Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications, BS
The agricultural leadership, education, and communications degree provides an opportunity for students to complete concentrations in four different areas: agricultural education, agriculture and natural resource communications, community engagement and leadership development, and interdisciplinary agriculture.
Program Overview
The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications develops educators, leaders, and communicators to meet the grand challenges society is facing in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership, education, and communications will prepare you for careers in business and industry, agricultural education, agricultural Extension education, and agricultural communications, while developing your leadership and communications skills.
Minors in agricultural and natural resource communication, agricultural Extension, and agricultural leadership are also available.
Concentrations
Students can choose from four concentrations: agricultural education, agriculture and natural resource communications, community engagement and leadership development, and interdisciplinary agriculture.
Why study Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications?
A Diversified Skill Set
From practicing law to working in Extension, agricultural leadership, education, and communications students receive a well-rounded education to prepare them for law school or a variety of careers. You will learn about the agricultural industry while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Expanding Research Opportunities
Students can participate in a growing undergraduate research program and assist faculty on research covering virtual reality; science, issues, and crisis communication; information technology; leadership; teaching and learning; and international agriculture.
Online Option
The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications offers a fully online bachelor’s degree program. Dedicated staff and a flexible, asynchronous program allows admitted students to complete their education with one of two concentrations: community engagement and leadership development or interdisciplinary agriculture.
Student Engagement
At the Herbert College of Agriculture, students are immersed in campus life. There are multiple major-specific student organizations available for agricultural leadership, education, and communications students, ranging from Tennessee Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (TACT) to Collegiate Farm Bureau, 4-H, and FFA.
What can you do with a degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications?
Depending on the chosen concentration, students are given the foundational knowledge and skills to excel in a variety of careers within the agriculture and natural resources industries. We have alumni working in Extension, higher education, corporate leadership, politics, and more.
Several agricultural leadership, education, and communications alumni have received prestigious awards, like the Volunteer 40 Under 40 Award. A recent graduate also received the Torchbearer Award—the highest honor for a UT student.
Featured Courses
ALEC 102 – Interpersonal Leadership Development
Examination of leadership as it pertains to personal leadership styles, one-on-one interactions, team building, assertiveness, coaching, providing feedback, and conflict resolution.
ALEC 202 – Leadership and Diversity in Organizations and Communities
Analysis of the dynamic interactions of personal characteristics, technical skills, interpersonal influence, commitment, goals, and power necessary for both leader and follower effectiveness in complex agricultural and natural resource organizations. Examination of leadership theories and their applications in diverse organizations and communities.
ALEC 213 – Agricultural Mechanics Applications in Agriscience Education
The course will focus on developing competencies related to agricultural mechanics applications with an emphasis on safety, skill development, and the management of facilities, equipment, and materials commonly found in agricultural mechanics laboratories in secondary school-based settings.
ALEC 330 – Introduction to Digital Media in Agriculture and Natural Resources
Novice communicators gain hands-on experience with a variety of communication tools and methods, including digital publishing, graphic design, photography, audio and video production, and website design. Students learn how to plan and execute the delivery of communication products for agricultural and natural sciences topics.
ALEC 340 – Strategic Communication in Agriculture and Natural Resources for Global Audiences
Examines how agricultural organizations communicate their mission, vision, and goals both in the United States and internationally. Students will examine agricultural organizations in various sectors and analyze how they respond to global change.
ALEC 434 – Methods of Teaching Agriscience
Methods and techniques for teaching agriculture, preparing lesson plans and units of instruction, developing activities for agriculture programs, and utilizing resources, multimedia, and computer technology into instruction.
Are you interested in this degree online?
Visit Vols Online to learn more about pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership, education, and communications online.
The ALEC department has really invested in me and my potential as a future communications professional. They have provided me with real-world communications experience, academic and future career connections, and most importantly, they have given me a family.”
Abby HaMM, 2027
Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.