Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication prepares scholars and professionals to address today’s most pressing issues in agriculture and natural resources through leadership, education, and communication.
Program Overview
The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications develops educators, leaders, and communicators to meet the growing demand for careers in agriculture and natural resources pathways.
This doctoral degree equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address contemporary challenges in agriculture through leadership, education, and communication. From courses on strategic and servant leadership to advanced research in crisis communications and teaching pedagogy, this program provides valuable opportunities for personal and professional development that benefits the individual, communities, the state of Tennessee, and beyond.
Online and in-person degree options are available, allowing working professionals to advance their education and apply it directly toward their careers.
Why study Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication?
Advancing Scholarship and Career Skills
A doctoral degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication helps students advance their careers and expand their influence in agriculture and natural resources. Designed for aspiring faculty, communications professionals, and future CEOs, this program prepares students for high-impact roles in higher education, Extension, government, and more.
Expert Faculty
PhD students learn from and conduct research under the guidance of expert faculty. Professors in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications specialize in information technology, crisis communication, curriculum design, leadership, international agriculture—the list goes on!
Flexible Degree Options
Agricultural leadership, education and communications is the only department within the Herbert College of Agriculture to offer an online doctoral degree. If you can’t earn your PhD in person due to work or personal obligations, an online option is available!
What can you do with a degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication?
Through this degree program, students enter the workforce with a highly developed, articulate skill set to pursue sought-after careers and professional associations relevant to their area of study/teaching. PhD graduates will be prepared to conduct independent research, hold academic positions at educational institutions, and provide an alternative perspective in agricultural and natural resources work environments.
Featured Courses
ALEC 552 – Organizational Leadership and Change
Theories of leadership and change. Implementing changes in order to guide successful organizations. Topics include discussion of principled leadership, organizational behavior, human diversity, and leading organizational change.
ALEC 612 – Diffusion of Innovations
Will focus on the diffusion of innovations model posited and formalized by Everett M. Rogers to facilitate the student’s understanding of change as a socio-cultural-technical process. Special attention will be given to case studies and other examples of innovation, diffusion, and change that are especially applicable to the agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems, as well as society at large. In addition, the course will emphasize the student’s role as a change agent both now and in their future professional life.
ALEC 613 – Strategies for Success as a University Faculty Member
Roles and responsibilities of university faculty members in agriculture and natural resources; performance expectations; strategies for successful tenure and promotion; planning and executing teaching, research, and extension programs based upon formal position assignments.
ALEC 677 – Emergent Trends and Critical Issues in Leadership
Examination of emergent trends, current issues, philosophical thought, and pragmatic approaches to solving problems in a variety of leadership contexts. Topics including, but not limited to, organizational structure and equity, civility (dialogue and deliberation), inclusive leadership, adaptable and transformational leadership, thought leading, global and social impacts of leadership, and critical and creative thinking in leadership will be covered in this course.
Are you interested in this degree online?
Visit Vols Online to learn more about pursuing a doctoral degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication online.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.