Oklahoma State University

827

Agricultural Communications Modern agriculture, with its diversity and specialization, requires accurate communication between industry leaders and the public. Education in agricultural communications prepares students to provide the necessary communications link mixing the most current media platforms with traditional principles. By majoring in agricultural communications, students gain communications education with industry specific classes in advertising and public relations, Web design, magazine writing and production, radio and television broadcasting, photography, reporting and newswriting, or research report writing. Opportunities also are available for the student to develop a double-major program with other departments in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. For the graduate with a bachelor's degree in agricultural communications, career opportunities are abundant in the agricultural production industry and in service organizations as well as with publishing firms, broadcast stations, trade publications or related media. Undergraduate Programs • Agricultural Communications, BSAG (p. 828) • Agricultural Communications: Agribusiness Double Major, BS (p. 830) • Agricultural Communications: Animal Science Double Major, BSAG (p. 832) Graduate Programs The Master of Science degree in agricultural communications is designed to build mastery of knowledge in key areas such as communication theory, history, philosophy, technology, advanced communication skills and research and data analysis. The Master of Science degree in agricultural communications reflects the distinctive body of knowledge, research base, professional delivery and program focus of the discipline. In addition, the program introduces and requires students to apply research tools and methods. The Master of Science program serves two primary purposes: a. encouraging mastery of discipline-specific knowledge with an introduction to research and data analysis, and b. offering discipline-specific knowledge with professional application to the work setting. The Master of Science program offers students two options for completion of the degree: thesis option and formal report option. The thesis option requires 30 approved credit hours of coursework, which includes a six-credit hour formal thesis following the graduate college format. The formal report option requires 32 approved semester credit hours of coursework, including a two-credit hour formal report. Students applying for the Master of Science program without a background in the appropriate option will be expected to complete coursework to bring their preparation to an acceptable level. Admission Requirements All students accepted into the agricultural communications Master of Science degree program will be expected to meet all University and Graduate College requirements and to have earned a degree in agricultural communications or related field from an accredited

university. Applicants from outside agricultural communications will be required to complete prerequisite courses equivalent to the knowledge and competencies expected in the agricultural communications undergraduate program. An undergraduate grade-point average of 2.80 overall on a 4.00 scale or 3.00 in the last 30 hours is required. The applicant must complete the Graduate Record Examination, submit a statement of goals for pursuing the master's degree, and submit letters of reference from at least three people knowledgeable of the applicant's professional qualifications. These references should include statements relating to: a. the applicant's success in professional settings or commitment to professions allied with the disciplines in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, b. the applicant's prior academic record as a reflection of ability to succeed in a Master of Science program, and c. the applicant's potential for success in research, writing and course work at the Master of Science level. If such references are not available, the applicant should submit references from one or more faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic career. Other references should be from individuals capable of addressing the applicant's ability to successfully complete a Master of Science program. Review Process for Admission The Office of the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies manages all procedures and records pertinent to admission. The admission process is ongoing with admission recommendations rendered by the graduate faculty in the department. To be eligible for committee review, each applicant must submit an application for admission to the Graduate College, transcripts of all academic records, reference letters, goal statement and GRE scores. Faculty Robert Terry, Jr., PhD—Professor and Head Professors: D. Dwayne Cartmell, PhD; M. Craig Edwards, PhD; James P. Key, EdD (emeritus); J. Shane Robinson, PhD; Shelly R. Sitton, PhD; Penny L. Weeks, PhD; William G. Weeks, PhD Associate Professors: Jon W. Ramsey, PhD; Jeff Sallee, PhD Assistant Professors: Marshall Baker, PhD; Ruth Inman, PhD; Angel Riggs, PhD; Quisto Settle, PhD