MSc (Hons) Agriculture Extension

Introduction and Overview:

Agriculture extension is the branch of science deals with agriculture, horticulture and farmer education. Agriculture extension is also known as agriculture advisory services. It is basically a link between the knowledge of agriculture and farmer. Graduate and post graduate programs are offered in agriculture extension. Master program in agriculture extension is offered in a number of institutes in Pakistan. Students like to choose this program after completing BS agriculture. 

Specializations / Majors:

The specializations in agriculture extension which are in demand are mentioned below. The students can choose any specialization among them. 

• Agriculture business
• Equine Science
• Horticulture and agronomy 

The major areas of agriculture extension are:

• Agriculture chemistry
• Forestry
• Agriculture communication
• Apiculture
• Aqua farming

Duration / Credit hours:

The duration of MSc (Hons) is two years or four semesters. There are 24 credit hours and also 6 credit hours for research work and thesis. Normally, this degree program requires minimum 2 years duration for its completion. 

Affiliations & Accreditations:

In Pakistan, HEC affiliated institutes for MSc (Hons) Agriculture Extension are:

• University of Sargodha, Sargodha
• University of agriculture, Faisalabad
• Pir Mahar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi

Scope & Career:

Pakistan is an agriculture country and in rural areas mostly people opt agriculture as their profession. The students which do MSc (Hons) Agriculture Extension study the lifestyle of farmers and agriculture practices. This degree has good demand in Pakistan. Pakistan can progress in the areas of agriculture if we pay more attention in the field of agriculture, we can become a developed country. Many universities of Pakistan are offering MSc (Hons) Agriculture Extension and many students do graduation in this field. Students can have better future and scope in the field of agriculture. Some of the jobs are mentioned here which the students can avail:

• Agriculture officer
• Scientific affairs manager
• Contract management specialist
• Agriculture department clerical jobs
• Project officer

Syllabus & Courses:

Following courses are taught during the two years of MSc (Hons) Agriculture Extension in universities. These courses are given by HEC.

• Soil science and agriculture chemistry
• Agriculture economics and farm management
• Entomology
• Forestry
• Food science and technology
• Plant pathology
• Plants breeding and genetics
• Biotechnology

Skills and Learning Outcomes of the Program:

The students learn about the agriculture knowledge and its application and role in our life. The students understand various aspects of rural areas and agricultural land.

List of Related Courses:

The related courses of MSc (Hons) Agriculture Extension are given here:

• MSc Agriculture and development
• MSc communication for development
• MSc applied economics and statistics
• MS Entomology
• MSc in animal sciences

Further Study Options:

The post graduates programs are offered in agriculture extension. The students can get enrolled in PhD program after completing MSc (Hons) in Agriculture Extension. 

Study Abroad Options:

Students also have choice to go abroad for further studies. In each country, there are seats for foreign students in almost all programs. Students can apply for the respective program in the institute of the country he wants to get admission and can get enrolled. Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and United States of America are considered as the best countries for study abroad.