Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership
February 18, 2026
August 25, 2026
Overview
Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (MSACEL) is a flexible, research-based graduate program designed for professionals aiming to advance their careers in agricultural education, communication, leadership, and extension. Offered through the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership—part of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences—this program prepares students to tackle real-world challenges in food systems, environmental sustainability, and rural and community development.
Crafted for working professionals, this fully online, cohort-based program offers two flexible completion paths: a 30-credit thesis track or a 35-credit non-thesis track with a practical capstone. Taught by nationally recognized faculty and equips students with skills they can immediately apply in careers across education, government, nonprofits, and industry.
While earning your Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (MSACEL), students may choose to specialize in one of five areas:
- Agricultural Communication – Explore traditional and emerging communication processes and theories in contexts related to food, agriculture, and the environment.
- Agricultural Education – Study educational theories and practices in formal, often school-based, settings connected to food, agriculture, and the environment.
- Community and Extension Education – Focus on non-formal educational theories and practices in applied contexts, including those related to food, agriculture, the environment, communities, and youth.
- International Development – Examine development theories and practices in global contexts, addressing complex challenges in food, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
- Leadership – Learn leadership theories and practices aimed at creating change in areas related to food, agriculture, the environment, and community.
Graduates are prepared to take on leadership positions in agricultural education, communication, extension, policy, and organizational development. Supported by Ohio State’s renowned research environment and the backing of the ACEL department, this online program offers the flexibility, quality, and relevance needed to elevate your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit the ACEL Graduate Specializations and Advisors page to learn more about your preferred area of specialization and to connect with an advisor for further insight into your chosen program and curriculum.
Funding is typically not needed for non-thesis projects.
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Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.
*Please be advised that you may see the acronym AEEDL-MS when applying for this master’s degree.
Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.
*Please be advised that you may see the acronym AEEDL-MS when applying for this master’s degree.
Applicants are expected to meet the minimum threshold of a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be admitted to an Ohio State graduate degree program. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for conditional admission based on other admission criteria. The Ohio State Graduate School must approve the admission of any students with less than a 3.0 GPA. A non-refundable $60 fee for U.S. students and $70 for international students is charged for each regular or supplemental application you submit to Ohio State for graduate study.
Test requirements
ACEL does not require the GRE
English language testing requirements
- 550 Paper-based TOEFL
- 79 Internet-based TOEFL (IBT)
- 7.0 IELTS
The OSU Graduate School application process is entirely electronic; we will not accept paper documents for any part of the application (except for transcripts).
Applications must be submitted to OSU Graduate Admissions electronically at http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/
Official copies of all college transcripts must be submitted as part of the OSU Graduate School online application.
The official transcript(s) you submit as part of your application for admission:
- Must include documentation of all post-secondary course work completed for which college credit was awarded, including course work completed during high school (except for AP credit).
- Must be sent directly to Ohio State from each institution where credit was received.
- When you apply, submit official transcripts. At this stage, scans of official transcipts are permitted.
- If you are admitted, you will be asked to submit official, complete transcripts from all institutions.
For more information regarding the submission of transcripts, please visit the Office of Graduate Admissions Transcript description page linked here: http://gpadmissions.osu.edu/resources/transcripts.html
Three letters of recommendation are required for the application packet to be processed. The letters of recommendation should be prepared by persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s academic potential to succeed in a graduate degree program. Letters for online program applications should also speak to the applicants potential to succeed in an online program. Letters from former professors or other persons who have supervised the student in a class or research project are the most relevant. At least two letters of recommendation should focus on academic qualifications.
Recommendations should be submitted electronically from references identified by the applicant as part of the online application process.
A current resume or curriculum vitae should be submitted as part of the OSU Graduate School application and should summarize your educational background, work experiences, and other pertinent accomplishments. The contents of the CV may include:
- Education (institution, major, degrees earned, and dates attended)
- Professional experience (employer, position, dates)
- Research experience and publications
- Honors/awards received
- Service
A Statement of Purpose should be submitted electronically and consist of a one-two page narrative statement from the applicant. The following points should be addressed:
- Highlights of your background, qualifications, and career goals
- Rationale for seeking a graduate degree in ACEL
- Life experiences, skills, and personal attributes that will contribute to the applicant’s success
- Your research interests and how these interests align with the research interests of the department
A resume or curriculum vitae will not substitute for the Statement of Purpose. Your Statement of Purpose should be submitted as part of the OSU Graduate School online application.
This is only required if the applicant would like to be considered for funding. Associateships are not available for online program applicants.
ACEL offers associateships in the form of Graduate Teaching Associateships (GTA) and Graduate Research Associateships (GRA). This essay will be used by ACEL department faculty to match funding opportunities with the appropriate applicant.
Please provide and essay detailing:
- Your career goals
- Your experiences and skillset related to 1) teaching and facilitation, 2) research, data collection and/or data analysis, and 3) extension and outreach, such as giving presentations, educating non-formal audiences, and preparing and/or translating scientific work for lay audiences.
- How your experiences and skillsets can contribute to ACEL’s departmental initiatives and mission.
Please note this essay is separate from the Statement of Purpose and should not exceed two pages.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Graduates of Ohio State’s Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership are well-prepared for a variety of impactful careers. They can pursue roles such as agricultural educators, communication specialists, and leaders in industry organizations or government agencies. With the growing need for effective communication and leadership in agriculture, opportunities abound in educational institutions, extension services, non-profits, agricultural businesses, and policy development. The program equips graduates to address evolving agricultural challenges, enhance public understanding, and drive positive sector advancements, positioning them for significant contributions and leadership roles within the industry.
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.
Work Activities
Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning. Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques. Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $36,780
- Mid Level: $58,120
- Senior Level: $85,230
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-1.7%
Related Careers
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Management Analysts
- Range Managers
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Food Production
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
What They Do
Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.
Work Activities
Purchase, for further processing or for resale, farm products, such as milk, grains, or Christmas trees. Arrange for processing or resale of purchased products. Negotiate contracts with farmers for the production or purchase of farm products.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $46,460
- Mid Level: $75,650
- Senior Level: $127,520
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- Purchasing Managers
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
- Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Job Sectors
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Transportation
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
What They Do
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Activities
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $49,080
- Mid Level: $86,350
- Senior Level: $160,870
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4.8%
Related Careers
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Sectors
- Biology
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
Work Activities
Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data. Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research. Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $51,700
- Mid Level: $87,980
- Senior Level: $156,530
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-1.6%
Related Careers
- Agricultural Engineers
- Agricultural Technicians
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
- Soil and Plant Scientists
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Biology
- Mathematics
- English Language
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Explore our Master of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership sample curriculum to discover a blend of advanced coursework and practical experiences designed to enhance your expertise and leadership in agricultural fields.
An introduction to adult learning and professional development to ensure effective programs and education with adult audiences.
Throughout this course, you will examine key principles and practices used in evaluating educational programs and activities. You will examine theories and models of evaluation and be engaged in all parts of planning program evaluations.
Focuses upon theories, concepts, and principles for leadership, administration, and management in communication, education, extension, and community settings.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Joy Rumble
Associate Professor
In my current role at the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership and the Agricultural Technical Institute, I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural communication, statistics for social sciences, and program evaluation. In addition, I advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students throughout their degree programs. I am responsible for maintaining a research agenda that focuses on examining public opinion of food production issues and the influence of communication on those opinions through grantsmanship and academic publication. Lastly, I contribute to my department, college, university, and discipline through various service activities.
Dr. Emily Buck
Associate Professor, Agricultural Communication
Dr. Jeff King
Associate Professor, Leadership
Testimonials
Learn how online learning has helped Ohio State students succeed.
“Learning the history behind Ag Ed legislation has opened my eyes to the political struggle regarding funding for agricultural programs.”
| Tuition Fees | Fee Per Credit Hour | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $896.50 | $5,379.00 | $7,172.00 |
| General Fees | $31.25 | $187.50 | $250.00 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $8.20 | $49.20 | $49.20 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | ||
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 |
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