M.S. Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication – Non-Thesis Option
Students pursuing this master’s degree will be trained to address critical issues pertaining to agriculture through a variety of lenses. Students pursuing the non-thesis option are seeking an applied degree as opposed to a research-based degree. This degree is ideal for those currently in or pursuing careers in formal or informal leadership, education or communications.
Many applicants currently work in or aspire to obtain careers in agricultural education, Extension education, sales, leadership and natural resource management consulting, training and development, instructional design or international agricultural development.
Program Details
The non-thesis option is a campus-based degree program requiring the completion of at least 36 credit hours. The coursework consist typically of 21 to 24 credit hours in the department and a maximum of 12 credit hours of coursework may be completed in support areas. While a majority of the courses must be completed on campus, master of science non-thesis option programs are permitted to apply up to 50% of online courses toward the degree program. A residence requirement of nine semester hours of coursework in one semester or in two consecutive five-week summer terms must be met. Students must successfully complete ad individual project to fulfill program requirements.
- Degree: M.S. in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
- Credit Hours: 36 total credit hours
Core Curriculum
While students are allowed the flexibility to select support courses to tailor their graduate program to match their academic interests and career aspirations, students are encouraged to complete four core curriculum courses to gain content knowledge and skills. All students will be assessed on their performance in each of these four core courses:
ALEC 610: Principles of Adult Education
Identification of basic principles motivating adults to learn. Procedures to implement these principles in bringing about changes in adult behavior.
ALEC 615: History and Philosophy of Agricultural Education
Historical and philosophical developments in education that brought about education in agriculture; ideas of individuals that culminated in agricultural education institutions and organizations.
ALEC 640: Methods of Technological Change
Dynamics of cultural change as theoretical framework for planned technological change; methods of planning and implementing change, its effects and how it can be predicted.
ALEC 695: Frontiers in Research
Basic concepts of quantitative and qualitative research; understanding the social science research process; using appropriate methods to address research problems; enabling students to effectively evaluate, consume, and communicate research findings.
Graduate Admissions
Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts you in the highest class of job candidates. If interested in seeking financial assistance, applicants are highly encouraged to submit application materials by the fall deadline dates.
What Do I Need to Apply?
- Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
- Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions
- Note: GRE Scores are not required
- We seek applicants with meaningful academic experience, evidence of leadership, and other relevant skills and accomplishments that demonstrate the potential for excellence. Students admitted to our Master’s programs typically have competitive GPAs of 3.00 (last 60 hours of undergraduate work) or higher.
- If the GPA is verified as not obtaining the above GPAs, applicants are still eligible to apply. We are fundamentally interested in admitting the best students and recognize that several factors including work experience and life experiences can add to the value of an application.
- Statement of purpose outlining intent and professional career goals*
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically with your application*
- Writing samples to demonstrate writing proficiency*
- One writing sample will be evaluated – A three-page document (one page summary; one page sentence outline; reference list) of a selected workshop topic which must include an overview of the topic, a description of the audience, and an explanation of why you selected the topic.
- Prior to and while in the process of applying, applicants are highly encouraged to meet with and have conversations with faculty in their desired research and interest area. Applicants must secure an ALEC faculty member to agree to endorse admission and serve as an interim faculty advisor.
Statement of Purpose
Applicants must indicate specific interest area and provide well-defined, focused academic and/or research objectives, why they wish to pursue the degree, and how the degree will assist them in obtaining your career goals. Applicants interested in the master of science degree program must clearly define in the statement whether they wish to pursue the thesis or non-thesis option.
Letters of Recommendation
Students will provide email addresses of recommenders in the online application. Recommenders will be asked to submit their recommendation letter electronically. Only one letter may be from faculty, staff or student employee in the department. Other ideal recommenders might be an immediate or past supervisor; previous professors; a peer or another person from the above categories.
Writing Samples
Applicants must submit one writing sample. A three-page document (one page summary; one page sentence outline; reference list) of a selected workshop topic which must include an overview of the topic, a description of the audience, and an explanation of why you selected the topic.
Applicants must submit writing samples. Applications are considered incomplete if missing the require degree-level writing sample noted above.
International Students
Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Exams must be taken within the last two years. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the criteria below:
- a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (must be taken in last five years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL score of: 80 internet-based testing; 550 for paper-based testing (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of at least 8.5 (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (from a test date within two years) or;
- a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 (from a test date within two years)
Admissions Decisions
Applicants will receive an admissions decision either in a letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions and/or from the department. Candidates will receive a decision letter within a month after application submission.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
By submitting an application, all students are considered for scholarships and fellowships. To be considered for additional funding opportunities outside of the department, students are encouraged to submit the financial aid application and a scholarship application, along with their graduate school application. This ensures students are reviewed for all the types of financial aid that you are eligible for. Remember: each student’s financial aid eligibility may vary. The types of financial aid you are offered is based on the data provided on your financial aid and/or scholarship application. If a student is an international or out-of-state resident and receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000, they may qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver. Students interested in assistantships should visit guidelines for applying for a departmental assistantship.
Contact Us
Gary Wingenbach
Professor and Associate Department Head for Graduate Programs
