Leadership in Agriculture and Human Sciences

As we look at the grand challenges our world faces, the need to train and prepare leaders in every sector of society is urgent. For those interested in developing and strengthening their leadership skills, the Agricultural and Human Sciences (AHS) Department in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers the Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Agricultural and Human Sciences (GCLAHS). The GCLAHS will consist of five 3-credit courses that focus on theory, organizational leadership, community leadership, critical and creative thinking, and change management.

This certificate is designed for the individual who is either currently in a leadership role or who aspires to serve in a leadership capacity in education, industry, non-profit or government. The curriculum allows for a strong base in theory and practice, under the direction of leadership scholars who will work with students to take the knowledge gained in the classroom and apply that knowledge to their respective contexts. In fact, this is the essential nature of leadership development, for students to be able to contextualize the work to their own specific context. Courses are offered online to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.

Eligibility

The GCLAHS will be open to all students who have a bachelor’s degree. Exceptions to the 3.0 minimum GPA will be made for students who bring significant relevant experience (eg. a student who graduated 10 years ago with a 2.8 GPA but who has significant, relevant work experience would be considered a strong candidate for admission). Degree seeking and non-degree seeking (NDS) students will be admitted to the program.

Plan of Study

The GCLAHS will consist of five 3-credit courses that focus on theory, organizational leadership, community leadership, critical and creative thinking, and change management.

Identify methods of change and apply these methods to appropriate contexts from the lens of a leader. Deconstruct and reconstruct theoretical models of leadership, creating more just and equitable systems.

• Synthesize the components of organizational systems, particularly in leadership and administrative contexts.
• Apply strategies for building leadership skills and relationships to address identified community issues.
• Analyze elements of critical thinking, related to leadership development, and apply these critical thinking elements to creative strategies in problem solving.

Career Prospects

Interested in working as a community planner, an extension agent, a policy analyst or a regional planner? All of these careers have one thing in common: the need for leadership skills.

The Graduate Certificate in Agricultural and Human Sciences provides both theoretical and practical experience learning how to effectively build coalitions, create effective partnerships, build organizations, lead teams and communicate well with individuals inside and outside communities. Graduates possess the skills needed for career advancement in government, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, agriculture and across industries.