Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
Whether your path leads to classrooms, corporations, nonprofits, advocacy or industry, ALEC prepares you to make a lasting impact on people and communities.
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College
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Hours Required
120 credit hours -
Minors Available
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, Leadership and Communication, Leadership and Entrepreneurship
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Areas of Focus
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, Leadership, Agricultural Education, Skilled and Technical Sciences
The Nebraska Difference
Own Your Experience
Customize your education through four flexible program options.
Find a Supportive Community
You'll receive support through faculty mentorship and 1-to-1 advising.
Co-create Your Path
Work within a dedicated community and connect to internships, mentorship and networking opportunities.
Develop Your Potential
Learn from leading faculty who are committed to developing your potential.
Program Features
Hands-On Experience
Apply what you learn in the classroom through real-world experiences across each program option. From early classroom experiences and service-learning projects to leadership internships, client-based communication work and student organizations, ALEC students graduate with practical skills, professional connections and confidence for their future careers.
Nebraska in Your Classroom
Prepare to teach in one of Nebraska’s most connected teacher preparation programs. Through partnerships with agricultural education and skilled and technical sciences programs across the state, students gain early classroom experience, build professional networks and learn how to inspire the next generation through hands-on, career-focused education.
Leadership That Makes a Difference
In the leadership option, students explore how people and organizations work—and how to help them work better. Through hands-on experiences in and out of the classroom, students apply leadership theory, strengthen communication skills and build the confidence to create meaningful change in their careers, organizations and communities.
Tell Stories That Matter
In the communication option, students blend creativity with science to tell stories that matter. From photography and video to writing, design and strategic communication, students gain hands-on experience and the flexibility to shape their path—preparing them to advocate for agriculture, communicate complex issues and lead as science communicators.
Notable Courses
Interpersonal Skills for Leadership (ALEC 102)
Explore what makes great leaders effective while gaining hands-on experience in communication, teamwork and community-focused leadership.
Introduction to Digital Media in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (ALEC 260)
Create real-world media using Adobe Creative Suite while telling stories about agriculture, science and Nebraska communities through professional communication projects.
Laboratory Instruction and Management (ALEC 308)
Learn to teach in hands-on settings such as mechanics, greenhouse and land labs while building the confidence to lead safe, engaging learning experiences.
Methods of Instruction (ALEC 405)
Spend time in real classrooms, develop effective lesson plans and discover the school and teaching environments that fit you best.
Leadership and Diversity in Organizations and Communities (ALEC 466)
Explore how experiences shape leadership styles while learning to build inclusive teams, strengthen relationships and lead diverse communities.
Capstone Experience in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication (ALEC 480)
Create podcasts, videos, websites and more while leading a communications campaign that helps a real client achieve its goals.
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
Graduate Schools
- M.S. Leadership Education, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Ph.D. Human Sciences, Specialization in Leadership Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Master of Applied Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Master of Agricultural and Environmental Education, University of Georgia
Outside the Classroom
Teach Real Students
Step into real classrooms before student teaching. From the first year, Agricultural Education and STS students gain experience in Nebraska schools by observing teachers, assisting with lessons, working with students and leading instruction.
Connect With Industry Leaders
Meet professionals shaping the future of agriculture and start building your network. Through internships, guest speakers, conferences and events, students connect with leaders across agriculture, education, leadership and communication.
Create Work for Real Clients
Build a portfolio of real-world work, not just class assignments. Students develop communication campaigns, design educational materials and solve organizational challenges while collaborating with schools, businesses, nonprofits and community partners.
Make an Impact in Communities
Gain hands-on experience while making a difference. ALEC students work with schools, youth organizations, nonprofits and community partners to educate, lead and communicate, creating positive change across Nebraska and beyond.
Academics & Experiential Learning
- Get hands-on from day one. Build real skills through field experiences, client projects, internships, leadership programs and applied learning opportunities.
- Apply what you learn in real settings. Work with schools, businesses, organizations and communities while earning credit toward your degree.
- Explore your interests before graduation. Gain experience in education, leadership, communication, agriculture and community engagement to discover what fits you best.
Career Preparedness
- Graduate with experience, not just a degree. Build a résumé and portfolio through internships, capstones, field experiences and industry-connected projects.
- Learn from professionals doing the work today. Connect with teachers, communicators, business leaders and industry partners across Nebraska and beyond.
- Develop skills employers value. Strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills through real-world experiences.
Community
- Find your people. Join a close-knit community where faculty know your name and classmates become collaborators, mentors and friends.
- Build a professional network early. Connect with students, alumni, educators and industry leaders through conferences, organizations and networking events.
- Be part of something bigger. Engage with schools, communities and organizations across Nebraska while making a meaningful impact.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Morgan Tranmer
- Contact Title
- ALEC Admissions Recruitment Coordinator
- Phone
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