The Department of Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications prepares students to be future leaders in agriculture. Students develop skills and gain real-world experience to share their knowledge with others — either in a classroom or as an agricultural communication or leadership professional.

The agricultural education degree offers a broad education in agriculture while preparing students to teach grades 6-12. Students explore teaching methods, learn how to plan curriculum, manage a classroom, and supervise learning programs. U of I is the only agriculture teacher preparation program in Idaho.

The agricultural science, communication and leadership degree allows students to explore the human side of agriculture while gaining technical knowledge and skills. The ASCL degree prepares students to enter a wide variety of career fields. This degree is also offered at-a-distance through partnerships with the College of Western Idaho and College of Southern Idaho.

AELC also offers three minors that complement any major and a master’s degree in agricultural education. The 30-credit master’s program can be tailored to meet specific career goals and is offered in Moscow and Boise.

The department works together with the Idaho FFA Association, offering U of I students the chance to gain hands-on experience organizing the State Leadership Convention and State CDE’s. The department also offers undergraduate research opportunities to help prepare students for graduate school and the workforce. The new Global Orientation to Agricultural Learning program allows students to learn more about global agriculture, develop a curriculum and spend spring break teaching at partner high schools across the nation.