Oklahoma State University offers a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership that can be completed from home
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Faculty from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources are seeking students interested in finishing their bachelor’s degree online through Oklahoma State University.
The agricultural leadership bachelor’s degree completion program enables students to finish their bachelor’s degree from home. Students who have completed an associate degree in agriculture or the equivalent from an Oklahoma college are eligible to participate.
The program is designed to offer an alternative way for students to earn a bachelor’s degree. All junior and senior level course work needed to complete the program is offered online.
“We want to provide an opportunity for agriculture students who are place bound,” said Bill Weeks, professor in the department of agricultural education, communications and leadership and program director. “Meaning, moving to Stillwater to complete their degree may not be an option.”
Students are place bound for a variety of reasons. Some students have jobs in their local community, some have family responsibilities at home and some simply want to work on their degrees without disruption, Weeks said.
For the degree completion program, students should have completed 60 hours of agricultural coursework through a two-year college or on-campus at Oklahoma State University. Students then can complete their final 60 hours online.
The agricultural leadership degree completion program allows students the chance to fit education into their lives.
“This program appealed to me because the classes are online, in agriculture and through OSU,” said Kristen Weaver, a student enrolled in the program from Bristow, Oklahoma. “I still can work, run my ranch at home and continue my education.”
Sammy Taylor, a student from Muskogee, Oklahoma, also likes the flexibility of the program.
“I am a stay at home mom and really wanted to finish my bachelors,” Taylor said. “This program was really perfect for me and my family.”
The first two years of the program proved successful as 30 students joined the on-line program as either part-time or full-time students. Several students who began the program in 2017 graduated in December 2018 or will graduate in May 2019.
“We are excited for the 2019 group to enroll this fall” said Penny Pennington Weeks, agricultural leadership professor.
Students interested in the degree completion program should contact the program director and apply for admission to OSU. Once admitted to OSU, students will work with an agricultural leadership advisor to create a schedule of courses that works for them.
“This program has been such a perfect fit for my family and me so far,” Taylor said. “I can’t wait to see what else it helps me accomplish.”
The agricultural leadership degree completion program is funded through a $270,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Higher Education Challenge Grant in partnership with Connors State College, Murray State College and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.
Students interested in the degree completion program should contact Bill Weeks at 405-744-5129 or bill.weeks@okstate.edu for more information.
MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Weeks | Agricultural Education, Communication & Leadership | 405-744-8318 | bill.weeks@okstate.edu