Frequently Asked Questions

Couldn't find what you were looking for? Here is a list of questions prospectiveand new undergraduate students often ask us. If you can't find the answer here contact us.

• What can I do with a degree in Agricultural Education and Communication?
• What job opportunities are there with an AEC degree?
• How do the degree options within the AEC major vary?
• What types of courses will I take as an AEC student?
• Is an internship required? How long? When? Where?
• Will I be assigned an adviser? When?
• Are there special activities and events for students in the Department?
• How many students will be in my classes?
• Can I pursue a dual major? If so, how many extra hours will it take?
• What minors are offered in AEC? How do I enroll in a minor?
• What will my transcript and diploma show about my major?
• Are scholarships available? When do I apply?
• How do I apply for admission?
• What are the criteria for admission?
• When is the deadline for applying for freshmen and transfer admission?
• Is a foreign language required? If so, how many years?
• What courses should I take at my community college so that I can be best prepared for transferring to UF?
• How long will it take me to complete my bachelor’s degree?
• What housing is available? How much does it cost?
• What is the cost of attending the University of Florida?
• Am I eligible for financial aid? How do I apply?
• Where can I buy football tickets?

What can I do with a degree in Agricultural Education and Communication?

Graduates in AEC take positions as professional agricultural communicators in agribusiness, middle school and high school agriculture teachers, county extension agents, educational specialists in agribusiness or public agencies, Peace Corps, and a wide variety of other positions.

What job opportunities are there with an AEC degree?

Job opportunities are excellent in all areas. The demand for communicators/leaders, teachers and extension agents continues to far outpace the supply of newly prepared college graduates.

How do the degree options within the AEC major vary?

Students in the Agricultural Education option are completing the course work required by the Florida Department of Education for certification as an agriculture teacher in the public schools. Courses focus on teaching/learning processes and planning and delivering instruction. Although students who complete this program are eligible for teacher certification, they are also well prepared for other positions where strong “people skills” are needed.

Students enrolled in the Extension option develop an understanding of extension processes as they are carried out in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Extension agents are educators and a substantial amount of course work focuses on extension methods and programs.

Communication and Leadership Development prepares students for entry into agribusiness and communication positions related to human resource development, corporate training and development, political interests, and agricultural literacy. Coursework focuses on a core of leadership and communication courses. Many Communication and Leadership Development students also will be eligible for the university-wide minor in Leadership.

What types of courses will I take as an AEC student?

All AEC students complete courses in three areas: general education, professional focus, and agriculture and natural resources. The professional focus includes courses in agricultural education, extension education, and communication and leadership development. In addition, all AEC students complete a six- to ten-week internship at a site appropriate for their specialization (i.e., schools, county extension offices, agribusinesses). Agriculture courses required in the AEC major are designed to provide a broad examination of the agricultural industry. At the same time, students are encouraged to develop a specialty in one or more areas.

Is an internship required? How long? When? Where?

An internship is required for all options. Ag Education students must complete a 10-week internship during their last spring semester at a Florida public school that offers an agricultural program. Students in the Communication and Leadership Development and Extension options complete internships of at least six weeks in length, preferably during their senior year. Extension students are placed in county extension offices, and Communication and Leadership Development students are placed in a variety of agribusiness settings. Some internships are paid, depending upon the cooperating agency and the student’s program option.

Will I be assigned an adviser? When?

Yes, all AEC students are assigned an academic adviser upon admission to the undergraduate program. When the Department is notified of a student’s admission, the AEC undergraduate coordinator sends a welcome letter that includes the name of the adviser. All advisers are regular faculty members.

Are there special activities and events for students in the Department?

The Agricultural Communicators and Leaders of Tomorrow (ACLT) and the Agricultural Education and Communication Society/Collegiate FFA (AECS/CFFA) are very active organizations for AEC undergraduate students. These organizations focus on professional, social, and recreational goals and offer many opportunities for students to get involved and gain valuable experience. ACLT and AECS/CFFA provide an excellent bridge for students to professionals working throughout the agricultural industry. In addition, the University offers an abundance of academic, recreational, and student life programs.

How many students will be in my classes?

Enrollments in AEC courses typically range from 15 to 25 students. Most courses in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) are somewhat larger with 30 to 50 students enrolled. Some general education courses will have larger enrollments.

Can I pursue a dual major? If so, how many extra hours will it take?

AEC students can pursue a dual major with any other major in CALS. Dual majors typically add an extra year to the standard four-year time period required for earning the bachelor’s degree.

What minors are offered in AEC? How do I enroll in a minor?

The Department currently offers minors in Extension, Ag Communication, and Leadership. Each minor requires 15 hours of course work and can include an internship. The department is a major contributor to the university-wide minor in Leadership. CALS has several minors that would compliment a degree in AEC. Students wishing to enroll in a minor should contact their adviser and /or the AEC undergraduate coordinator. As an AEC major, you cannot minor in an AEC specialization.

What will my transcript and diploma show about my major?

Students in AEC earn a B.S. in Agricultural Education and Communication, which is printed on their diploma. Their transcripts show their academic major, specialization, and minor, if applicable.

Are scholarships available? When do I apply?

The AEC Department awards approximately $10,000 in scholarships each year. Applications are available in the Department office in late August or early September. Awards are based upon merit and program option. In addition, CALS awards over $400,000 in merit-based scholarships each year, and a significant number of AEC students receive college scholarships awards. The university also provides numerous scholarship and financial aid programs for students.

How do I apply for admission?

High school students should ask their guidance counselor to send an electronic transcript to UF. Applicants can then complete the on-line application form (http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/). A nonrefundable application fee is required. SAT/ACT scores should be sent directly to UF from the testing agency.

What are the criteria for admission?

Admission is competitive and is based upon academic record, test scores, and other factors. Students can enroll in May (Summer A and C), June (Summer B), August (Fall), or January (Spring). Summer admission is less competitive than fall admission. Transfer applicants must have earned at least 60 semester credit hours, have received the Associate of Arts degree, and have at least a 2.5 grade point average.

When is the deadline for applying for freshmen and transfer admission?

Applications should be submitted six to nine months before the preferred enrollment date. Application deadlines can be found at http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/

Is a foreign language required? If so, how many years?

Yes, two sequential years of the same foreign language taken in high school or eight to ten sequential semester credit hours taken at the postsecondary level are required for admission to any program at the University of Florida.

What courses should I take at my community college so that I can be best prepared for transferring to UF?

The Department has collaborated with the college in developing a listing of courses that should be completed at the community college prior to transferring to the University of Florida. It is critical that students completing their associate of arts degree meet the departmental prerequisites prior to applying to UF. A copy of the departmental prerequisite courses can be obtained from the AEC undergraduate coordinator, your community college adviser, or online at http://cals.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/prospective/transferguide.pdf

How long will it take me to complete my bachelor’s degree?

Four years (eight semesters and a summer term) (120 credit hours) are needed to complete all B.S. degree requirements. Some students require additional semesters to complete their degree, depending upon the nature of their program.

What housing is available? How much does it cost?

Students can choose to live on or off-campus. More than 75% of incoming freshmen live in one of the residence halls. Residence hall assignments are made on a space-available basis. Freshmen who apply early and submit their housing request in a timely manner will receive priority consideration. Please visit http://www.housing.ufl.edu for more information.

What is the cost of attending the University of Florida?

The total cost of attending UF for one academic year (30 credit hours over two semesters) was estimated to be $14,370 for the 2006-07 academic year for Florida residents. Off-campus housing may increase the overall cost. For more information about costs: http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/apply/coa.html

Am I eligible for financial aid? How do I apply?

The University offers a variety of federal and state financial assistance programs, including scholarships, loans, grants, and part-time employment. No award is made until after the applicant is admitted and has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See http://www.sfa.ufl.edu/ and http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Where can I buy football tickets?

After enrolling, students can contact the UF Division of Athletics for ticket information on all Gator athletic events, including football. Student ticket info can be found at the Gator Ticket Office.