Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication

A degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication is designed to prepare students with the necessary communication and interpersonal skills, leadership training, and knowledge of technical agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences for employment in agribusiness leadership training and/or development, teaching school based agricultural education, and/or careers in communications, advocacy, and public service. The core curriculum gives students a balanced education in communications, leadership development and the teaching and learning process.

Options

Each ALEC student studies a core curriculum that provides a comprehensive approach to human development through leadership, education and communication preparing for a wide range of careers in the human sciences. In addition to the core, there are four different options from which students can choose an area of focus that meets their individual interests and career objectives. These options include:

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication

Leadership

Agricultural Education^*

Skilled and Technical Sciences^*

^*Both agricultural education and skilled and technical sciences options lead to recommendation for Nebraska teacher certification.

Major Department Admission

(Applies only to agricultural education and skilled and technical sciences options)

Student admission to the teacher education program in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication requires successful completion of ALEC 494 Undergraduate Seminar in Agricultural Education at least six months prior to student teaching. Student teaching is conducted off campus through university-approved agreements with cooperating secondary schools. Plans for student teaching must be made early.

To be admitted into the student teaching program candidates must have:

1. A minimum scholastic grade point average of 2.75, including no grades lower than C within the endorsement area and no grade lower than C+ within professional education courses.
2. Passing scores within PRAXIS I SERIES – Core Academic Skills (reading, writing, and mathematics).
3. One thousand (1,000) hours of verified paid work experience within their intended teaching endorsement area or 300 hours of supervised employment under the direction of a University of Nebraska–Lincoln academic unit.

ALEC 431 Student Teaching is available as Pass/No Pass only. Meet with your advisor to plan for your student teaching experience.

Nebraska Teaching Certificate Requirements

To qualify for a Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) issued teaching certificate a student must successfully complete the teaching endorsement requirements. NDE also requires a passing score on the corresponding PRAXIS II SERIES Content Area Test and an institutional verification from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Certification Officer.

Such certification will include a broad field endorsement to teach either secondary agricultural education or skilled and technical science (6-12). The choice is available to students completing an agricultural education endorsement to complete additional coursework qualifying for subject endorsement in biology. 

Students in other agricultural degree programs may qualify based upon meeting endorsement and teaching certificate requirements.

Criminal History/Background Check

Effective August 2012, individuals enrolled in any Nebraska teacher education course requiring a practicum experience in schools or other institutions must have successfully completed a background review prior to any practicum visitations. Two successful background checks will be required during your teacher preparation program; one prior to your initial practicum experience and a second prior to your student teaching field experience. If any new charges or convictions are acquired after a background check has been completed, students are required to report those to the Director of Field Experiences immediately after the event occurs. Depending upon the infraction or change, an additional background check may be required at your cost. For more information, contact Tylee Hanson ([email protected]). You are obligated to immediately report a change in criminal history. Background reviews must be completed through the CEHS vendor. See your advisor or practicum course instructor for necessary details to request and complete a background review.
 

Graduates of agricultural leadership, education and communication will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective written, visual, and oral communication to communicate to diverse audiences about agricultural and environmental sciences.
2. Apply leadership knowledge, skills, and competencies to analyze, evaluate, and solve issues effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in complex and global environments.
3. Design and deliver an instructional program that will engage an audience, meet identified learning objectives, and assess learning.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and reflective skills to become life-long learners and engage in continual professional growth.

Graduates in the agricultural and environmental sciences communication option will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence in visual and written communication techniques.
2. Apply communication concepts, theories, and principles of critical thinking to real world issues facing agriculture and the environment.
3. Understand diverse perspectives related to food, fuel, water, landscapes, and people in Nebraska, nationally and globally.
4. Communicate agricultural and environmental science information in lay language to targeted audiences.

Graduates in the agricultural education option will be able to:

1. Understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.
2. Understand how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.
3. Understand how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
4. Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
5. Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
6. Use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
7. Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject manner, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
8. Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.
9. Be a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Graduates in the skilled and technical sciences option will be able to:

1. Understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.
2. Understand how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.
3. Understand how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
4. Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
5. Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
6. Use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
7. Plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject manner, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
8. Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.
9. Be a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Graduates in the leadership option will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of leadership theories, models, and behaviors to solve problems in agricultural and environmental sciences fields and beyond.
2. Develop competence to apply leadership skills at the individual, team, and organizational/community levels.
3. Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate leadership issues in complex and global environments.
4. Develop a level of self-awareness as well as the cognitive and emotional ability to effectively work with and develop people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
5. Develop and implement a personal plan for transfer of knowledge, skills, and behaviors gained to career/professional life via a guided capstone internship.

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Deadlines

Summer/Fall – May 1

Spring – December 1

Additional Documents

In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

• Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• English proficiency scores
• Bank statement
• Passport copy

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

Fall Term – July 15

Spring Term – December 1

Summer Term – May 1

Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

Completed Coursework Requirements

• A broad section of course work in English
• Native language courses
• Math
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

ACT/SAT Requirements

ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

• College of Architecture
• College of Engineering

Bank Statement Requirements

In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

Statements must include:

• Student's name
• NUID Number

NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

Items not Required

Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
  
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

• Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
  
  
• Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
• Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

• Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
• Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

• Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
• Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
• Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

• Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
• Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

• The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
• You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
• Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.