Why Researchers Choose Journal of Extension for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Extension stands as a cornerstone for scholars in extension and outreach, providing a dedicated space to disseminate research that bridges academia and community practice. Established in 1963, this peer-reviewed, open-access publication has evolved into an essential resource for professionals in agriculture, education, and social sciences. Researchers value the Journal of Extension for its commitment to practical, evidence-based articles that address real-world challenges in extension programming. With a focus on innovative methodologies and program evaluations, it attracts contributors seeking to influence policy and practice beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Publishing in the Journal of Extension offers distinct advantages, including rapid dissemination without financial barriers, as it operates on a diamond open-access model with no article processing charges. The journal's rigorous yet supportive peer-review process ensures high-quality outputs that resonate with extension educators and administrators. Its interdisciplinary scope covers topics from cooperative extension services to community development, making it ideal for researchers exploring applied social sciences. Metrics like its CiteScore of 1.2 from Scopus highlight its steady influence, while indexing in databases such as DOAJ and CAB Abstracts amplifies discoverability.
For those in extension and outreach, the Journal of Extension impact factor may not be listed in Clarivate JCR, but its practical relevance and global readership provide substantial career benefits. Submissions are encouraged for articles, program spotlights, and research in practice, fostering collaborations across institutions. To explore related opportunities, consider browsing extension faculty positions to advance your academic journey.
Overview & History
The Journal of Extension, often abbreviated as JOE, was founded in 1963 by the Cooperative Extension System to share knowledge among extension professionals. Initially published in print, it transitioned to a fully digital format in 1995, embracing open access to reach a wider audience. Over six decades, it has documented the evolution of extension work, from agricultural innovations to modern community engagement strategies. Today, it serves as a vital archive for extension scholarship, with over 50 volumes available online at no cost.
Published by Extension Journal, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advancing extension education, the journal maintains editorial independence while aligning with the needs of land-grant universities and international partners. Its history reflects broader shifts in outreach, including responses to societal changes like digital literacy and sustainability challenges. Researchers appreciate its longevity as a testament to enduring relevance in applied research.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Journal of Extension encompasses a wide array of topics centered on extension education and outreach. It welcomes manuscripts on program planning, evaluation, and delivery in contexts like agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and youth development. Contributions must demonstrate practical applications, emphasizing how research informs extension practices.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Extension Education | Methods for teaching and learning in non-formal settings. |
| Agricultural Outreach | Innovations in farming, sustainability, and rural development. |
| Community Development | Strategies for economic and social empowerment. |
| Program Evaluation | Tools and frameworks for assessing outreach impacts. |
| Youth and Family Sciences | Interventions supporting families and 4-H programs. |
This scope ensures the journal remains a hub for interdisciplinary work, appealing to researchers in primary discipline of extension and outreach.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CiteScore | 1.2 | Scopus |
| SJR | 0.28 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 35 | Scopus |
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed | Clarivate JCR |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 45% | Publisher data |
These metrics underscore the Journal of Extension's solid standing in niche fields, with steady citation growth reflecting its practical value.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Extension is indexed in prominent databases, ensuring global accessibility. Key listings include DOAJ for open-access visibility, Scopus for citation tracking, and CAB Abstracts for agricultural content. It is also abstracted in AGRICOLA and ERIC, facilitating discovery by educators and policymakers. This broad indexing supports researchers in tracking Journal of Extension submission outcomes and citations effectively.
Publication Model and Fees
As a diamond open-access journal, the Journal of Extension provides free access to all content without subscription or paywalls. There are no article processing charges (APCs), making it inclusive for authors worldwide. Supported by institutional contributions, this model promotes equitable dissemination of extension knowledge. Authors retain copyright under a Creative Commons license, enhancing reuse in teaching and practice.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submitting to the Journal of Extension begins with reviewing author guidelines on the official site. Manuscripts should follow APA style, with abstracts under 150 words and keywords reflecting extension themes. The online portal at joe.org handles uploads, requiring blinded reviews. Peer review typically takes 3-6 months, focusing on relevance and innovation. For tips, explore extension research roles to align your work.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from land-grant universities, including Editor-in-Chief Nancy K. Franz from Iowa State University, specializing in program evaluation. Members like Gary B. Wilson from Cornell focus on youth development, ensuring diverse perspectives. Their expertise guides the journal's direction, prioritizing impactful extension scholarship.
Why Publish in Journal of Extension?
Publishing in the Journal of Extension offers researchers unparalleled reach to practitioners, boosting real-world application of findings. Its no-fee model removes barriers, while the supportive review process aids early-career scholars. Enhanced visibility through indexing elevates profiles, aiding grant pursuits. For career growth, pair publications with rate my professor insights from peers.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Focus | APC | Impact Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Extension | Extension practice | None | CiteScore 1.2 |
| Journal of Agricultural Education | Agricultural teaching | $1,500 | IF 1.5 |
| NACTA Journal | Teaching in agriculture | None | Not disclosed |
| Journal of Community Practice | Community outreach | $2,000 | SJR 0.4 |
This comparison highlights the Journal of Extension's cost-effectiveness and niche focus, ideal for applied outreach research.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your manuscript with extension outcomes, using clear methodologies.
- Include practitioner implications to strengthen relevance.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting via the portal.
- Review past issues for stylistic fit.
- Track deadlines and use academic calendar for planning.
These strategies increase acceptance chances, fostering successful Journal of Extension publications. Additional links: tenure-track jobs in extension, postdoc opportunities in outreach, faculty positions in agriculture, PhD roles in extension, adjunct community positions, visiting professor extension roles.