Tifton Campus: Students: Programs of Study
Master of Agricultural Leadership Degree Program
Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication
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. Included in this packet is a series of materials that can assist you in understanding this program, with the following listing of key features and requirements.
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 & county extension agents
- Individual advisor in your area of specialization
Application/Registration Process:
- Submit Intent to Participate Form
- Submit Statement of Purpose
- Submit 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Take GRE
- Submit UGA Graduate School Application and Application Fee
- Send all Undergraduate Transcripts to UGA Graduate School
- Register for Classes
- Pay Tuition and Fees (www.bursar.uga.edu)
Where to Send Information:
- Submit Intent to Participate Form to: Erin Womack / P.O. Box 748 / Tifton, GA 31793
- Submit Statement of Purpose and 3 Letters of Recommendation to: MAL Graduate Coordinator / UGA 109 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, please contact me at (229) 386-3528 or via email at ewomack@uga.edu.
Sincerely,
Erin Womack
Erin Womack
Coordinator of Academic Programs
UGA – Tifton Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
ALEC Master of Agricultural Leadership Degree Program
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 which is included in this packet.
Submit this form by April 1 of the year you want to begin your 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 does this in three ways:
· 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
meeting 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; information is available
to those who qualify at: http://www.reg.uga.edu/or.nsf/preview/(TAP)%20Homepage .
Intent to Participate Form
Master of Agricultural Leadership Program
Completing and submitting this form indicates your interest in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication Master of Agricultural Leadership Program. Once the department receives your completed form, you will be sent a complete information packet regarding the registration procedures for this program. The following is a listing of the key features and requirements of the program.
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 & county extension agents
- Individual advisor in your area of specialization
Application/Registration Process:
- Submit Intent to Participate Form to Coordinator of Academic Programs
- Submit Statement of Purpose
- Submit 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Take GRE
- Submit UGA Graduate School Application and Application Fee
- Send all Undergraduate Transcripts to UGA Graduate School
- Register for Classes
- Pay Tuition and Fees (www.bursar.uga.edu)
Name ______________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________
Work Phone ______________________________________________________
Home Phone ______________________________________________________
Cell Phone ______________________________________________________
Email ______________________________________________________
Signature _________________________________ Date _________
Send completed form to Coordinator of Academic Programs
Erin Womack
PO Box 748
Tifton, GA 31793
Application/Registration Procedures
Master of Agricultural Leadership Program
- Submit Intent to Participate Form
- Submit Statement of Purpose
- Submit 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Take GRE
- Submit UGA Graduate School Application and Application Fee
- Send all Undergraduate Transcripts to UGA Graduate School
- Register for Classes
- Pay Tuition and Fees (www.bursar.uga.edu)
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 completed form to Erin Womack / P.O. Box 748 / Tifton, GA 31793
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: MAL Graduate Coordinator / UGA 109 Four Towers / Athens, GA 30602
Letters of recommendation
The Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication requires
three letters of recommendation regarding the applicant’s academic ability and potential
as a graduate student. These letters are carefully considered during the evaluation of
applicants for graduate study. All letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the
Master of Agricultural Leadership Program Coordinator in the Department of
Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication. Send to: MAL Graduate Coordinator / UGA 109 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 website. The application can be submitted online.
GRE
You can find a local GRE administration site by visiting http://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: 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 |
May and Extended Summer Session |
April 1 |
Summer Semester |
May 1 |
International Applicants |
|
Fall Semester |
April 15 |
Spring Semester |
October 15 |
Summer Semester |
February 15 |