Student Resources
Selecting Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Option
Thesis: Students in the thesis option conduct research on a problem or issue related to agricultural education, extension education, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership, agricultural systems technology management, or related fields. The focus of the research varies depending on the student’s interests. The project assists the student in developing critical, conceptual, and analytical skills through the thesis research investigative and writing process. A final article suitable for publication is required. The student must defend the thesis for the faculty committee.
Non-Thesis: Students in the non-thesis option focus on a practical issue or problem. The student may focus on specific issues of the organization employing them, a community group or organization with topics related to agricultural education, extension education, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership, agricultural systems technology management or related fields. The student will use theory and methods to solve a particular problem. A final report is required, but articles are encouraged. The student must defend the report for the faculty committee.
Sarah Wright (May 2015). Identifying Perceptions of Desired Competencies of Agricultural Sales Students and Agricultural Sales Industry Professionals.
Hayley Jernigan (May 2015): Communication Technology Training Beyond the University Campus: A Case Study of Skill Development in the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Stuart Estes (May 2015): Poultry Production Messaging: A Content Analysis of Three National Newspapers from 1994 to 2014.
Mia Gentry (August 2014): Identification and Development of the Support Needs in Nematology for Arkansas Cooperative Extension Personnel.
Tara Johnson (August 2014): A Mixed Methods Approach of Communication Campaign Development and Assessment Identifying the Needs of an Audience and Determining the Value in Evaluation.
Carley Calico (May 2014): Knowledge, Perceptions, and Outcomes of Agricultural Communications Curriculum in Arkansas Secondary Agricultural Classrooms.
Amy Hughes (May 2014): A Content and Visual Analysis of Promotional Pieces Used to Promote the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
Joshua Lansdell (May 2014): An Assessment of Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology Department Student's Use of Facebook.
Amanda Northfell (May 2014): Millennial Alumni Perceptions of Communications Media Utilized by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
For more student resources, please contact the University or the Graduate School.