|
Whether teaching people about their part in creating sustainable agricultural and environmental systems, or helping employees learn a new skill, students graduating in Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) are prepared for these challenges. The AEE curriculum allows students to explore a diversity of agricultural and environmental topics. The major is designed to help students understand basic and advanced concepts in both the natural and social sciences. The program's focus on real-world activities and hands-on training makes it excellent preparation for students interested in entering professional careers that merge the social and natural sciences in agricultural and environmental contexts.
Real World
Majors in agricultural and environmental education are prepared for a broad range of careers in the agricultural and environmental sciences where social, interpersonal, communication and teaching skills are needed. By all accounts, there is a tremendous shortage of teachers in California, particularly in the sciences. This major will prepare students to enter a teacher credential program in either science or agricultural and environmental education. Graduates have found employment in public schools, non-profit organizations, financial institutions, state and federal agencies, nature preserves, community organizations and in sustainable development.
Major Requirements
You will begin your course of study with a series of fundamental courses in science, mathematics and perspectives on agriculture and the environment. The broad-based major includes a sampling of courses in animal science, plant and soil science, environmental horticulture, agricultural and environmental engineering, economics and the environmental sciences. At the upper-division level, you will select an area of specialization from the breath of courses listed above. In addition, courses are required in education that prepare you for working with people of all ages.
Major Adviser
Name: Lynn Martindale and Meara W. Schmidt, M.Ed.
Contact: lmartindale@ucdavis.edu, mwschmidt@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-6118
A Student Perspective
I came to UC Davis as an animal science major on a pre-veterinary track. But after I got involved with Aggie Ambassadors, my college's student recruiting program, I realized I was more interested in working with people. The Agricultural and Environmental Education major is broad enough that even if students are still looking for a specific focus, the major offers a lot of opportunities. And since it's a new and growing major, I've really gotten to know a lot of other students and faculty.
~ Briana Perry, senior & peer adviser
A Faculty Perspective
The agricultural and environmental education (AEE) major is unique because it allows the student to develop knowledge and skills in a breath of agricultural and environmental disciplines, while specializing in an area that is of greatest personal interest. The major also helps the student gain "people and communication skills" that are desired by employers in all careers. As new technologies and processes are developed, there is a tremendous need for people with both disciplinary knowledge and the ability to help others learn. The Agricultural and Environmental Education major does just this.
~ Dr. Cary Trexler, professor & major adviser
|
