Become prepared to develop impactful programs and initiatives around food, agriculture, natural resources, and the environment.
Credential Type
Master's Degree
Cost (2024)
$16,640
Delivery Format
Online
Program Length
32 Credit Hours
Enrollment
Fall or Spring
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree required
Benefit 1
Develop leadership and critical thinking skills to help people connect with food and agriculture.
Benefit 2
Master educational and communication strategies to develop impactful programs and initiatives.
Benefit 3
Enhance career opportunities in agriculture-related sectors.
Overview
This degree is for educators, extension professionals, and leaders in the agricultural sector.
It allows you to explore in-depth leadership, education, and communication courses to enhance your expertise and effectiveness in agricultural education.
Skills You Will Learn
Upon completing this degree, you will:
- Build skills in leading and managing teams, projects, and educational initiatives within agricultural contexts.
- Master various communication strategies to effectively disseminate information and engage diverse audiences.
- Learn to develop and implement educational programs and curricula tailored to the needs of learners in agricultural and extension education.
- Acquire techniques for assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions.
- Develop proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods applicable to agricultural education and communication studies.
- Gain skills in strategic planning to guide the direction and development of educational and extension programs.
- Learn methods for effectively engaging stakeholders to enhance the impact and relevance of agricultural education programs.
- Understand the influence of policy on agricultural and educational practices and how to navigate and influence policy environments.
- Explore integrating technology into educational practices to enhance learning and communication.
- Develop an understanding of cultural differences and how to work within diverse communities effectively.
Build Skills that Matter
Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in your field and create meaningful impact.
Course Details
The Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, M.S. online curriculum includes two options: Program Development and Teacher Licensure.
Required courses:
- ALEC 500 Foundations of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
- ALEC 510 Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
- ALEC 505 Science and Art of Teaching and Learning
- ALEC 545 Research Methods and Design
- AGCM 495 Communicating Science
Electives:
17 total credit hours. 5 or more credit hours of ALEC, LEAD, AGED, or AGCM coursework not listed above. Up to 12 credit hours from outside the ALEC Program that can be applied to and relevant for professional goals.
How to Enroll
Applying for this Degree
To apply for a graduate degree program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College. A rolling admissions process is utilized for this program.
To ensure a smooth application process, please review the following list of required and optional components that you will need to prepare for your submission:
- Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission. Candidates for admission that have a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 can request special consideration of the application materials submitted.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Not required.
- English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
- Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences.
- Academic Statement and two Personal Statement Short Answer Essays.
- Letters of recommendation: Not required.
Explore ACES Online
Our online education is flexible and accessible, enabling learners to advance their careers, develop new skills, and connect with peers.