ALEC is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the social science aspects of agriculture and natural resources. The ALEC PhD program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address contemporary challenges in agriculture through leadership, education, and communication. Our faculty members bring a wealth of expertise in several key areas:
- Information Technology: Leveraging technology to improve agricultural practices and communication.
- Issues and Crisis Communication: Managing communication during agricultural crises and addressing public concerns.
- Science Communication: Effectively communicating scientific research and advancements to diverse audiences.
- Formal and Nonformal Education: Developing educational programs for various settings, including schools and community organizations.
- Curriculum Design: Creating effective curricula that meet the needs of agricultural education.
- Online Learning: Utilizing digital platforms and designs to deliver educational content.
- Leadership: Training future leaders in the agricultural sector.
- International Agriculture: Addressing global agricultural challenges through education, research, and outreach.
Admissions Standards/Procedures
To the Office of Graduate Admissions submit an online application, application fee, and official transcripts. The online application procedure will also direct the applicant to submit an updated resume, three letters of reference (or three Graduate Rating Forms) from persons capable of assessing the applicant’s suitability for graduate work, and a statement of professional goals, research interests, and reasons for applying to ALEC. In the statement letter and application, the area of interest and desired major professor must be indicated. Applicants will be expected to meet all university admission requirements, demonstrate how their professional and/or personal goals and research interests align with the program, have excellent recommendations, and an ALEC faculty member willing to be their faculty advisor and graduate committee chair.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and an academic writing sample (i.e., journal article, literature review) are recommended but not required for admission to the program. Scores from the general GRE test and an academic writing sample are given different weights by various faculty advisors, so applicants are encouraged to directly contact their desired faculty advisor to determine the importance of this indicator to the success of their application.
Once an application has been received and completed, faculty will review applications and meet once each fall and spring semester to determine admissions.
Completed application deadlines are Fall and Summer – February 10, and Spring – September 1.
Admission decision dates are as follows: Fall and Summer – March 10, and Spring – October 1.
Graduate assistantships are available to residential students (Knoxville Campus) on a competitive basis and are administered through ALEC. Assistantships are awarded depending on the available funding each year.
Credit Hours Required
- A minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond the Master’s degree, or
- A minimum of 72 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree
Required Courses
- Of the required graduate credit hours, 48 must be in courses numbered greater than 500 (including 24 credit hours of course ALEC 600; e.g., ALEC 510-593, ALEC 612-693)
- 6 credit hours of courses at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, numbered greater than 600 (e.g., ALEC 612-693)
- A minimum of 18 hours in graduate level research methods and statistics approved by the student’s advisory committee with at least 12 credit hours in graduate level research methods and statistics beyond the Master’s degree. (e.g., STAT 537, STAT 538, CCI 611, CCI 631, CCI 635, ESM 559, ELPS 615, ELPS 616)
- A minimum of 30 hours in specialization/subject matter content approved by the student’s advisory committee with at least 12 specialization credit hours earned beyond the Masters’s degree
- 24 credit hours of ALEC 600
- See the Degree Program Requirements/Doctoral Degree section in the Academic Policies and Requirements for Graduate Students section for additional information.
Non-Course Requirements
- The student and the major professor will select a minimum of three additional faculty, holding the rank of assistant professor or above, to serve on the student’s doctoral committee. The major professor and two committee members must be approved to direct doctoral research by the Graduate Council. At least one member of the committee must be from outside the department. The doctoral committee must be formalized by the end of the second semester of graduate study.
- Research Ethics training is required, which may be achieved through (CITI RCR) training, as evidenced by presenting a valid CITI RCR certificate to the ALEC Director of Graduate Studies or their designee.
- Satisfactory preparation of a written dissertation proposal and an oral defense to the student’s committee are required. These must be completed before enrollment in ALEC 600. The candidate will be tested on his/her knowledge of the proposed dissertation.
- Each doctoral student must pass a comprehensive examination as required by the Graduate Council. Both written and oral sections of the comprehensive examination must be passed. Successful completion indicates that, in the judgment of the faculty, the doctoral student can think analytically and creatively, has a comprehensive knowledge of the field and the specialty, knows how to use academic resources, and is deemed capable of completing the dissertation.
- Satisfactory preparation of a written dissertation and passing an oral defense of the dissertation to the student’s doctoral committee are required.
For more information on the program and whether it might be a good fit for you, contact our Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Carrie Stephens.
