Program Coordinator/Contact
Donald M. Marshall, Associate Dean and Director
Academic Programs of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Berg Agricultural Hall 156
605-688-5133
E-mail: donald.marshall@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/abs
Click here for additional information.
Mary Arnold, Department Head
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Yeager Hall 211
605-688-4171
E-mail: mary.arnold@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/mcom
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership Major is a multidisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. The major allows students the flexibility to select a plan of study based on their interests and skills by choosing one of three specializations: Education, Communication, or Leadership. Students specializing in communication take courses in agriculture along with courses in the Journalism and Mass Communication department.
Graduates of the Communication specialization report agricultural information to farmers and ranchers, consumers, governmental agencies, agribusinesses, commodity groups, and legislators through positions in public relations, sales, marketing, journalism, social media, and the government.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Communication Specialization of the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership Major, students will:
- have introductory knowledge of animal science, agronomy, and agri-business.
- have in-depth knowledge of journalism and mass communication.
- demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills
- be prepared for a career related to agribusiness communication.
- locate and evaluate information to support communication
- have sufficient core competencies for effective lifetime learning.
- have a broad understanding of global challenges and issues related to food systems and agriculture and the ability to communicate these topics to the public
- demonstrate critical thinking and decision making skills.
Equipment and Supplies
Students are encouraged to purchase a Macintosh laptop and software appropriate for the discipline.
Course Delivery Format
The program offers coursework in classroom, studio, online, and field-based settings.
