Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science

The academic unit Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science (ALECS) acts as the departmental home for students with these multidisciplinary majors in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES):

  • A.S. agricultural science
  • B.S. agricultural science
  • B.S. agricultural education, communication and leadership - education specialization
  • B.S. agricultural education, communication and leadership - communication specialization
  • B.S. agricultural education, communication and leadership - leadership specialization

Students in these programs acquire a strong foundation in agricultural sciences by taking a variety of courses throughout the college and across campus. They are prepared for broad career options including production agriculture, teaching, marketing and communication positions and leadership positions within the agricultural industry. Additional program information can be found in the , SDSU Degree Finder and SDSU Academic Advising guide sheets.

Students examining a bucket of feed
Agricultural Science (Associates Degree)
This two year Agricultural Science program offers students a practical, well-rounded education in agriculture. Because of their comprehensive background, Ag Science majors are placed in a wide variety of professional capacities in the agricultural industry, including sales, business, management, and production. Specific positions are determined in part by students’ academic coursework, internships, work experiences and extracurricular involvement.
Students and faculty examining planted seed
Agricultural Science (Bachelors Degree)
The four year Agricultural Science program offers students a practical, well-rounded education in agriculture. Because of their comprehensive background, Ag Science majors are placed in a wide variety of professional capacities in the agricultural industry, including sales, business, management and production. Specific positions are determined in part by students’ academic coursework, internships, work experiences and extracurricular involvement.
Students in a classroom
Agricultural Education Specialization
Students in the Agricultural Education specialization gain knowledge and skills in technical agriculture, basic science and other competencies. Students will complete a professional education curriculum that leads to a secondary teaching certificate upon graduation. In addition to teaching, students will also be prepared for a variety of careers in the agricultural industry.
Students looking at a camera
Agricultural Communication Specialization
For students interested in a career that draws upon both mass communication skills such as journalism, promotion and marketing or sales, and a knowledge of agriculture, Agricultural Communication might be the right emphasis. Agricultural communications students are prepared for careers such as reporting and editing for agricultural magazines and newspapers, public relations, advertising in agribusiness, farm broadcast and much more.
Teacher teaching
Agricultural Leadership Specialization
The Agricultural Leadership specialization educates students in leadership skills development, basic science and agriculture. This focus area also provides considerable flexibility for students to choose supporting elective courses. Graduates of the leadership specialization can pursue careers of service to agricultural commodity organizations, livestock breed associations, community development organizations, government and businesses.