Program Quick Facts
CAEP-Approved
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Level III Teacher Licensure
Achieve Level III teacher licensure in New Mexico through this flexible, affordable graduate program.
Affordable Tuition
NMSU Global Campus offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Flexible Pathway to Advance in Your Teaching Career
The online Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education at NMSU Global Campus prepares educators in agricultural-related industries to tackle real-world challenges in teaching, community outreach, and workforce development.
Focusing on the close connections between agricultural industries and the social and economic structures of communities, this flexible graduate program enhances your skills in planning, evaluating, and delivering educational programs that foster lifelong learning in agriculture and technology. You’ll also develop the creativity and vision needed to navigate future challenges in this fast-evolving sector — making a lasting impact on agricultural education and outreach.
If you’re a New Mexico secondary public school teacher, you can use this program to achieve Level III licensure!
Apply NowCareer Pathways
Graduates of the Master of Agricultural and Extension Education from NMSU Global Campus typically work in education, extension services, and industry leadership. Here is a sampling of your professional career options:
- Agricultural Education Teacher
- Agricultural Extension Agent
- High School Agricultural Teacher
- Human Resources Specialist
- Program Coordinator (Museums, National Parks)
- Youth Development Specialist (4H, FAA)
“During my research, I saw how affordable it was for out-of-state students. For those that have family or full-time jobs, NMSU Global Campus is the only place to go.”
Raven A., Class of 2023
The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education offers a deep understanding of agriculture’s impact on society, applying scientific and business principles to address real-world challenges. Students in this program will gain practical skills and knowledge in key areas of agricultural and extension education, including:
- Exploring the historical and philosophical roots of agricultural and extension education to understand its influence on the industry today.
- Examining how new agricultural ideas, technologies, and practices spread — and what strategies help communities and organizations successfully adopt them.
- Designing, managing, and improving educational programs to support youth development in agriculture.
Students can tailor their degree to their interests with two flexible options: a research-driven thesis or a hands-on project or investigation — both designed to align with professional goals and passions.
Delivery Format: 100% online, with synchronous and asynchronous sessions
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
Fill out the form to talk to an advisor.
The Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education requires 30 credits to complete. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis plan. Both include a final oral examination.
Thesis plan: Requires a minimum of 30 semester credits, including 6 credits of thesis work.
Non-Thesis plan: Requires 30 semester credits of coursework, including a 6-credit creative component.
| Thesis Plan: Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| AXED 5110: Management of Change, Diffusion, and Adoption of Innovations | 3 |
| AXED 5150: Strategic Communications Campaigns and Evaluation | 3 |
| AXED 5310: New Mexico Water Issues | 3 |
| AXED 5320: Risk and Crisis Communications in Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | 3 |
| AXED 5510: Research Methods | 3 |
| AXED 5999: Master’s Thesis | 3 |
| Non-Thesis Plan: Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| AXED 5110: Management of Change, Diffusion, and Adoption of Innovations | 3 |
| AXED 5150: Strategic Communications Campaigns and Evaluation | 3 |
| AXED 5215: New Mexico Water Issues | 3 |
| AXED 5320: Risk and Crisis Communications in Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | 3 |
| AXED 5515: Data Collection and Analysis | 3 |
| AXED 5994: Creative Component | 3 |
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Letter of interest
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation
If you have relevant professional experience but hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field, or if your undergraduate GPA is between 2.5 – 2.9, you are still encouraged to apply. GRE scores are not required.
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: globalFA@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.