The Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education (ALCE) is nationally recognized as a comprehensive program encompassing teaching and learning, extension, community development and education and leadership in agriculture. We are social scientists practicing in the context of agriculture and life science. Our research, teaching, and extension programs enhance and strengthen the people engaged in agriculture life sciences.

Graduate studies in ALCE are grounded in our programmatic research in problem solving, leadership development, critical thinking, program development and evaluation, secondary education, non-formal education, and professional development. These research areas form our concentration areas of teaching and learning, leadership & social change and community education and development.

Graduate Student Organizations

Our departmental graduate student association provides professional and personal development opportunities through speakers, forums, and group discussion. The organization is also committed to providing social opportunities for graduate students.

In addition to the departmental organization, many college and university organizations are available for our students. Students are also involved in national professional organizations as student members.

Leadership Studies

Our department offers graduate courses in leadership studies and graduate certificates in Collaborative Community Leadership and Problem Solving for Leading Change.

MSLF/AEE

The Master of Life Sciences requires students to complete a thesis and final examination. A considerable amount of time is spent conducting research and writing. This degree is intended for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. in teaching and learning, community education and development, or leadership and social change.

MS/OMALS (Education Concentration or Leadership Studies Concentration)

The Master of Agricultural and Life Science is a non-thesis degree intended for practicing professionals in education, extension or other forms of community development work. This degree is delivered by distance to students who are place-bound. Although this degree is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a doctoral degree, it does not eliminate students from that academic option if chosen in the future. Each student will complete a final project that adds to the knowledge base of best practices in our profession. The project defense (final examination) will be held at the end of a student's program.

MSED/EDCT

The Master of Science in Career and Technical Education is offered on the Virginia Tech campus for students seeking certification in teaching secondary agricultural education. This program is housed in the School of Education and delivered in partnership with ALCE. Students who complete the program receive a degree from the School of Education. This is a non-thesis degree. Students are required to pass a comprehensive examination to complete the program.