Extension Education (AEED)
Graduate Degree Program
College: Agriculture and Natural Resources
ABSTRACT
The Master of Extension Education features a multi-disciplinary program with core courses focused on principles of Extension in needs assessment, program development, evaluation, and social science research methodology as well as a suite of supportive elective courses in a variety of Extension specialty areas. Graduates with Extension education experiences are prepared for dynamic careers in secondary and post-secondary education, non-profits, government, and leadership roles in enterprise.
CONTACT
Melissa Leiden Welsh, Ph.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor & Program Director
2130 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Dr.
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.6969
Email: drmwelsh@umd.edu
Colby J. Silvert, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator
2133 Plant Sciences Building
4291 Fieldhouse Dr.
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.7041
Email: csilvert@umd.edu
For general program inquiries: aeedgradadmissions@umd.edu
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Statement of Purpose/Essay
- Transcript(s)
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- CV/Resume
- Supplementary Application - Intended Coursework
- Supplementary Application Two - Non-formal Education Essay
- Writing Samples (2 required): Please submit a sample of your professional writing. Note if it was published and where (some examples include: Extensions fact sheet, journal article, practitioner article, popular media/newspaper [educational focus], grower's newsletter, etc.). Also note your role/position as an author (e.g., first author, etc.).
- Description of Research/Work Experience (optional): This is an opportunity to further describe your previous research/work (in addition to items listed in your statement of purpose).
- All applicants are requested to respond to at least one of the prompts below as an additional component:
- Community involvement and/or service
- Engagement in leadership roles, facilitating change, and/or mentoring
- Overcoming social, economic, educational, or physical barriers
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Type of Applicant | Fall Deadline | Spring Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants | ||
| US Citizens and Permanent Residents | August 12, 2025 | January 7, 2025 |
| International Applicants | ||
| F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants | March 5, 2025 | September 24, 2024 |
RESOURCES AND LINKS:
Program Website: https://psla.umd.edu/degrees/master-extension-education/
Application Process: https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions
| Last Name | First/Middle Name | Graduate Faculty Status | Academic Credentials | Positions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chan | Alexander | Full Member | M.S., Auburn University; Ph.D., Mississippi State University | Senior Agent, Extension Education |
| Cochran | Diana | Associate | B.S., Auburn University, 2005; M.S., Auburn University, 2007; Ph.D., Missippissi State University, 2012. | Director, Plant Science Assistant Clinical Professor, Plant Science Assistant Clinical Professor, Extension Education |
| Fiorellino | Nicole | Full Member | B.S., Rutgers University, 2008; M.S., University of MD College Park, 2010; Ph.D., 2015. | Assistant Professor, Plant Science Assistant Professor, Extension Education |
| Glenn | Anna Mae | Full Member | MS, Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communications with certificate in International Agricultural Development (Texas A&M), 2014; BS, Animal and Avian Sciences (UMD) BS, Agricultural Sciences & Technology (UMD), 2012 | Agent, Extension Education |
| Hu | Mengjun | Full Member | B.S., China Agricultural University, 2008; Ph.D., Huazhong Agricultural University, 2013. | Assistant Professor, Plant Science Assistant Professor, Extension Education |
| Jarboe | Darren | Full Member | B.S., Iowa State University, 1985; M.S., Iowa State University, 1991; Ph.D., Iowa State University, 2012. | Assistant Director, Extension Education Principal Agent, Extension Education |
| Kness | Andrew | Full Member | B.S., University of Delaware; M.S., University of Delaware | Senior Agent, Extension Education |
| Little | Neith | Full Member | B.A., College of the Atlantic; M.S., Cornell University | Senior Agent, Extension Education |
| Macaulay | Luke | Associate | B.S., University of Notre Dame, 2002; M.S., University of California-Berkeley, 2010; Ph.D., 2015. | Agent, Extension Education |
| Phillips | William Henry | Associate | B.S., University of Maryland, 1992; M.S., University of Maryland, 1996; Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2005 | Assistant Clinical Professor, Plant Science Assistant Clinical Professor, Extension Education |
| Shahoveisi | Fereshteh | Full Member | B.S., University of Tehran, 2012; M.S., University of Tehran, 2015: Ph.D., North Dakota State University-Fargo, 2020. | Assistant Professor, Plant Science Assistant Professor, Extension Education |
| Silvert | Colby | Full Member | B.S., University of IIlinois-Urbana/Champaign, 2014; M.S., University of Florida, 2020; Ph.D., University of Florida, 2023. | Assistant Professor, Plant Science Assistant Professor, Extension Education |
| Vollmer | Kurt | Full Member | B.S., Emory & Henry College, 2006; M.S., University of Florida, 2010; Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, 2014. | Agent, Extension Education |
| Welsh | Melissa | Full Member | B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1999; M.Ed., Pennsylvania State University, 2009; Ph.D., Purdue University-West Lafeyette, 2014. | Director, Plant Science Director, Extension Education Assistant Clinical Professor, Plant Science Assistant Clinical Professor, Extension Education |