Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications (ALEC) includes a student-centered faculty and staff offering undergraduate degrees leading to professional careers. Using a blend of asynchronous and synchronous courses, our programs offer a unique combination of practical, hands-on experiences and critical people skills required for success in today’s fast-paced careers. Upon graduation, our students are uniquely equipped for leadership, education, communications, and training roles in the broad field of agricultural education and human performance in both domestic and international settings.

We offer three Bachelor of Science degrees: Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Agricultural Education, and Agricultural Leadership and Development; and five minors: Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Extension Education, International Agricultural Development, Leadership, and Youth Development.

Degree Programs

Agricultural Communications and Journalism (AGCJ)

This program prepares the student to work in writing, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and multimedia communications. Students in this program will complete courses in writing, editing, and basic digital design. Courses include professional skills in the areas of social media, scientific writing, journalism, magazine production, photography, public relations, advertising, and multimedia content creation.

Agricultural Leadership and Development (ALED)

This program prepares the student to work with people involved in agriculture and life sciences and other related fields. Students in this program will complete courses in personal and organizational leadership, ethics, and leading change. Specialized courses include courses such as team leadership, leading volunteers, cultural pluralism, and agricultural extension-related courses.

Agricultural Education (AGED)

This program prepares the student for a degree and teacher certification in Agricultural Food and Natural Resources (AFNR Grades 6-12). Students in this program will study agricultural content areas, educational technologies, instructional design, and program planning in agricultural education. The program is aimed at creating high-quality secondary agricultural education teachers. Program graduates can succeed in agricultural education careers as well as industry careers.

For more information about each of our programs, visit the specific majors tab or visit our department website.

Degree Minors

We offer five minors to complement a student's degree. Each minor provides our students with foundational knowledge and concepts required for success in future careers. Careers may include communication specialists, Extension educators, developers of youth programs, and students seeking positions as leaders in domestic or international settings.

Agricultural Communications and Journalism (AGCJ)
Extension Education (EXED)
International Agricultural Development (IDAG)
Leadership (LDAG)
Youth Development (YDEV)

For more information on each minor, visit our department website.

Agricultural Communication and Journalism (AGCJ)
Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications (ALEC)
Agricultural Leadership and Development (ALED)
Agricultural Science (AGSC)

Agriculture Communication and Development (AGCJ)

AGCJ 105 Introduction to Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to journalism and mass communication, its history, role in society, and unique role in agriculture; importance of journalism mass communication and the communication methods used in modern society; foundation for an understanding of agricultural news and information and how it is delivered to broad audiences. Only one of the following will satisfy the requirements for a degree: AGCJ 105 or JOUR 102.

AGCJ 281 Media Concepts in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Preparation for the job and internship search process, practicing interview skills, and identification of the skills necessary to grow in and contribute to the agricultural communications and journalism profession; identification of challenges and opportunities facing professional agricultural communicators and journalists; identification and analysis of industry-wide issues; learning how to think critically about the news. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 105 or concurrent enrollment.

AGCJ 285 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Directed study of selected issue in field of agricultural communications with emphasis on collection, synthesis and interpretation of information. Prerequisite: Approval of department advisor.

AGCJ 289 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Special topics in an identified area of agricultural development. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department advisor.

AGCJ 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural communications and journalism. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of department advisor.

AGCJ 301 Media Production in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Application of principles of media production in photography, videography, and podcasting within the context of agriculture and life sciences; exploration of pre-production planning and writing, production, post-production, camera techniques, equipment use, video editing and graphics, and sound editing; exploration of unique techniques used for media production in the complex fields of agriculture and life sciences. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 105 and AGCJ 281.

AGCJ 306 Theory and Practice of Public Relations in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of the unique relationships among agricultural stakeholders; topics include writing public relations objectives, strategies, tactics, and evaluation of public relations plans and strategies. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 105 or concurrent enrollment.

AGCJ 307 Design for Agricultural Media

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Principles and practices of agricultural media design, including design and production of printed publications and graphics; computer assisted design and production of media pieces. Required for AGCJ majors and minors. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 308 Agricultural Photography

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Develop knowledge of photography, editing software, and composition techniques used in the agricultural communications field; develop photography and photo editing skills to a satisfactory level as demonstrated by performance on assignments and exams. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 309 Data Storytelling in Agriculture & Life Sciences Communications

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Data Storytelling in Agriculture & Life Sciences Communications. Fundamentals of effective data-driven storytelling; detection and articulation of the stories behind datasets; communication in visual, oral, and written contexts for various audiences and publics; use of data analysis, evaluation, and other tools to create media stories in the context of agricultural and life sciences. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 281 and AGCJ 311.

AGCJ 311 Introduction to Research in Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Explanation of research and its ethics; development of research questions for audience, journalism and communications research; analysis of research designs and methods use of journalism, audience and communications research; topics include describing data collection methods and strategies, including interviews, observations, focus groups, surveys and content analyses; identification of research problems. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 105 and AGCJ 281.

AGCJ 312 Editing in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Principles and practices of editing for agricultural and technical audiences including improving and tightening copy; writing headlines, titles, and subheads; photo editing and captions, graphics and layout; print, broadcast, interactive and other media. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 105; junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 313 Media Writing in Agriculture and Life Sciences I

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Newsgathering, writing, editing and ethics for all types of media used in agriculture and life sciences communications. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 312.

AGCJ 314 Media Writing in Agriculture and Life Sciences II

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Examination of interpretative news gathering and writing for all types of media; basic media law and ethics, interviewing skills with assigned practice writing about agriculture; science and technology topics. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 313; junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 355 Digital Storytelling in Agriculture and Life Sciences I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Identification and pitching of digital story ideas in the agriculture and life sciences; recognition of technical and aesthetic aspects of visual design and storytelling that appeal to scientific and non-scientific audiences; design and creation of digital stories for dissemination through broadcast channels; composition of compelling and engaging stories for scientific and non-scientific audiences; management of digital storytelling projects. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 301 and AGCJ 313.

AGCJ 366 Radio Broadcasting

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Survey of American broadcasting, development, and impact; influence on society, basic principles, mass communication theory, station operating programming, advertising, rating services, regulation, and censorship; in-depth analysis of current issues and developments. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 404 Science Communications and Public Engagement in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Integration of science communications experience in agriculture and life sciences research, education, and extension; overview of how to communicate effectively about science, technology, engineering, and math; application of the basics of science communication; examination of conducting science communication research and becoming an effective science influencer. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 313 or approval of instructor.

AGCJ 405 Design and Publication in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours. Examination of how to design, publish, and disseminate a print magazine; includes writing a journalism feature story for the print publication; designing and selling advertising for the publication. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 312 and AGCJ 313.

AGCJ 406 Public Relations and Campaigns in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Analysis of agricultural public relations campaign; topics include examination of public relations case studies and methods including writing public relations plans for agricultural entities, production of public relations components and evaluation of public relations objectives, strategies and tactics. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 306 and AGCJ 313.

AGCJ 408 Advertising Copy and Design in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Examination of creative aspects of advertising strategy, copywriting, typography and design in a variety of visual media; topics include learning to make and evaluate advertising. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 313.

AGCJ 410 Risk Communications in Science and Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. . Expansion of understanding of risk communications and public-focused risk communication related to environmental, agricultural and public health contexts; examination of how risk is defined, assessed, quantified, perceived, and communicated; application of best practices of risk communication to crisis and risk-related events. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 306 and AGCJ 313.

AGCJ 411 Advanced Research in Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Development of research hypothesis, questions, and variables for audience and communications research; implementation of qualitative and quantitative research designs; collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data; participation in research activities to apply research methods and analyses guided by sociological, psychological, and anthropological theories. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 311; junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 413 Emerging Media in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of the use of popular emerging media in agriculture to communicate; exploration of building and marketing a brand online; understanding the strategy behind the posts and other communications; creation of emerging media communications strategies for academic or business entities that may be implemented upon completion of course. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 313; junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 455 Digital Storytelling in Agriculture and Life Sciences II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. . Application of advanced storytelling, shooting, and editing techniques for digital storytelling within the context of agriculture and life sciences; building of visual narratives using a combination of still images, HD video, ambient audio, and natural voices that appeal to scientific and non-scientific audiences; application of the journalistic standards of truth, fairness and accuracy with the tools and techniques of digital storytelling to tell compelling stories in the agriculture and life sciences. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 301 and AGCJ 355.

AGCJ 481 Seminar

Credits 3. 3 Other Hours. Identification of communication-related issues; examination of the effects of media on the dissemination of scientific information and consumers' behavioral change; write, design, create and distribute communications products; exposure to work in teams. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGCJ 314; senior classification.

AGCJ 485 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Directed individual study of selected problems in agricultural communications, communication methods and the communication profession with emphasis on collection, analysis and presentation of information. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of department advisor.

AGCJ 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Special topics in an identified area of agricultural communications and journalism. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

AGCJ 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural communications and journalism. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of department advisor.

AGCJ 494 Internship

Credits 1 to 6. 1 to 6 Other Hours. Supervised internship and independent study related to the student's professional interest. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of department advisor.

Agriculture Leadership and Communications (ALEC)

ALEC 285 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Directed study of selected issue in field of agricultural leadership, education, and communications with emphasis on collection, synthesis and interpretation of information. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department advisor.

ALEC 289 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Special topics in an identified area of agricultural development. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department advisor.

ALEC 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural communications and journalism. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of department advisor.

ALEC 350 Global Agricultural Issues

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Review of global agricultural issues (products, environment, people, and culture) affecting international agricultural development; concepts and principles underlying the processes of teaching, research, and service opportunities in international agricultural development and education situations. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

ALEC 370 Principles of Positive Youth Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Fundamental concepts of youth development practices, programs, organizations and services; development of a critical understanding of the changing views of adolescence and youth culture; overview of youth development theories and principles of positive youth development; aspects of youth development programs; developmental outcomes associated with participation in youth development programs. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 371 Skills and Techniques for Youth Development Professionals

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Development of skills for effective activity leadership to meet the needs of diverse youth populations; focus on applying experiential learning approaches, multiple activity styles, the role of intentionality, specificity, and application in activity selection, activity sequencing, and activity debriefing. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 372 Designing and Delivering Effective Youth Programs

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Comprehensive concepts of program design for youth programs; focuses on key programming issues; development of implementation plans; overview of equipment and facilities; focus on program flexibility, risk management and evaluation (formative and summative). Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 375 Youth Development Programming in Sport and Physical Activities

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Role of community-based sports in developing healthy youth; ways in which sport programs can be designed to maximize physical, intellectual, emotional, and social outcomes; role of key adults and institutions in the delivery of youth sport experiences. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 377 Camp Management and Administration

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Structure and organization, administration and leadership, and challenges and opportunities facing professionals interested in careers in residential camping for youth. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 380 Workshop in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. The study, understanding and solution of human-agricultural problems based on theory learned in the classroom, library, laboratory and fieldwork completed by individuals and teams. May be taken three times for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 399 High-Impact Experience

Credits 0. 0 Lecture Hours. Participation in an approved high-impact learning practice; documentation and self-assessment of learning experience. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; or approval of instructor.

ALEC 412 Technology-Enhanced Instructional Design Strategies for Agriculture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Techniques and applications of technology to enhance instruction of agricultural topics; instructional design principles, instructional strategies, technological tools; the design, development and delivery of technology-enhanced instruction for agriculture and the life sciences. Not intended for majors in education. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 425 Principles of Program Evaluation

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Evaluation principles applied to educational programs in agriculture and life science; basic understanding of skills in program evaluation processes, concepts, and theories; develop expertise needed to design and conduct evaluations of youth and adults in extension, community, and school-based programs. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 450 Global Social Justice Issues in Agriculture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. An in-depth evaluation of global social justice issues and leadership skills necessary to effectively solve and manage issues in agricultural development; topics include awareness, knowledge and understanding of teaching, research and service opportunities for those seeking careers in global social justice and agricultural leadership. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

ALEC 460 Applying International Development Theories in Agriculture

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Practical application of agricultural development theories (geographical, communal, societal, etc.) in real-world settings; high-impact learning, research skill development, international travel or participation in a service-learning project with an international organization. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

ALEC 472 Grant Writing and Program Evaluation for Youth Development Organizations

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Development of knowledge and skills to successfully write grant proposals and design program evaluation plans for youth development organizations; appropriate funding opportunities and considerations; grant guidelines; budget, timeline, and personnel; program evaluation plan development; evaluating grant proposals. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALEC 370 or RPTS 370; or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.

ALEC 473 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Youth Development Organizations

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours. Understanding of youth diversity (e.g., ability and disability, socio-economic background, race, ethnicity, and cultural background, beliefs and religion, and gender characteristics); implementation of inclusive and equitable programming; development of cultural competencies. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALEC 370.

ALEC 474 Positive Youth Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Understanding the intersection of positive youth development and artificial intelligence; exploration of data science and machine learning techniques and how they can be leveraged to support and enhance the well-being and potential of young people. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALEC 370; junior or senior classification.

ALEC 478 Youth Development Practice

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Application of youth development philosophy in community settings; principles and practices of community youth development and existing youth development models; local efforts related to community youth development. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ALEC 370 and ALEC 371 and junior or senior classification.

ALEC 485 Directed Studies

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Directed individual study of selected problems in international agriculture leadership, education and communications. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of department advisor.

ALEC 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Special topics in an identified area of international agriculture leadership, education, and communications. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALEC 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in international agricultural leadership, education, and communications. May be taken three times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of department advisor.

ALEC 494 Internship

Credits 1 to 6. 1 to 6 Other Hours. Supervised internship and independent study related to the student's professional interest. May be taken six times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of departmental advisor.

Agriculture Leadership and Development (ALED)

ALED 125 Leadership Learning Community I

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Offered to students living in the Freshmen Leadership Living Learning Community; fundamentals of developing personal leadership while participating in co-curricular activities; emphasis on the relational model of leadership and global perspective building. Prerequisites: Freshman classification or approval of instructor; on-campus residence.

ALED 202 Introduction to Leadership

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to the academic and scholarly development of leadership theory and leadership models; investigation of leadership theory when applied to a specific context; development of a leadership definition as an inquiry investigation.

ALED 225 Leadership Learning Community II

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Offered to students living in the Freshmen Leadership Living Learning Community; fundamentals of peer mentoring while participating in co-curricular activities; emphasis on building supportive relationships on a college campus. Prerequisites: Freshman classification or approval of instructor; on-campus residence; ALED 125.

ALED 285 Directed Studies in Agricultural Leadership and Development

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Directed study of selected issue in agricultural leadership and development with emphasis on collection, synthesis and interpretation of information. Prerequisite: Approval of department advisor.

ALED 289 Special Topics in...

ALED 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural development. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Please see academic advisor in department. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

ALED 301 Personal Leadership Education

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Development, application and reflection of personal leadership capabilities through self-assessments and experiential learning activities; development of leadership identity through personal leadership inventories including strengths, personality type, values, vision and emotional intelligence. Prerequisite: ALED or USAL-LED major; junior, or senior classification; grade of C or better in ALED 202.

ALED 322 Cultural Leadership and Exploration for Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Social theories in terms of class, gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality; multidisciplinary approach to the study of leadership with a special emphasis on culture.

ALED 323 Leadership for a Multicultural World

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Principles of multicultural leadership; how to be an effective leader while understanding the self in terms of class, gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality; special emphasis on culture through experiential learning.

ALED 324 Leadership and Identity Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Identity development and leadership; dialogue about the implications of their multiple identities in the classroom organizations and in their careers; self-reflections concerning leadership development and active community-based service learning. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

ALED 339 Agricultural Extension Philosophy and the Land-Grant Mission

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Philosophy of Cooperative Extension and roles within the land-grant system; history, organization, program areas and guiding principles; relationship with the teaching and research branches of the land-grant system. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

ALED 340 Survey of Leadership Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of leadership as a scholarly discipline; critical analysis of and evolution of multiple leadership models and theories; synthesis of leadership theory through experiential learning; integration of course content with personal experiences. Prerequisites: ALED or USAL-LED major, junior or senior classification.

ALED 341 Team Learning

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Team development theory; emphasizes research on team member behaviors, team decision making models and positive conflict in team environments. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALED 340; junior or senior classification.

ALED 344 Leadership of Volunteers

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Principles, theories, concepts, techniques and applications for leading volunteers in agriculture and life sciences nonprofit, governmental and community organizations. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALED 340; junior or senior classification.

ALED 400 Public Leadership Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Major issues in the study of public leadership, development of leadership skills, and a field investigation done in conjunction with local public leaders. Prerequisites: Junior classification and approval of instructor.

ALED 401 Advanced Professional Leadership Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Investigation of the best practices of successful leaders representing various organizational contexts; merging of scholarly mastery of theory with practice. Prerequisites: Selection for ALED Leadership Fellows Program; grade of C or better in ALED 340 or ALED 301; junior or senior classification.

ALED 419 Followers and Followership

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of the role of followers and followership; identification of follower motivations, followership styles, leader and follower dynamics, and characteristics of courageous followers. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALED 340; junior or senior classification.

ALED 422 Cultural Pluralism in Agriculture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Selected topics on the diversity of human resources in agriculture; emphasis on working in a multicultural society and developing a sensitivity toward different cultures; explores the interrelationships between the contributions of diverse individuals and the state, nation and global success of agriculture. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALED 424 Applied Ethics in Leadership

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of ethical and moral theories and the application to multiple leadership contexts and situations. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

ALED 426 Leading and Training Adult Learners

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Planning educational training programs, including leadership programs, to implement with an adult audience; includes needs assessment, instructional design, lesson plan development, evaluation and other items related to leading adults. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALED 340, junior or senior classification.

ALED 440 Leading Change

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Analysis of change models and theories and the leadership application on individual, organizational and societal changes. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; grade of C or better in ALED 202.

ALED 441 Agricultural Extension Organization and Methods

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Cooperative extension in agriculture and home economics; development, objectives, organization, program building and methods of teaching. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALED 481 Seminar

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Individual and team approaches to the review of leadership concepts and their application; observation and discussion of current leadership trends and issues. Prerequisites: ALED or USAL-LED major; senior classification; grade of C or better in ALED 202, ALED 301, ALED 340, ALED 440, and ALED 424.

ALED 485 Directed Studies in Agricultural Leadership Development

Credits 1 to 4. 0 to 4 Lecture Hours. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Directed individual study of selected problems in agricultural leadership and development with emphasis on collection, analysis and presentation of information. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

ALED 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Special topics in an identified area of agricultural development. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ALED 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural development. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Please see academic advisor in department. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of instructor.

ALED 494 Internship

Credits 1 to 6. 1 to 6 Other Hours. Supervised internship and independent study related to student's professional interest. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ALED 301; junior or senior classification; 2.0 GPR; approval of instructor.

Agricultural Science (AGSC)

AGSC 285 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Directed individual study of selected problems in agricultural science with emphasis on collection, analysis and presentation of information. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

AGSC 289 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Special topics in an identified area of agricultural science. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

AGSC 291 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural science. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

AGSC 302 Teaching School-Based Agricultural Education & Clinical Professional Experience

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Teaching School-Based Agricultural Education & Clinical Professional Experience. Foundations of school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teaching; an overview of preparing teachers for a changing world including knowledge of learners, subject matter and teaching within the context of agricultural science; clinical field experience for teaching agricultural science in public schools of Texas. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

AGSC 305 Management of Supervised Agricultural Experiences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Overview of supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and content that can be used in the secondary agricultural science program; engagement in SAE programs; management practices for SAE projects including record keeping and student reports. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

AGSC 363 Teaching Skills in Agricultural Metal Technology

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Instructional design using science, technology, engineering and math and computer aided design (CAD); teaching methods in agricultural metal technology and fabrication; metalworking skills, electric arc welding, oxyfuel torch and plasma arc. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

AGSC 373 Managing Safety in the Agricultural Science Program

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Safety principles and procedures, methods of teaching and motivating students in agricultural mechanics; design for those preparing to teach agricultural science in Texas public schools. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; grade of C or better in AGSC 302.

AGSC 380 Workshop in Agricultural Science

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. The study, understanding and solution of human-agricultural problems based on theory learned in the classroom, library, laboratory and fieldwork completed by individuals and teams. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

AGSC 383 Teaching Agricultural Mechanics

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Methods of teaching and motivating students in agricultural mechanics; designed for students preparing to teach agricultural science in Texas public schools. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGSC 302.

AGSC 402 Designing Instruction for Secondary Agricultural Science Programs

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Theory and practice in designing instruction for secondary agricultural science programs including effective planning and delivery methods; designed for students preparing to teach agricultural science in Texas public schools. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGSC 302; grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in AGSC 405, AGSC 373, AGSC 383, and INST 210.

AGSC 405 Facilitating Complete Secondary Agricultural Science Programs

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Theory and practice in facilitating secondary agricultural science programs: includes classroom instruction, supervised experience, and youth leadership development; designed for students preparing to teach agricultural science in Texas public schools. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGSC 302; grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in AGSC 402, AGSC 373, AGSC 383, and INST 210.

AGSC 425 Learner Centered Instruction in Agricultural Science

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Preparing curriculum materials for secondary agricultural science and adult education programs. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGSC 402 and AGSC 405 and concurrent enrollment in AGSC 436, AGSC 481, and AGSC 484.

AGSC 436 Professional Teaching Internship in AGSC

Credits 6. 2 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours. Planning for and teaching secondary agricultural science in selected high schools in Texas; includes 12 weeks of professional teaching experience under the guidance of a university supervisor and a cooperating teacher in the school. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGSC 402 and AGSC 405 and concurrent enrollment in AGSC 425, AGSC 481, and AGSC 484.

AGSC 481 Seminar

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Review of current literature and research as related to program development in light of legislation and policies affecting education in agriculture. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in AGSC 402 and AGSC 405.

AGSC 484 Field Experience

Credits 1 to 6. 1 to 6 Other Hours. An on-the-job supervised experience program conducted in the area of the student's specialization. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in AGSC 402 and AGSC 405 and concurrent enrollment in AGSC 425, AGSC 436, and AGSC 481.

AGSC 485 Directed Studies

AGSC 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Special topics in an identified area of agricultural science. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

AGSC 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in agricultural science. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course are possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; approval of instructor.

Boyd, Barry L, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1991

Briers, Gary E, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Iowa State University, 1978

Culbertson, Avery, Instructional Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Florida, 2013

Dooley, Kim E, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1995

Dunn, Allison L, Instructional Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2018

Elbert, Chanda D, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, The Pennsylvania State University, 2000

Elliot, Jack, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Ohio State University, 1988

Ellis, Gary D, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, North Texas State University, 1983

Hancock, J.P., Assistant Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MS, Texas A&M University, 1984

Harlin, Julie F, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Oklahoma State University, 1999

Herbert, Bruce E, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of California at Riverside, 1992

Hewitt, Mallory D, Visiting Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MS, Texas A&M University, 2023

Jamar, Patrick, Visiting Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Texas at Austin, 2023

Keszei, David, Professor of the Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Pepperdine University, 2021

Leggette, Holli R, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2013

Lockett, Landry L, Senior Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2007

Lund, Randy S, Instructional Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M Univeristy, 2022

McGrath, Paul A, Assistant Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MA, Marist College, 2012

Moore, Lori L, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Florida, 2003

Murphrey, Theresa P, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1997

Murphy, Timothy H, Senior Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1995

Nelson, Chad E, Instructional Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2019

Norris-Parish, Shannon, Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2020

Odom, Summer Felton, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2011

Opat, Kelsi, Instructional Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas Tech University, 2020
LLM, Friends University, 2015

Preston, Tammie M, Instructional Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2014

Quijada Landaverde, Rafael Antonio, Assistant Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, The Ohio State University, 2022

Ripley, Jeff P, Visiting Professor of the Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2008

Rotter, Craig A, Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2004

Saunders, Clint, Professor of the Practice
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MS, Texas Tech University, 2002

Strong, Jennifer R, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Oklahoma State University, 2007

Strong, Robert L, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, University of Florida, 2010

Stutts, Erin, Visiting Lecturer
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
MED, Texas A&M University, 2004

Wang, Jun, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Colorado State University, 2013

Wingenbach, Gary, Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Iowa State University, 1995

Xu, Zhihong, Associate Professor
Ag Leadership, Educ & Comm
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2020