Ph.D. Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications
The Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications is a campus-based, research-oriented doctoral degree program. This specialized degree provides a wide range of educational and research experiences designed specifically to train scholars equipped to address complex issues relating to the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. Students will graduate with a strong theoretical foundation and advanced research skillset necessary for careers in the public or private sector.
Graduates often pursue university faculty positions, public and corporate leadership roles in education, natural resource management, Extension education, international development and other professional careers in agriculture, life and social sciences.
Program Details
Coursework gives the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge in the field of study and methods of research. The program requires a minimum of 64 semester hours, beyond the master’s degree, including dissertation research and 18 hours of research methods. Without the master’s degree, a student must complete a minimum of 96 semester hours.
Students pursuing the Ph.D. may choose to complete a maximum of 12 hours of coursework in supporting areas closely aligned to their research interests and professional goals. While a majority of the courses must be completed on campus, students are eligible to apply up to seven online courses toward the degree program. Students must successfully pass oral and written preliminary exams and complete a dissertation to fulfill program requirements.
- Degree: Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
- Credit Hours: 64 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 recommended to complete one or more of the courses below to gain content knowledge and skills across all disciplines.
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 students 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 research experience, evidence of leadership, and other relevant skills and accomplishments that demonstrate the potential for excellence. Students admitted to our doctoral program typically have competitive GPAs of 3.00 or higher in their previous graduate work; or if no Master’s received GPA is typically 3.00 of the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
- 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
- Five letters of recommendation, submitted electronically with your application*
- Writing samples to demonstrate writing proficiency*
- See Writing Guidelines and Rubric
- MS (Thesis) applicants – One writing sample will be evaluated – A “critique” of an ALEC faculty member’s recent refereed publication (journal article must be within the past five years).
- MS (Non-thesis), MAG, and MAYD applicants – One writing sample will be evaluated – A three-page summary 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.
- PhD applicants – Three writing samples will be evaluated; 1) applicant’s previous publication (conference abstract, journal article, etc.), 2) critique of an ALEC faculty member’s recent refereed publication (article must be within the past five years), and 3) a position paper on a selected topic related to the applicant’s research interests.
- 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 research objectives, why they wish to pursue the degree, and how the degree will assist them in obtaining your career goals. The statement needs to be very specific indicating what research has been completed and provide specific research objectives.
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 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
