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PH-D-HOME-SCIENCE in Extension Education And Communication Management at Smt. Kamlaben P. Patel College of Home Science
Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Extension Education and Communication Management at Smt. Kamlaben P. Patel College of Home Science Anand?
This Extension Education and Communication Management program at Smt. Kamlaben P. Patel College of Home Science focuses on developing expertise in disseminating scientific knowledge and technologies to rural communities. It addresses critical challenges in Indian agriculture and rural development, emphasizing effective communication strategies for social change. The program distinguishes itself by integrating advanced research with practical extension approaches, crucial for driving sustainable development in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a Master''''s degree in Home Science, Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, or related social sciences, aiming for research or leadership roles. It also suits working professionals from government extension departments, NGOs, or development agencies in India seeking to enhance their theoretical understanding and practical skills for impactful community outreach and policy formulation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as researchers, educators, policymakers, and development professionals in various Indian organizations. Potential roles include Extension Specialist, Rural Development Officer, Program Manager in NGOs, or faculty positions in agricultural universities. Graduates contribute to national development goals and command competitive salaries in the social development sector, with significant growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research & Statistical Fundamentals- (undefined)
Dedicate early semesters to building a strong foundation in research methodologies and biostatistics. Regularly attend workshops on statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) offered by the university. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and apply them to real-world datasets, ensuring a solid understanding crucial for Ph.D. research.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R statistical software, Online Biostatistics courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL), University library resources
Career Connection
A robust foundation in research methods and statistics is indispensable for designing credible studies, analyzing data accurately, and publishing high-impact research, paving the way for academic or research positions.
Cultivate Advanced Communication Skills- (undefined)
Actively participate in seminars, workshops on technical writing, and public speaking opportunities. Practice summarizing complex research effectively and presenting findings clearly to diverse audiences. Engage in mock thesis presentations with peers and faculty to refine presentation and defense skills.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Academic writing workshops, Toastmasters clubs (if available), University communication center
Career Connection
Superior communication skills are vital for publishing research, securing grants, teaching, and leading extension projects, directly impacting visibility and leadership opportunities in India''''s development sector.
Engage with Extension Theory and Practice- (undefined)
Beyond coursework, read extensively on classical and contemporary extension theories. Critically analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful extension programs in India. Seek informal mentorship from senior researchers and extension professionals to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical realities of rural outreach.
Tools & Resources
Journals of Agricultural Extension Management, Rural development reports (NABARD, Ministry of Rural Development), ICAR publications
Career Connection
Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of extension provides a strong base for designing innovative interventions and becoming a thought leader in agricultural and rural development, highly valued in Indian contexts.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Research Projects/Reviews- (undefined)
Collaborate with faculty on short-term research projects or comprehensive literature reviews on emerging topics in extension education. This hones research skills, helps identify potential thesis topics, and allows for early publication opportunities, strengthening the academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Early research experience and publications significantly boost competitiveness for Ph.D. scholarships, post-doctoral positions, and research grants, essential for an academic career in India.
Participate in Field Exposure and Internships- (undefined)
Seek opportunities for field visits, internships, or volunteering with NGOs, KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras), or government extension agencies in rural areas. This provides invaluable real-world experience, helps understand ground realities, and builds a professional network critical for future work.
Tools & Resources
KVKs across Gujarat, State Agriculture Department initiatives, Local NGOs focusing on rural development
Career Connection
Practical field exposure is crucial for developing context-specific solutions and is highly sought after by development organizations and government agencies for roles in project implementation and policy.
Network and Attend Conferences- (undefined)
Actively participate in national and state-level conferences, workshops, and seminars related to Home Science, Agricultural Extension, and Rural Development. Network with fellow researchers, faculty from other institutions, and industry experts. Present research posters or papers to gain feedback and visibility.
Tools & Resources
Agricultural Science Congress, National Extension Education Congress, Professional associations
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network and presenting research at conferences opens doors to collaborations, job opportunities, and increases recognition within the Indian and international academic and development communities.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis Writing and Defense Strategy- (undefined)
Work diligently on your doctoral thesis, focusing on clear argumentation, rigorous methodology, and original contributions. Regularly engage with your advisory committee for feedback. Practice mock vivas to prepare for the comprehensive exam and final thesis defense, incorporating constructive criticism.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Anti-plagiarism software, Thesis formatting guidelines
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the cornerstone of a Ph.D. degree, establishing your expertise and research independence, leading to credibility in academic and research roles.
Pursue Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities- (undefined)
Learn the fundamentals of grant writing and actively seek out funding opportunities for post-doctoral research or projects from national agencies like UGC, ICAR, DST, or international bodies. Develop skills in preparing compelling proposals that align with national priorities.
Tools & Resources
UGC/ICAR research schemes, DST-SERB grants, International grant directories
Career Connection
Proficiency in securing research grants is a critical skill for independent researchers and faculty members, ensuring the continuity and impact of your work and career progression in India.
Mentor Junior Researchers and Collaborate- (undefined)
Take initiative to mentor junior M.Sc. students, guide them in their research, or collaborate with peers on interdisciplinary projects. This strengthens leadership, teamwork, and pedagogical skills, which are highly valued in academic and research leadership positions.
Tools & Resources
Research collaboration platforms, Peer-mentoring programs within the department
Career Connection
Mentoring and collaborative experience demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to academic community building, enhancing prospects for leadership roles in research institutions and universities across India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Home Science (Extension Education and Communication Management or a closely related field) with an OGPA of not less than 6.50/10.00 or 65% aggregate marks from an accredited university recognized by Anand Agricultural University (AAU) or ICAR.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 5 years
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGS 601 | Basic Concepts of Agricultural Research and Biostatistics | Core (Common Compulsory) | 3 | Research types and methodologies, Experimental designs and sampling techniques, Data collection and analysis methods, Statistical tests: t-test, chi-square, correlation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Regression analysis and interpretation |
| PGS 602 | Library and Information Services | Core (Common Compulsory) | 1 | Information sources and retrieval, Literature search strategies, Referencing and citation management, Plagiarism and academic integrity, Intellectual property rights (IPR), Scientific databases and search engines |
| PGS 603 | Technical Writing and Communication Skills | Core (Common Compulsory) | 1 | Principles of scientific writing, Research paper and report writing, Thesis and dissertation preparation, Oral presentation skills and public speaking, Communication ethics and impact factor, Effective use of visual aids |
| EE 701 | Advanced Extension Education Approaches and Strategies | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 3 | Philosophies and theories of extension, Participatory rural appraisal (PRA), Program planning and evaluation models, Diffusion and adoption of innovations, Role of extension in rural development, Emerging extension models and systems |
| EE 702 | Advanced Communication Theories and Models | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 2 | Communication process and elements, Theories of persuasion and attitude change, Mass media theories and effects, Interpersonal communication skills, Development communication models, Cultural context in communication |
| EE 703 | Research Methodology in Extension Education | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 3 | Qualitative and quantitative research methods, Survey research design and sampling, Scaling techniques and attitude measurement, Data collection tools and techniques, Ethical considerations in research, Developing a research proposal |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE 704 | Capacity Building and Knowledge Management in Extension | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 2 | Concepts of human resource development (HRD), Training needs assessment and module development, Skill development and entrepreneurship promotion, Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), Knowledge sharing platforms and networks, Innovation management and adoption |
| EE 705 | Communication and Media Technologies for Development | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 3 | Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in extension, Role of social media in development, Multimedia content development, E-learning and distance education, Digital literacy and access, Community radio and mobile applications |
| EE 706 | Gender and Development in Extension | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 2 | Gender concepts and roles, Gender analysis in development programs, Women empowerment strategies, Policy frameworks for gender equality, Mainstreaming gender in extension initiatives, Feminist approaches to development |
| EE 707 | Contemporary Issues and Trends in Extension Education | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 1 | Climate change adaptation in extension, Market-led and demand-driven extension, Pluralistic extension systems, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Food security and sustainable agriculture, Policy issues in agricultural extension |
| EE 708 | Seminar on Current Topics in Extension Education | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 1 | Comprehensive literature review, Seminar presentation skills, Critical analysis of research papers, Identifying research gaps, Scientific discussion and discourse, Recent advancements in extension |
| EE 709 | Extension Field Work/Internship | Core (Specialization Compulsory) | 2 | Rural community needs assessment, Participatory program planning in field, Implementation of extension activities, Data collection in real-world settings, Field report writing and documentation, Problem identification and solution formulation |
| EE 799 | Doctoral Research | Research (Thesis) | 75 | Problem identification and hypothesis formulation, Experimental design and methodology development, Data collection and empirical analysis, Scientific writing and dissertation preparation, Presentation of research findings, Viva-voce and thesis defense |
