Credential Program in Agriculture

Cal Poly’s Agricultural Education Credential Program prepares future educators to lead and inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. Through our comprehensive, cohort-based model, students engage in a transformative year-long journey—from July to July—that culminates in earning a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Agriculture, an Agriculture Specialist Credential, and a Master of Agricultural Education degree. Rooted in hands-on experience, industry engagement, and educational excellence, our program equips aspiring teachers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting impact in high school agricultural classrooms across California and beyond.

What is it like to become a high school agriculture educator?

Click here to read a personal testament by Riley Nilsen, Past Cal Poly ASI President and California State FFA President, about the value of pursuing high school agricultural education as a career. 

Who Can Apply

The Agricultural Education Credential Program at Cal Poly is open to individuals who have met the required program preconditions, regardless of the institution where those requirements were completed. Whether you’ve earned your undergraduate degree at Cal Poly or another accredited university, you are eligible to apply as long as you have fulfilled the necessary subject matter and admissions prerequisites.

We welcome diverse educational backgrounds and are committed to preparing all qualified candidates to become impactful agriculture educators.

Subject Matter Competency

To be eligible for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Agriculture, candidates must demonstrate subject matter competency. The recommended path to meet this requirement is through completion of the B.S. in Agricultural Science along with the Agricultural Education minor at Cal Poly, which provides a streamlined and comprehensive preparation aligned with credentialing standards.

Alternative pathways to demonstrate subject matter competency are available; however, individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field to be considered.

Interested in pursuing agricultural education? Nicole Ray nray04@calpoly.edu to start planning your pathway into the program.

Clinical Practice Resources

• Unit and Lesson Planning Templates
• Clinical Practice Forms and Handbook
• School of Education Handbooks

Credential Program Application and Resources