LEAP (Licensure in Education for Agricultural Professionals) is a graduate-level teacher education licensure program in agriculture. Upon completion, the student receives a graduate certificate and a North Carolina teaching license, which is honored through reciprocity agreements in about 40 states. The academically challenging program is available nationwide; it requires a serious commitment from those enrolled. An on-site internship is required.

LEAP certifies individuals who have baccalaureate degrees in agriculture, natural resources and closely related disciplines to teach agriculture in school settings. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the supply of qualified agricultural education teachers, of which there is a national shortage. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a class "A" teaching license from the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina teaching license is recognized by more than 40 states, Department of Defense schools, and the U.S. Territories.

LEAP requires 21 credit hours, including these courses:

• AEE 500 Agricultural Education, Schools and Society (3)
• AEE 503 Youth Organization Management (3)
• AEE 522 Occupational Experience in Agriculture (3)
• AEE 535 Teaching Agriculture in Secondary Schools (3)
• AEE 595E Program Management in Agricultural Education (3)
• AEE 641 Practicum in Agricultural and Extension Education (3)
• PSY 304 Educational Psychology (3)

AEE 641 is a teaching internship which is completed under the direction and guidance of an experienced agricultural educator. Internships are available in every state and are supervised by NAAE (National Association of Agricultural Educators) recommended teachers.

Educational psychology may be completed at a local university or through distance education from the university of the student's choice.

Applicants for admission to the LEAP program must have a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, natural resources or closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States.

Applicants must submit:

• Transcripts showing an overall 2.5 GPA on all college work;
• An essay detailing why he or she desires to be a teacher of agriculture;
• Three letters of recommendation.

Students may begin taking courses for the licensure program in Summer, Fall or Spring.

LEAP requires 21 credit hours. Students proceed at their own pace. Students pursuing teacher licensure programs are considered non-degree studies (NDS) students at NC State; NDS students may register for a maximum of 6 credit hours per semester. Thus, LEAP may take from 4 to 7 semesters or summer sessions to complete. To remain in the LEAP program, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in all LEAP course work.

Click "How to Apply" to register for courses as an NDS (non-degree studies) student.

While not required for LEAP, applicants are encouraged to apply for admission to the Master of Agricultural Education degree program at NC State. This master's degree is offered completely online. A student may transfer 15 hours from LEAP into the master's program.

The teacher education program at North Carolina State University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.