Advance Your Career with a Degree from Mississippi State

Master of Agriculture – Agricultural and Extension Education Concentration

Advance your career in agriculture with the fully online, 30-credit hour, non-thesis Master of Agriculture with a concentration in Agricultural and Extension Education (MAGAEE) from Mississippi State University. This graduate program is designed for professionals who want to lead, educate, and make a lasting impact in agricultural communities.

Program Highlights

The Agricultural and Extension Education concentration prepares students to:

  • Design and deliver formal and non-formal educational programs tailored to the needs of agricultural stakeholders
  • Apply research-based evaluation methods to improve programs continuously
  • Communicate agricultural knowledge effectively to diverse audiences
  • Strengthen leadership and communication skills essential for careers in education, extension, and outreach

Students also deepen their expertise in agricultural science while gaining the tools to educate and lead in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Is This Program Right for You?

This program is a great fit for professionals who are passionate about the human side of agriculture—those who want to teach, mentor, and support agricultural development in schools, communities, and organizations.

  • 100% Online – Complete all coursework from anywhere in Mississippi or across the country
  • Flexible Schedule – Courses are delivered asynchronously to accommodate work and life schedules
  • Affordable Tuition – All online students pay in-state tuition, no matter where you live

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MAGAEE program are prepared for leadership and education-focused roles within agriculture, including:

  • Extension Agent or Specialist
  • Agricultural Education Instructor
  • Agricultural Program Coordinator
  • Agricultural Communications Specialist
  • Community Development Specialist

Program Structure – 100% Online Agriculture Degree

The Master of Agriculture – Agricultural and Extension Education Concentration is a fully online, 30-credit hour program designed for working professionals in the agriculture industry who want to lead, educate, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

 

  • Flexible Pace: Complete 10 courses (3 credit hours each), including core courses and electives. Study full-time or part-time to fit your schedule.
  • Course Requirements:
    • 18 credit hours in Agricultural and Extension Education concentration courses
    • 12 credit hours of advisor-approved electives tailored to your interests and career goals
  • Scholarly Project: In your final semesters, you’ll complete a scholarly project aligned with your professional goals and area of study. This applied project is designed to help you demonstrate your knowledge and contribute to your field.
  • Comprehensive Exam: Upon completing all coursework, students must successfully defend their scholarly project and pass a comprehensive oral exam to earn the degree.

Agricultural and Extension Education Concentration Courses

Course Number Course Title Credit Hours
AELC 8100 Creative Component 3
AELC 8203 Advanced Communications 3

AELC 8243 Administration and Supervision

OR

AELC 8413 Methods of Planned Change

3

AELC 8503 Program Planning and Development in AEE

OR

AELC 8153 Curriculum Development in Agricultural Education

3
AELC 8593 Historical Foundations of AEE 3
AELC 8703 Evaluation of Agriculture and Extension Education 3
Advisor approved electives 12
Total Hours: 30

Admissions – Online Master of Agriculture (MAGAEE)

Ready to advance your education with a flexible, fully online master’s degree in agriculture? Follow the steps below to apply for the Master of Agriculture – Agricultural and Extension Education Concentration at Mississippi State University.

Admissions Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Must be from a fully accredited four-year institution.
  • GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last four semesters of undergraduate coursework.
  • No GRE Required – The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Application Deadlines
  • Fall Semester – August 1
  • Spring Semester – December 1
  • Summer Semester – May 15

Admission Options

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

Students seeking full admission into the Master of Agriculture with a concentration in Agricultural and Extension Education program should apply as a classified student.

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Master of Agriculture with a concentration in Agricultural and Extension Education as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      Office of the Graduate School
      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Additional Required Application Step

Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.

Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Headshot of Mark Jimerson

Mark Jimerson

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Headshot of Mark Jimerson

Dr. Carley Calico Morrison

Graduate Coordinator, Agricultural and Extension Education

  • Associate Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.