2025 - 2026 Graduate Catalog
Agricultural Business and Leadership, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) Concentration, M.S.
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 Return to: College of Agriculture
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Agribusiness and Agricultural Education Major
Program Overview Mission of the College The College of Agriculture carries out the Land Grant mandates of the University in teaching, research, and service. The major goal of the College is to satisfy the educational needs and aspirations of both traditional and non-traditional students enrolled in its academic programs. Department Goals and Objectives The graduate programs in the Department of Agricultural Business and Education (DABE) are designed to provide students with a solid and the most relevant up-to-date curriculum that blends advanced scientific knowledge in economics and business applications, agricultural education, communication, and leadership skills to solve problems in agriculture and related areas. Students will develop the necessary set of skills and competencies, and expand their knowledge, creativity, and scholastic activities through the classroom and laboratory, experiential hands-on learning, case study and analysis, and networking opportunities that prepare them for today’s ever-demanding job market. Program Description The Master of Science in Agricultural Business and Leadership is offered with two concentrations: a) Agribusiness Management, and b) Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC). The degree is offered with two options, thesis or non-thesis. A completely online degree option is available for non-thesis students. The ALEC concentation focuses on leadership, education, and communication within agricultural contexts. Students seeking job-embedded teacher licensure in agricultural education are required to enroll in the ALEC concentration. Program Outcomes - Graduates will be prepared for roles in teaching, agricultural extension services, and positions requiring leadership and communication in the agricultural sector.
- Develop professionals, leaders, and researcher with in-depth knowledge and skills in food, agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
- Prepare students for rewarding careers in government, industry, secondary education, nonformal education, higher education, and international development.
- Develop learners to take leadership roles in food, agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.
- Equip professionals to problem solvers and critical thinkers.
- Foster learners capable of communicating effectively using a variety of strategies and technologies.
- Prepare learners for further doctoral and/or post-doctoral training (primarily through the thesis option).
Admission Requirements - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year degree granting college or university with a major in one of the Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Communications, or closely related areas.
- Minimum GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
- Minimum GRE score of 290 (Verbal + Quantitative).
- A sliding scale in one metric, GPA and GRE, may be used for minor deficiencies for degrees from U.S. institutions.
- International Students:
- TOEFL minimum score: Internet-based Test (iBT) - 71 (Computer-based Test (CBT) - 197; Paper-based Test (PBT) - 530) OR IELTS minimum score of 6.0. Test scores are valid for five years.
- Non-US transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign educational credential agency (e.g., WES).
- Required Application Materials (submitted via GradCAS): Official transcripts, GRE scores, personal statement of purpose, contact details for three professional/academic references, CV/Resume.
- Important Dates (Refer to the official 2025-2026 Graduate School Calendar when available):
- Fall Admission Application Deadline (Domestic): July 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026)
- Fall Admission Application Deadline (International Students Abroad): April 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026)
- Spring Admission Application Deadline (Domestic): December 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026)
- Spring Admission Application Deadline (International Students Abroad): October 1 (Confirm with official calendar for 2025-2026)
Program Duration - M.S. with thesis is typically 2 years.
- M.S. non-thesis is typically 2 years.
- GRA for MS level is standard for 18 months, with a research mode extension for 6 months (total 24 months).
- Transfer of Credits: Up to 12 credit hours from another accredited institution may be transferred, subject to approval by the student’s advisory committee, graduate coordinator, department chair, and graduate school dean.
Degree Requirements - Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Thesis Option: Successful completion of coursework, appointment of thesis advising committee, advancement to candidacy, submission and successful oral defense of an approved thesis. Must pass AGSC 5110 or 5115 and AGSC 5060 or 5065 before enrolling in AGSC 5120.
- Non-Thesis Option: Students choosing the non-thesis option will be required to take a minimum of 35 hours of course work. During AGSC 5350 (Independent Study of Contemporary Issues and Problems), which should be taken in the last semester, students need to pass comprehensive written and oral examinations administered by the student’s advisory committee and other faculty members representing appropriate subject matter areas. The written and oral exam will report on the Master Project completed during AGSC 5350. The student’s major advisor will serve as chairperson of the committee leading the Master Project and conducting the examination. If a student fails the comprehensive examination, one retake will be allowed. Should the student again fail, a third and final examination may be taken upon completion of additional course work (minimum of 6 hours) to be selected by the student’s advisory committee.
- File program of study after completion of 9 to 15 credit hours of coursework.
Accreditation Information Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Specific programmatic accreditation for this degree is not detailed in the provided documents. Career Opportunities Employers in teaching, agricultural extension services, agricultural product processing, marketing organizations, input supply firms, and various state and federal government agencies. Faculty  Program Coordinator/Contact Information
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Department Chair: Dr. Prabodh Illukpitiya (Professor, Office: 204H Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963-1877, Email:pillukpi@tnstate.edu) -
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Aditya Khanal (Associate Professor, Office: 204D Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963-4986, Email: akhanal1@tnstate.edu) - College Dean: Chandra Reddy (Office: 213 Agricultural Biotechnology Building, (615) 963-7561, creddy@tnstate.edu)
Program of Study and Credit Hours RequiredALEC Concentration Core Courses
12-credit hours required for thesis students OR 11-credit hours required for non-thesis students. Concentration II Required Courses
Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) 12-credit hours minimum for thesis students or 15-credit hours minimum for non-thesis students. Additionally, AGSC 5020, AGSC 5030, and AGSC 5040 are required for those seeking Teaching License; AGSC 5050 is required for endorsement to teach Agriscience. Concentration-II Elective Courses
6-credit hours maximum for thesis students OR 9-credit hours maximum for non-thesis students with the approval of the advisor and department head. TELC 5001, TELC 5004, and TELC 5005 are required courses for those seeking a teaching license.
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Return to: College of Agriculture
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