Program Descriptions for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Undergraduate

Agricultural Education

The major provides good preparation for work in agricultural extension, positions in foreign service, and agricultural educators in business and industry. Many students graduate with a dual major in agricultural education and another major in the College. Agricultural education majors may elect to follow the teaching option or the agricultural leadership option. Students desiring to be admitted to the Teacher Education program in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication should apply as early as possible after the completion of at least 42 credit hours (at least one year before they plan to student teach). Student teaching is conducted off campus through university-approved agreements with cooperating secondary schools. Plans for student teaching must be made early. To be admitted in full standing for student teaching, the student must have passed the Pre-Professional Skills Test, and have a minimum scholastic grade point average of 2.50. Students with less than a 2.50 GPA may be given provisional admission.

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Teaching Certificate. Successful completion of the teaching endorsement requirements, along with a recommendation by the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, warrants recommendation for a Nebraska Secondary Teaching Certificate by the Nebraska Department of Education, with an endorsement to teach secondary agricultural education (7-12). The choice is available to students to complete course work qualifying for subject endorsement in biology.

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Agricultural Journalism

The major gives the student a broad education in agricultural sciences and natural resources combined with journalism and leadership skills. Graduates are also qualified to pursue careers in journalism and public relations that do not deal with agriculture or natural resources. Students will complete the Advertising, Broadcasting, or News-Editorial sequence in Journalism and the Agricultural Journalism core. Students may select one of three areas of emphasis within the agricultural journalism major: 1) Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy, 2) Production Agriculture, or 3) Agricultural and Natural Resources Public Relations. The general education requirements give the student a well-rounded introduction to science, communications, humanities and social sciences. The Agricultural Journalism core provides an introduction to the major content areas a journalist/public relations professional should know including leadership development. The journalism core is offered through the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, which is an accredited program.

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Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management

The degree prepares individuals to serve as general managers and directors of hospitality operations by providing an excellent foundation in hospitality, leadership, and business. The program integrates hospitality marketing strategies, communications, and financial management into a curriculum focused on managing facilities and operations that provide hospitality services to the public. Students select from six emphasis areas offered through the two emphasis areas offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Ecotourism, and Parks and Recreation or College of Education & Human Sciences: Food & Beverage, Lodging, Convention and Meeting Planning, Human Resources, Public Relations, and Journalism and Mass Communication.

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Cooperative Extension Minor

It will provide expertise that can be used in a variety of career paths and settings for students with interests in cooperative extension, environment and natural resources, community resource development and a variety of education and agricultural related environments.

Environmental Communications Minor

It is also designed to provide the student with a general understanding and working knowledge of the interactions that do and can exist between the agricultural sciences, natural resources, and the environment. The ability to communicate effectively with the public about these relevant issues, in articulate, analytical and substantive ways, is becoming an increasingly valued and necessary skill, self-evident to many groups including policy makers, legislators, regulators, advocates, business and the general public.

Environmental Education Minor

Career options for students pursuing and environmental education minor include working in formal and informal educational settings; employment in the public or private sector; and service as educational specialists, extension educators, and program leaders.

Leadership and Communication Minor

Combining a leadership and communication minor with any CASNR major strengthens students "employability" base by making them competent technical professionals who are also strong leaders, and effective communicators.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Leadership 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. 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. Option II is non-thesis and requires a minor from another department. Option III is course based. In Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, the degree may be pursued in one of three areas described below.

The Leadership Development Emphasis

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, leading change, community leadership and leadership in cross-cultural settings.

The Teaching and Extension Education Specialization

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.

Doctoral Program in Human Sciences, Leadership Studies Specialization

The Ed.D. specialization is recommended for those whose primary interest is in the application of theory and knowledge to improve leadership practice. Most Ed.D. graduates pursue practitioner-based careers in the leadership field. The Ph.D. is designed for students seeking to conduct research to generate new knowledge or reform leadership theory. Most Ph.D. graduates pursue faculty or high-level leadership careers.

Updated by Webmaster 7/12/2011