UNG launches ag education degree

Kyla Carruth transferred to the University of North Georgia (UNG) planning to pursue a degree in middle grades education and later earn her certification in teaching agriculture. Thanks to a new program, Carruth's path became much simpler.

She will move into the Bachelor of Science in agricultural education program, which is accepting students starting in fall 2026 at UNG's Gainesville Campus. For the Commerce, Georgia, resident, the ability to teach anywhere from elementary school to high school once she earns her degree is another major benefit.

"I can teach wherever I want," said Carruth, a sophomore. "This program is going to open up so many doors for me and others."

Options elsewhere in Georgia for agricultural education degrees are at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, which is hours from home for north Georgia residents, or the University of Georgia, which is more expensive than UNG. Dr. Linda Purvis, associate professor of biology and leader of UNG's agriculture associate degree programs, said many of UNG's current agriculture students are already interested in teaching.

"Now they can seamlessly stay at UNG and earn their education degree here," Purvis said.

This degree program comes at a perfect time for Carruth. She was part of her National Future Farmers of America chapter in both middle and high school and found great community.

"I realized I want to teach. And I have such a passion for agriculture and teaching youth about it," Carruth said. "I want to teach students where their food comes from, and I want to give them the support that I had."

Dr. Sheri Hardee, dean of UNG's College of Education, is glad UNG will now be delivering this important program.

"Career, technical and agricultural programs at local high schools are very healthy. Gainesville is the poultry capital of the world," Hardee said. "Why not have these opportunities for students who may not want to go into agriculture but may want to teach it?"

Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, expressed enthusiasm for the new degree program.

"The College of Science & Mathematics is thrilled to be partnering with the College of Education to bring the new Bachelor of Science in agricultural education to fruition," Leyba said. "The program brings together two strong and complementary units at UNG, resulting in a new generation of impactful teachers."

For more information on the bachelor's degree in agricultural education, email Linda.Purvis@ung.edu or Sheri.Hardee@ung.edu.