ALEC Master's
Accepting applications for the Fall Semester Only—Application Deadline February 1
Master of Science in Leadership Education
(3 Options)
Candidates for the degree must possess a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. The program welcomes applicants from a variety of disciplines and fields. The MS in leadership education may be earned in an area emphasis in Leadership Development or Teaching and Extension Education. Leadership Education students may also participate in the interdisciplinary specialization of Environmental Studies or Great Plains Studies. Programs are planned to meet individual student background experiences and desired graduate program goals.
An ALEC Master's degree may be pursued in the areas described below:
Leadership Development Emphasis
The Leadership Development emphasis immerses students in the increasingly complex area of leadership. The program is designed to enhance prior education and experience to prepare for careers related to leadership, organization or community development. Leadership courses offered range from the foundations of leadership to applications for leadership development, leadering change, community leadership and leadership in cross-cultural settings.
Teaching and Extension Education Specialization
The Teaching and Extension Education specialization prepares students for careers in community college or university teaching, public school teaching, outreach programs and Cooperative Extension. The specialization is valuable to international students planning teaching careers, as well as for individuals providing educational services. Teaching and extension courses range from teaching strategies to program planning and use of technology in education.
The degree may be earned by successfully completing a minimum of 30 credit hours (Option I) or 36 credit hours (Options II and III) beyond the bachelors degree.
- Option I includes a thesis—Credit Hours 30
- Option II is non-thesis and requires a minor from another department—Credit Hours 36
- Option III is a non-thesis, course based program—Credit Hours 36
Depending on your interests, the Master's program will give you the opportunity to:
Investigate the foundations and application in leadership, teaching and learning
Specialize in a specific area of leadership education
Use methods of research and scholarship to examine one topic closely (either in a thesis or special paper)
Build skills in your chosen area of leadership, teaching and extension
Apply knowledge gained in actual settings, such as education, agribusiness, non-profit, community and government organizations, and agencies
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 About What)
Important Information
ALEC Master's Program Checklist
All documents, transcripts, and GRE scores 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.
Candidates for the degree of Master of Science with a major in Leadership Education must possess a bachelors degree in an appropriate field from an accredited institution.