Program Overview

MS, Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

The Master of Science in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications is a graduate program offered by the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University - College Station.

Program Overview

This program allows for diverse career areas, including public relations account manager, communications coordinator, agricultural science teacher, sales representative, county extension agent, leadership consultant, social and public service, instructional designer, and international development specialist. Due to the diverse nature of these careers, degree plans will vary considerably and are generally unique for each individual.

Career Flexibility

The program offers two tracks: Thesis and Non-Thesis. Both tracks provide students with the flexibility to pursue their career objectives.

Thesis Option

• The Master of Science with thesis requires a minimum of 32 semester-hours of coursework.
• The campus/synchronous degree program plan consists of at least 32 semester-credit hours, typically 20 semester-credit hours in the department, 3-4 of these hours credited for the thesis, and a maximum of 12 semester-credit hours of coursework in supporting field(s) of interest.
• While a majority of the courses must be completed on campus, Master of Science thesis option programs are permitted to apply up to 50% of online courses toward the degree program.
• Coursework in the supporting fields in the MS-Thesis program may be in any academic area that contributes to a student's career objectives, including:
  • Agricultural leadership
  • Agricultural communications
  • Professional sales
  • Extension education
  • International agricultural development
  • Research methods
  • Sociology
• A residence requirement of nine semester hours of coursework in one semester or in two consecutive five-week summer terms must be completed.

Non-Thesis Option

• Students whose career objectives are concerned with formal or informal education in agriculture may seek the Master of Science-Non-Thesis option.
• The campus/synchronous degree plan consists of at least 36 semester-hours of coursework, typically 24 semester-credit hours in the department and a maximum of 12 semester-credit hours of coursework 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 completed.

PHD, Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

The PhD program in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications is also available, offering advanced study and research opportunities in the field.

Program Details

• Dual Degree Option: No
• Thesis or Dissertation Required: Yes
• Main Method of Study: Face-to-Face
• Required Tests: None (writing samples are required instead)