M.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum overall percentage of 83-86 or its equivalent is typically required for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A GRE score of 310 is required.

4. Score reporting required.

Mississippi State University (MSU) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals. The university offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic achievements and contributions of international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, diversity, and leadership. 

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic merit. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA.

2. International Student Scholarships: MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community. Award amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.

3. Intensive English Institute (IEI) Scholarships: MSU's IEI offers scholarships to international students who enroll in English language programs. These scholarships help students improve their English language skills before pursuing their academic studies at the university.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at MSU offer scholarships to international students who are pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, research interests, and involvement in departmental activities.

5. Cultural Exchange Scholarships: MSU encourages cultural exchange by offering scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships promote diversity and foster a global learning environment on campus.

6. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants, which can come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable work experience.

7. External Scholarships: MSU provides information and guidance to international students seeking external scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities offered by government agencies, foundations, and organizations.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at MSU may vary depending on the scholarship program. Generally, students need to complete their application for admission to the university before they can be considered for scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.

Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary and are often aligned with the university's admission application deadlines.

Mississippi State University's (MSU) M.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in educational and leadership roles within the agriculture industry.  

1. Agricultural Extension Agent: Graduates often work as agricultural extension agents, serving as liaisons between research institutions and local farmers. They provide valuable information, resources, and educational programs to improve farming practices.

2. 4-H Youth Development Specialist: Some graduates choose to become 4-H youth development specialists, working with young people in rural communities to teach them about agriculture, leadership, and life skills.

3. Agricultural Educator: Graduates can become agricultural educators, teaching agriculture-related courses at high schools, community colleges, or agricultural institutions, preparing the next generation of agribusiness professionals.

4. Curriculum Developer: Those with an interest in curriculum development can create educational materials and resources for agricultural programs, textbooks, and online courses.

5. Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates often work as community outreach coordinators, developing and implementing outreach programs to educate communities about agriculture, sustainability, and food systems.

6. Farm Management Consultant: Graduates may become farm management consultants, helping farmers improve their operations, financial management, and sustainable farming practices.

7. Agricultural Communication Specialist: Those with strong communication skills can pursue careers as agricultural communication specialists, promoting agricultural issues and innovations through media, marketing, and public relations.

8. Nonprofit Organization Leader: Graduates can work for nonprofit organizations focused on agriculture and rural development, overseeing programs, fundraising, and community engagement efforts.

9. Research and Policy Analyst: Some graduates may work in research and policy analysis, conducting research on agricultural issues and contributing to policy development for government agencies or advocacy groups.

10. Environmental Educator: Graduates can specialize in environmental education, teaching communities about sustainable farming, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

11. Agricultural Program Manager: Graduates often work as program managers for agricultural organizations, overseeing educational programs, workshops, and events.

12. State or Federal Agricultural Agency Officer: Opportunities exist with state and federal agricultural agencies, where graduates can work on agricultural policy, regulation, and research initiatives.

13. Agribusiness Trainer: Graduates may work for agribusiness companies, training employees on the latest agricultural technologies, safety procedures, and industry best practices.

14. International Agricultural Development: Those with a global perspective can pursue careers in international agricultural development, working on projects to improve agriculture and food security in developing countries.

15. Adult Education Coordinator: Graduates can coordinate adult education programs related to agriculture and extension, helping adults acquire new skills and knowledge.

16. Extension Program Evaluator: Some graduates may work as program evaluators, assessing the effectiveness of agricultural extension programs and suggesting improvements.

17. Rural Community Development Specialist: Graduates can focus on rural community development, working on projects to strengthen rural economies and quality of life.

18. Entrepreneurship: Those with entrepreneurial ambitions can start their own agricultural education and consulting businesses, offering services to farmers and rural communities.

19. Policy Advocate: Graduates may become advocates for agricultural policies and issues, representing the interests of farmers and agricultural organizations at the local, state, or national level.

20. Urban Agriculture Specialist: With the rise of urban farming, graduates can specialize in urban agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices in urban environments.