Program Coordinator/Contact
Mary Christensen, Coordinator
Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science (ALECS)
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 295
605-688-5133
Laura Hasselquist, Assistant Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 110
605-688-6418
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 in the Agricultural Education specialization will complete a professional education curriculum, as well as supportive instruction in technical agriculture, basic science, and other competencies. Graduates of the Education Specialization will qualify for a secondary teaching certificate and will also be prepared for a variety of careers in the agricultural industry.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Agricultural Education Specialization of the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership Major, students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill across the broad field of the Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources industries.
- Demonstrate and apply educational content knowledge related to effective teaching and learning of diverse groups of secondary students.
- Explain the importance of and show evidence of ethical and professional behaviors.
- Locate and evaluate information to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate core competencies and create plans for effective lifetime learning.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills.
- Evaluate a diverse spectrum of agriculturally related global challenges to communicate culturally responsible solutions to a variety of audiences.
Academic Requirements
- A grade of “C” or better is required in CMST 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 103 or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification and Licensure
- Completion of an approved bachelor’s Secondary preparation program.
- Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
- Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
- Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
- Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.
Course Delivery Format
Most courses are delivered by traditional lecture/format, and some are offered by online delivery.
