Purdue University

Overview

The Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication (ASEC) PhD program at Purdue University is designed to explore how individuals learn about food, agriculture, and natural resources. This innovative program emphasizes improving teaching methodologies, outreach efforts, and science communication strategies. Students will gain essential research skills to assess learning and communication interventions across various settings, both formal and informal.

What you'll study

Curriculum overview: The ASEC PhD curriculum integrates graduate coursework with comprehensive research training. Students will engage in core courses that focus on agricultural education, science communication, and STEM learning, while progressively concentrating on dissertation research.

• Agricultural and Extension Education: Focuses on learning within extension and agricultural education contexts.
• Agricultural and Science Communication: Covers communication theory, message design, and public engagement strategies.
• STEM Learning Systems: Explores learning sciences, instructional design, and evaluation methodologies.
• Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication: Offers program-specific research opportunities and professional development.
• Agricultural Sciences: Provides the foundational knowledge necessary for education and communication research.

Research and dissertation: Students will develop a dissertation proposal and complete essential milestones, including qualifying and doctoral examinations. The dissertation will involve original research aimed at enhancing learning, outreach, or communication practices related to agriculture and natural resource systems.

Electives and specialization: Students can select elective courses that align with their research interests, including evaluation methods, learning technologies, and qualitative or quantitative research design.

Entry requirements

Applicants are encouraged to review specific admission criteria, which typically include the submission of standardized test scores, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The program may require the GRE® General Test as part of the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the ASEC PhD program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, research, and professional roles within agricultural education and communication sectors. Opportunities may include positions in universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry, where they can contribute to advancing education and communication in agriculture and natural resources.