Online Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture
Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications (ALEC)
Herbert College of Agriculture
Program Overview
A Bachelor of Science degree from the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications (ALEC) is designed for students who want a broad, general background in agriculture. There are two concentrations. The first is Community Engagement and Leadership Development, for students who wish to develop their leadership and communication skills to pursue careers in business and industry, agricultural education, agricultural extension education, and agricultural communications. The second is Interdisciplinary Agriculture, which focuses on a more traditional agriculture audience with the chance to customize their degree.
To be admitted to the ALEC BS program, a student must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and 6 transferable credit hours from previous institutions.
Credit Hours
120
Cost Per Credit Hour*
In-State $490
Out-of-State $565
Field Experience
Required
Admission Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.
Gain Knowledge and Hands-on Skills for a Better Tomorrow
The ALEC department offers degrees that develop educators, leaders, and communicators to meet the challenges society is facing in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. This online bachelor’s completion program allows you to enroll during the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Typically, students who enroll in 15 credit hours per semester complete the program in four semesters. However, the program allows students to enroll part-time for work or life obligations. Our faculty and staff are here to help you balance work, continuing your education, and your personal life.
Asynchronous Courses
Courses offered are taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are committed to equipping current and future generations to meet grand challenges and contribute Real. Life. Solutions.
Field Experience
All students complete an internship to apply knowledge and skills in a real-life environment. Students work with their academic advisor and faculty mentor to identify an internship placement based on their professional goals. If you are currently employed, you may be able to use your employment to meet the internship requirement. Examples of where our students have completed internships include the National and Tennessee 4-H, UT Extension, Research and Education Centers, Tractor Supply, Altria, Farm Credit Mid-America, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tyson Foods, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Institute of Agriculture Marketing and Communications.
After graduation, job opportunities may include UT Extension, community and youth organizations, government, nonprofits, agriculture industry, or international environments. You may also use this degree as a stepping stone to graduate and professional degree programs.
Program Concentrations
With our flexible curriculum, you can choose between two primary concentrations to lay the groundwork for your educational journey, with various courses that best suit your interests and career goals.
Interdisciplinary Agriculture
This concentration focuses on traditional agriculture across various disciplines. With classes from each department, you receive a thorough survey of agricultural studies. Additionally, students with completed coursework can earn their degree faster through this concentration.
Community Engagement & Leadership Development
This concentration is perfect for students looking to better understand the human element of agriculture. With a wide background in agriculture and thorough training in communication skills, you’ll be ready for leadership roles in the industry.
Featured Courses
Here are a few examples of the kinds of courses you can take during the Agriculture Bachelor of Science program:
ALEC 202: Leadership & Diversity in Organizations & Communities
Analysis of the dynamic interactions of personal characteristics, technical skills, interpersonal influence, commitment, goals, and power necessary for both leader and follower effectiveness in complex agricultural and natural resource organizations. Examination of leadership theories and their applications in diverse organizations and communities.
ALEC 441: Issues & Crisis Communication in Agriculture and Natural Resources
Critically examine current and emerging issues within the agricultural industry through a contextual and theoretical lens. Focus on anticipatory and strategic communication to build, maintain, and repair relationships with stakeholders and stakeseekers.
ALEC 340: Marketing & Public Strategies for Global Sectors
Examines how agricultural organizations communicate their mission, vision, and goals for their company both in the United States and internationally. Students will examine agricultural companies in all sectors and analyze how they respond to global change.
ALEC 421: Youth Development
This course introduces youth development (ages 6-18) principles and focuses on the major developmental domains of physical cognitive, emotional and social development. Major theories relevant to the domains of development are introduced and discussed and application these principles in context of family, school and community.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Leadership?
Online Learning With Field Experience
The online Bachelor of Science Agriculture program at UT is providing students with the flexibility needed to complete their undergraduate degrees to advance their careers plus preparing them with real-life work experience.
A New Father’s Story of Online Learning
