and to comply with the written regulations as printed in the general University Catalog. All matriculating students are eligible for one free catalog upon their initial enrollment in the Graduate College.

Enrollment Requirements

Time Limits

Grade Point Requirements

Transfer Hours

Plan of Study

Graduation

 

DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

    There are numerous graduate assistantship and internship opportunities available in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development as well as in various departments and offices throughout the University.

    Applications are available for departmental assistantships and internships in the office of the departmental graduate secretary. Additionally, assistantship opportunities in other departments and offices are generally posted on the graduate student bulletin board in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development.

    Graduate students at OSU can participate in a number of student organizations. There are many undergraduate organizations in which graduate students can become involved. Those affiliated with the Ag Ed Department include Collegiate FFA, ATA, Collegiate 4-H, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture, and Phi Delta Kappa, an honorary educational society, also meet monthly at OSU.

    The Oklahoma State University Graduate Student Association is composed of representatives from every graduate degree-granting department. It operates independently of the undergraduate Student Government Association and is the voice of graduate students on all issues. Its goal is to improve all aspects of graduate education. Most work is completed through a committee structure and non-representatives are encouraged to become involved. The Association sponsors travel to professional meetings, professional development seminars, and external speakers for graduate students.

    The Agricultural Education, Communications, and 4-H Youth Development Department also has its own Graduate Student Association. The group holds monthly business meetings, discussing upcoming events and OSU Graduate Student Association updates, as well as various social and educational events throughout the year.

* Core courses - 2 of the 4 recommended for masters students, all recommended for doctoral students

+ Required for MS and Ph.D.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION GRADUATE FACULTY

University Home Page
Division Home Page
College Home Page
Department Home Page
Student Information Page