Program Quick Facts
CAEP-Approved
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Cutting-Edge Skills
Combine the strengths of Agricultural and Extension Education with Journalism and Media Studies.
Affordable Tuition
NMSU Global Campus offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Further Your Career in Agriculture
The Agricultural Strategic Communications (ACS) degree at NMSU Global Campus is designed for working professionals, specifically educators, who wish to advance their skills in strategic communication within the agricultural sector. Through this program, you will gain the expertise needed to strategically influence and advance organizational missions through effective communication strategies.
If you’re a New Mexico secondary public school teacher, you can potentially use this graduate degree program to achieve Level III teacher licensure. We advise you to check with your school district for their specific guidelines.
Apply NowCareer Pathways
Graduates with a Master of Agricultural and Extension Education in Agricultural Strategic Communications can explore a range of career paths within the agricultural industry or the field of education, such as:
- Agriculture Education Teacher
- Agribusiness and the Local Community
- Communications Specialist
- Educational Supervisor
- Extension Agent
- Middle and High School Teacher
- Program Coordinator
“As an 18 year old, I found NMSU to be one of the most inviting campuses — rich in student life yet equally involved in academics. As a 36 year old, I am looking forward to coming full circle with NMSU and graduating as an Aggie forever.”
Stephanie M., Class of 2024
The Master of Agricultural Strategic Communications (ASC) equips students with advanced skills and strategies in communication. By enrolling in this program, students follow a comprehensive curriculum focused on deploying a diverse array of communication tools to strategically plan, execute, and assess the effectiveness of communication initiatives. They also gain insight into various media platforms, including paid, earned, shared, and owned media.
Delivery Format: 100% online classes offered each semester, with hybrid options also available
Program Credits: 30 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40**
Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
College: Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
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The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education: Agricultural Strategic Communications consists of 30 credits, including 15 required credits from the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education (AXED) and 12 required credits in Journalism and Media Studies (JMS). Students must select either Plan A: Thesis Option with 4-6 credits of thesis work, or Plan B: Creative Component Option with 4-6 credits of project work. Both plans require a final oral examination.
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| AXED 5110: Management of Change, Diffusion, and Adoption of Innovations | 3 |
| AXED 5150: Strategic Communications Campaigns and Evaluation | 3 |
| AXED 5320: Risk and Crisis Communications in Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | 3 |
| AXED 5310: New Mexico Water Issues | 3 |
| JOUR 463: Public Relations for Social Impact | 3 |
| JOUR 470: Environmental, Social, and Governance Public Relations | 3 |
The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education requires the following items be sent directly to the department for admission:
- Two letters of recommendation — Applicants should request letters of recommendation from individuals who know them well enough to comment on their professional skills and abilities.
- Career statement — A two-page letter of application to identify your professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
- Personal Interview — A personal interview may be required at the discretion of the Departmental Graduate Committee.
Please do not send the above items to the Graduate School as this will cause a delay in your admission status.
At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: onlineFA@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.