A degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication (ALEC) is designed to equip you with knowledge of technical agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences as well as communication and interpersonal skills. Prepare for a career in agribusiness leadership training and development, agriculture or technical sciences teaching, communications, advocacy and public service. Study a comprehensive approach to human development through leadership, communication and the teaching and learning process.
College | Hours Required | Minors Available | Areas of Focus |
120 credit hours |
Program Features
Hands-On Experience
Apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world experience in each of our program options. You will prepare for an exciting career through opportunities like teaching preparation, internships in communications and leadership, involvement in student organizations or contributions to Strategic Discussions Nebraska.
Nebraska is Your Classroom
In the teacher preparation programs, you’ll network with and learn from industry partners, over 200 agricultural education programs and over 400 skilled and technical sciences education programs across the state. Gain early field experience from day one and continue dynamic hands-on courses throughout the entire program. Learn how to teach and prepare a future workforce through career and technical education.
Learn to Lead
In the leadership program, you will practice interpersonal skills and apply knowledge of leadership theories, models and behaviors to effectively build teams and develop effective solutions for human systems.
Tell the Story of Science
In the communication program, you will blend science and creativity to tell the story of agriculture, the environment and the scientific discoveries that are shaping our world today. You will have access to state-of-the-art technology to learn communication skills in presentation strategy, photography, graphic design, writing and more.
Notable Courses
Early Field Experience in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC 135)
An introductory exploration of career and technical education. Complete 40 hours of shadowing experience and learn lesson plan development, essential question writing and peer teaching.
Interpersonal Skills for Leadership (ALEC 102)
Introduction to interpersonal relationships for leadership development. Self-awareness, awareness of others, interpersonal communication and building trust act as a basis for understanding and developing leadership.
Introduction to Digital Media in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (ALEC 260)
Use digital media tools to communicate agricultural and environmental sciences to diverse audiences. Hands-on approach to utilize digital media and develop communication pieces for portfolios.
Video and Audio Production for Communicating Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (ALEC 361)
Exploration and application of audio and video media storytelling techniques as used in promoting, marketing and communicating agricultural and environmental sciences.
Leadership and Diversity in Organizations and Communities (ALEC 466)
Explore how your life has shaped your understanding of leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion. Analyze how leaders create inclusion in the workplace and in communities.
Program Development (ALEC 413)
Planning, marketing and managing formal and non-formal educational programs for youth and adults. Apply the learning process to learner needs and styles.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Communications intern, Nebraska Wheat Board, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Intern, United States Meat Exports Federation, Denver, Colorado
- Marketing and public relations intern, AKSARBEN Foundation, Omaha, Nebraska
- Program & production intern, Rural Media Group, Inc. And RFD TV, Omaha, Nebraska
- Promotions department intern, NBC Universal Sports Network, Stamford, Connecticut
- Intern, Latino Center for the Midlands, Omaha, Nebraska
Careers
- Agriculture education teacher/FFA advisor, Rifle High School, Rifle, Colorado
- Training and support coordinator, TeamMates Mentoring Program, Omaha, Nebraska
- Conference and event coordinator, Nebraska FFA Association, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Farm broadcaster, Rural Radio Network, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
- Deputy press secretary, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
- Skilled and technical sciences teacher, Franklin High School, Franklin, Nebraska
Have Questions? Contact Us
Morgan Tranmer
ALEC Admissions Recruitment Coordinator
402-472-9782
mtranmer2@unl.edu