The department was established in accordance to the university council resolution no.76297 on 4/11/1410 H to offer scientific degrees, meet the society need from highly qualified human resources enhance knowledge and conduct research in the areas agricultural extension education and rural development. The department teaches courses in the areas of agricultural extension education and rural sociology, conducts pure and applied research and provides consultancy services to the public and private sector in the areas of agricultural extension education and rural development, in addition to its apparent role in community services through provision of training and extension and administration of the agricultural extension center.