Doctoral Program
Accepting applications for the Fall Semester Only—Application Deadline February 1
A few classes can be taken by distance; however, this is not a distance program.
Graduate programs in the ALEC department include a specialization in Leadership Studies within the Human Sciences Doctoral program.
The interdepartmental doctoral program in human sciences with a specialization in leadership studies is designed for individuals interested in leadership development theory or practice in a variety of academic and professional settings. It is ideal for current and future leaders in communities, government agencies, private sector organizations, and individuals aspiring to be leadership faculty in academic settings.
The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication faculty and graduate students are internationally recognized for teaching, research, and outreach. We strive to develop close student-faculty relationships based on strong mentoring experiences, valuable internships, and in-depth seminars. We encourage these relationships by offering interactive online and face-to-face classes.
The faculty encourages students to take classes from several departments campus-wide. Leadership studies is a specialization within the Human Sciences Doctoral program at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. Moreover, this program is one of the few doctoral-level leadership programs in the country.
A Doctoral Specialization in Leadership Studies will benefit current and future leaders in communities, government agencies, and private sector organizations. It is ideal for preparing individuals for:
- Leadership Consulting
- Organizational Change
- Training and Organizational Development
- Personnel and Human Resource Management
- Leadership Faculty positions
- Entrepreneurship
- Community Facilitation
In this Doctoral program you will have the opportunity to:
- Design your own Doctoral program focusing on leadership that most appropriately meets your personal and career goals
- Study with faculty with expertise in the wide range of disciplines and subjects that comprise leadership studies
- Learn through symposia, workshops, internships, assistantships, formal classes, directed studies, and research projects
- Develop your skills in human behavior (interpersonal communication, group dynamics, organizational development, and diversity)
- Apply foundations of leadership to organizational and interpersonal settings in business, agriculture, education, non-profit, and government
- Develop assessment skills to diagnose the leadership needs and issues faced at the interpersonal, group, organizational and societal levels
- Learn to lead change (visioning, planning, collaborating, and problem solving)
- Develop a command of the leadership literature and models
- Integrate what you learn into your own professional job responsibilites
- Develop your research and writing skills to produce publishable, quality research
Leadership Studies is a dynamic Doctoral program that will equip you to excel in all aspects of leadership. If you are seeking to advance in your career or want to develop your leadership expertise to expand your career options, this program may be right for you.
Courses in the Leadership Studies Doctoral program
Students will have considerable flexibility when they develop their programs of study with their Doctoral advisory committee to fit their learning needs. Once admitted to our graduate study, students will consult with their advisor to prepare a formal program of study. Specific courses will focus on a common body of knowledge that includes:
- Instruction
- Curriculum
- Learning
- Professional
- Education
Students may select courses from several departments across the University of Nebraska—Lincoln campus, including Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication; Communcation Studies; Community and Regional Planning; Educational Administration; Management; Psychology, and Sociology.
Related Links:
Department Contact
ALEC Graduate Committee Chair
Dr. Gina Matkin, Assistant Professor
303B Agricultural Hall
P.O. Box 830709
Lincoln, NE 68583-0709
(402) 472-2807
ALEC Graduate Secretary
Jennifer Greenlee
300 Agricultural Hall
P.O. Box 830709
Lincoln, NE 68583-0709
(402) 472-2807
Office Of Graduate Studies (Who to Contact for What)
Important Information
ALEC Doctoral Program Checklist
All documents, transcripts, and GREscores will need to be in the GAMES system and verified before your application will be considered for the review process on February 1. No exception will be given.
Graduate Studies asks for electronic transcripts to be uploaded in MyRED as part of the application. Students should look at the instructions on the "Application Requirements" page.
Applications are submitted online through the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Graduate College
All ALEC graduate programs require the GRE exam.
Please make sure to plan accordingly when you take the GRE. We will need the scores sent to UNL and verified by UNL in time for the February 1 deadline. No exception will be given.