Tifton Campus: Students: Programs of Study
Master of Agricultural Leadership Degree Program
General Information
The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC) at the University of Georgia offers this innovative program to individuals interested in completing a master degree via videoconferencing and Web based instruction.
Key Features:
- Master of Agricultural Leadership degree is approximately a two-year program
- Courses will be offered using GSAMS, Web delivery, and/or by using other innovative teaching methods
- Designed primarily for practicing agriculture teachers and county extension agents
- Individual advisor in your area of specialization
Application Process:
- Submit Intent to Participate Form
- Submit Statement of Purpose
- Take GRE
- Submit UGA Graduate School Application and Application Fee
- Send all Undergraduate Transcripts to UGA Graduate School
- Graduate School Recommendation Forms — you will need names and email addresses of those giving you a recommendation
Where to Send Information:
- Submit Intent to Participate Form and Statement of Purpose to: Dennis Duncan / MAL Graduate Coordinator / UGA 106 Four Towers / Athens, GA 30602.
- Submit GRE Scores, Graduate School Application and all Undergraduate Transcripts to: UGA Graduate School / 320 E. Clayton Street, Suite 400 / Athens, GA 30602.
If you should have additional questions about the MAL Program at UGA – Tifton Campus, please contact Erin Womack, Coordinator of Academic Programs, at (229) 386-3528 or ewomack@uga.edu.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Master of Agricultural Leadership Degree Program?
This is a graduate program specifically designed to meet the needs of practicing county extension agents and middle/high school agriculture teachers, especially those outside of the Athens area. The course schedule and content are tailored to best meet the instructional and scheduling needs of busy practicing educators. At the completion of the program, individuals will earn a Master of Agricultural Leadership degree from the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Georgia.
Who can participate in this graduate program?
Individuals who are currently employed as either an agriculture teacher or as a county extension agent are given first priority to participate in this program.
How long is the program?
The program will take approximately two years to complete.
Does this program require a thesis?
Students have the option of a completing a thesis or a portfolio. All students will be asked to develop and submit a research project; students will work closely with their advisors on the development and approval of this project. The thesis option is the continuation of the research project that culminates in a thesis paper at the end of the two year period. The portfolio option is a collection of your best work from various classes in this program and is also due at the end of the program. During the final semester, you will take a written final exam that reflects the coursework contained within the program.
Who will be my academic advisor?
When you are admitted to the program, you will be assigned an advisor. First preference is to match county extension agents with department extension faculty and to likewise match agriculture teachers with one of the agricultural education faculty as their advisor. Due to faculty numbers it is not guaranteed that your advisor will be from your respective discipline. You will be notified of your advisor in your acceptance letter. It is important that you contact your advisor soon after receiving notification of your acceptance.
How do I apply?
First, complete the ALEC Intent to Participate form. Submit this form as soon as you decide to apply to this program. Once you submit this form, the program coordinator will contact you regarding the rest of the application process. It is recommended that you register to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) soon after submitting this form.
What are the admission requirements?
Minimum requirements for admission to the program are set by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies. There is no guaranteed acceptance or rejection criterion to this program; the final decision regarding acceptance is at the discretion of the graduate faculty. Our department also requires three letters of recommendation and a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose is a letter written to explain the reasons you would like to enter our graduate program.
What is WebCT?
WebCT ("Web Course Tools") is a course management system, which facilitates the creation of Web-based educational environments. It provides a set of educational tools to facilitate learning, communication, and collaboration. It provides a set of administrative tools to assist the instructor in the process of management and continuous improvement of the course.
What is HorizonWimba?
HorizonWimba allows students and instructors to meet in "virtual space" for an interactive online conference call using the computer. PowerPoint slides and other content can be pushed out to students while the instructor leads the class in a discussion of the content. This interaction happens in real time and is intended to be a supplement to the WebCT material.
What are the computer requirements for this program?
Since many of the courses in the program will be taught entirely on- line, having reliable internet service is critical. Students must also have reliable access to a computer system the ALEC @ UGA requirements. All courses will require access to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software programs. QuickTime and any software/hardware associated with the use of HorizonWimba at UGA will also be required. Technology difficulties are not an acceptable reason for failure to complete assignments in a timely manner.
How often will each course meet?
Most courses within the program will not have a set meeting time. The courses will be broken into various lessons or modules. In most cases you will have one week to complete the readings and assignments contained within each lesson. The amount of time this will take varies greatly between individuals. On average, each lesson is designed to take 5-10 hours to complete. Some classes will utilize HorizonWimba and/or GSAMS which will require a set meeting time in order to conduct in class discussions.
How much does this program cost?
This program follows the same tuition and fee schedule as other graduate courses at the University of Georgia for Georgia residents. In most cases, individuals completing the program will receive increases in salary that will recover the cost of the program within just a few years. The deadline for tuition remission is July 15th.
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Application Procedures
- Submit Intent to Participate Form
- Submit Statement of Purpose
- Take GRE
- Submit UGA Graduate School Application and Application Fee
- Send all Undergraduate Transcripts to UGA Graduate School
- Graduate School Recommendation Forms – you will need names and email addresses of those giving you a recommendation
ALEC Intent to Participate Form
This form will notify the coordinator of the ALEC Master of Agricultural Leadership Program of your interest. This form outlines the basic requirements and an overview of the program. It also contains a brief listing of the key features and requirements of this program. Send to: Dennis Duncan / MAL Graduate Coordinator / UGA 106 Four Towers / Athens, GA 30602.
- Download ALEC Intent to Participate Form (pdf)
Statement of Purpose
Our department requires that each applicant to the graduate program complete a Statement of Purpose. This statement should include 1) why you want to pursue this master degree program and 2) why you are well positioned to successfully pursue this master degree program. The Statement of Purpose give us a better understanding of you as a student and what your intentions are after you would receive your master degree. Send to: Dennis Duncan / MAL Graduate Coordinator / UGA 106 Four Towers / Athens, GA 30602.
Graduate School Application
The graduate school application is available at www.grad.uga.edu. Important deadlines are also listed on the Web site. The application can be submitted online.
GRE
You can find a local GRE administration site by visiting www.gre.org. It is highly recommended that interested individuals obtain practice materials prior to taking the GRE. These materials may be purchased from ETS or most bookstores. Copies are also available free of charge at most local libraries. It is recommended that individuals select study materials that include an interactive CD-ROM containing practice exams to help best prepare for the GRE. Scores should be submitted to the UGA Graduate School.
Transcripts
All applicants must submit a complete official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work to the University of Georgia Registrar. Transcripts from course work completed at the University of Georgia are not required. Official supplementary transcripts are required as soon as they are available for any work completed after application for admission has been made. Send to: UGA Graduate School / 320 E. Clayton Street, Suite 400 / Athens, GA 30602.
Deadlines
Application deadlines to MAL follow the same deadlines as the UGA Graduate School:
| Domestic Applicants | |
| Fall Semester | July 1 |
| Spring Semester | November 15 |
| International Applicants | |
| Fall Semester | April 15 |
| Spring Semester | Ocotber 15 |