English Language Proficiency Tests
Students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from TOEFL or another English Language Proficiency Test. TOEFL scores are preferred, but IELTS or MELAB scores are accepted. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 is required. Alternative tests include IELTS (minimum score 6.5) or MELAB (minimum score 80). This requirement is waived for foreign applicants who have completed a degree within the past two years from a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States or another English-speaking country. More information is available here.
Agricultural Education & Communication - MS Initial Licensure
Initial Licensure
The Agricultural Education Initial Licensure sub-plan is designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees who wish to become licensed to teach school-based agricultural education in Minnesota. Sub-plan completers meet the requirements for Ag Ed 5 - 12 licensure and the Teacher Coordinator of Work-based Learning 9 - 12 endorsement.
Application Deadlines
Admissions is done on a rolling basis with the following deadlines:
- June 15 - Fall Semester Admission
- October 15 - Spring Semester Admission
- February 15 - Summer Semester Admission
Instructions
Applications cannot be reviewed until all required materials listed below are submitted successfully and the application fee has been paid.
How to apply:
Submit all required materials through the online application system.
Required Materials and What to Submit
| Required Materials | What to submit |
|---|---|
| Application for Graduate Admission | Required: personal information, application information, educational background, employment/residence information, applicant statement, diversity statement, course history, and recommendations. |
Personal Statement | In a statement of 1500 words or less, describe your personal, academic and professional background and career goals. Highlight your rationale for pursuing Minnesota teacher licensure in Agricultural Education and how you see a graduate degree in Agricultural Education and Communication contributing to your growth and development as an educator. |
Diversity Statement | Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. |
Application Fee | Fees vary based on applicant status. For information, visit the Graduate School's application fee page. Unfortunately we are unable to offer application fee waivers. |
Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly into the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of any degree-granting transcripts. Applicants will receive instructions on how to submit official documents after they are admitted. |
Letters of Recommendation | Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable. Two (2) references are required. Your recommenders will receive an email with instructions about how to upload a letter. Paper copies are not accepted. |
Curriculum Vitae or Resume | Upload in the Program Supplementary Information section |
Optional Statement of Financial Need/Support | Programmatically there are limited funds available to support scholarships and/or fellowships. Should you have financial need and wish to be considered for such funds, please provide a Request for Financial Support (500 words or less, uploaded under Graduate Program Additional Materials). |
Optional Extenuating Circumstances Statement | If you would like to provide an explanation of circumstances that contributed to your course grades or GPA, please do so. |
Agricultural Education & Communication - MS Advanced Studies & Research
Advanced Studies & Research
The Agricultural Education & Communication Professional Studies sub-plan is designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees who wish to advance professional knowledge and skills in the areas of education and communication. Perfect for school-based agriculture teachers, Extension educators, community-based educators, as well as those in communication and marketing careers. This sub-plan provides a relevant and customizable program that will lead to career advancement.
Application Deadlines
Admissions is done on a rolling basis with the following deadlines:
- June 15 - Fall Semester Admission
- October 15 - Spring Semester Admission
- February 15 - Summer Semester Admission
Instructions
Applications cannot be reviewed until all required materials listed below are submitted successfully and the application fee has been paid.
How to apply:
Submit all required materials through the online application system.
Required Materials and What to Submit
| Required Materials | What to submit |
|---|---|
Application for Graduate Admission | Required: personal information, application information, educational background, employment/residence information, applicant statement, diversity statement, course history, and recommendations. |
Personal Statement | In a statement of 1500 words or less, describe your personal, academic and professional background and career goals. Highlight your rationale for pursuing Minnesota teacher licensure in Agricultural Education and how you see a graduate degree in Agricultural Education and Communication contributing to your growth and development as an educator. |
Diversity Statement | Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This mission is enacted by the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that you would bring to your graduate program and how that could contribute to the education and enhanced perspective of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. |
Application Fee | Fees vary based on applicant status. For information, visit the Graduate School's application fee page. Unfortunately we are unable to offer application fee waivers. |
Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly into the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of any degree-granting transcripts. Applicants will receive instructions on how to submit official documents after they are admitted. |
Letters of Recommendation | Acceptable recommendations will come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable. Two (2) references are required. Your recommenders will receive an email with instructions about how to upload a letter. Paper copies are not accepted. |
Curriculum Vitae or Resume | Upload in the Program Supplementary Information section |
Optional Statement of Financial Need/Support | Programmatically there are limited funds available to support scholarships and/or fellowships. Should you have financial need and wish to be considered for such funds, please provide a Request for Financial Support (500 words or less, uploaded under Graduate Program Additional Materials). |
Optional Extenuating Circumstances Statement | If you would like to provide an explanation of circumstances that contributed to your course grades or GPA, please do so. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program STEM designated?
At this time the MS tracks in Agricultural Education & Communication are not STEM designated.
Are GRE scores required?
You are not required to submit GRE scores for admission.
Can I submit an application after the deadline?
Admissions is done on a rolling basis, with firm deadlines for each semester start. We have three different starts and deadlines per year.
Can you review my materials before I apply?
We are unable to provide preliminary evaluations of any applicant’s credentials.
How do I check the status of my application?
Log in using your credentials at choose.umn.edu/apply.
Do I need to submit English proficiency scores if I am an international student?
The TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS is generally required of all applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of U.S. citizenship status. Applicants who have completed at least 16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States or another English-speaking country before entering the University of Minnesota do not need to submit scores. However, you may be required to have your English proficiency tested before you enroll.
Visit the Graduate School for more information on English Language Proficiency Options.
What are the characteristics of students admitted to the Agricultural Education Graduate Program?
Data on admitted students and other program statistics is available.
What resources are available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are students of color?
The Office of Diversity in Graduate Education is here to serve you. It coordinates and leads the University's initiatives in the recruitment, funding, retention, and graduation of a diverse graduate and professional student body. Check out their website for information on scholarships, resources, and helpful information.
What resources are available for international graduate students?
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to serving the University of Minnesota's international community. Its primary mission is to assist international students and scholars in successfully accomplishing the goals that brought them to the University, by using all available resources.