An Assessment of Extension Education Curriculum at Land Grant Universities

Abstract

A critical assessment of extension education is needed to ensure there are adequate opportunities for students to study extension education and that the curriculum is relevant to today's Cooperative Extension Service. This descriptive study was conducted to assess extension education curriculum by identifying and comparing the courses being taught at land grant universities with the competency areas in the Ohio State model of extension education. Courses related to extension knowledge, leadership, and management; theories of human development and learning; program planning, implementation, and evaluation; and applied research were most commonly included in the curriculum. The lack of balance in the curriculum and the discrepancies between the Ohio State model and current practice indicate a need for continued discussion about the types of courses that should be included in extension education curriculum.