California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

What you'll study

The credential program combines coursework in agriculture education methods, program planning, leadership, supervised field experience and technical agriculture topics. Course units required for the Agricultural Specialist Credential include:

• AGS 3000: Advocacy and Agriculture — 2 units
• AGS 5050: Youth and Adult Leadership — 3 units
• AGS 5430: Program Planning and Development — 3 units
• AGS 5440/5440A: Procedures in Agricultural Education — 2/1 units
• AGS 5441: Early Field Experience — 3 units
• AGS 5442/5442A: Agriculture Skills and Facilities — 2/1 units
• AGS 5450: Field Practices and Supervision — 2 units
• AGS 5470/5470L: Teaching Methods in Agriculture Systems Technology — 2/1 units

Total units for the listed Agriculture Specialist coursework: 22 units. The curriculum emphasizes instructional planning, classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, integration of STEM, SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) programming, CTE strategies, and subject-matter foundations in animal and plant science, agribusiness, sustainability, and natural resources.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in an approved major within the Huntley College of Agriculture. Students are advised to enroll in the Agricultural Science major, which includes a waiver of the subject-matter competency requirement; students in other majors must complete additional coursework or pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) to demonstrate subject competency. Candidates must also have two years (or 3,000 hours) of practical work experience in the agriculture industry. The Agricultural Specialist requirements are completed concurrently with the Single Subject Credential in Agriculture; consult the agricultural education program coordinator for planning, especially if entering after the bachelor’s degree.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to teach middle and high school agricultural courses and to administer comprehensive agriculture programs. Typical responsibilities include classroom and laboratory instruction, managing supervised agricultural experiences, advising FFA chapters, coordinating student projects, and developing partnerships with community and industry stakeholders. Some coursework can be applied toward a Master of Science in Agriculture (agricultural science option) for those pursuing advanced qualifications.

Scholarships & funding angle

Specific scholarships and funding are administered by Cal Poly Pomona and the Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture; prospective candidates should explore university scholarship listings and department opportunities. Because some credential coursework overlaps with a master’s pathway, candidates may also consider graduate funding options if they plan to continue into a Master of Science in Agriculture.