Why Choose the e-Learning Institute at the University of Florida?

The Department of Agricultural Education and Communication provides a unique experience for you rooted in the mission of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS).

Quality – As an award winning department, we can equip you with the tools you need to succeed in your field. Our faculty and staff strive to provide you with an experience that allows you to grow both personally and professionally.
Convenience – Our classes are offered on your schedule. There is no set meeting time. You can complete your assignments whenever and where ever you are – all you need is an Internet connection!
Networking – Our program is designed for those directly involved in agriculture education and extension. This gives you an opportunity to meet others in your profession and to learn from their experiences.
Value - Continuing your education creates opportunities for promotion and raises. In some cases, the cost of tuition can be returned in two to three years.

The Department of Agricultural Education
The Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) is among the country’s best in developing leaders, educators, and communicators to meet society’s challenges in agricultural and life sciences.
The department provides students with the tools and resources needed for success. In addition, AEC supports UF’s Florida Cooperative Extension’s efforts and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ varied academic and research programs, including the Teaching Resource Center, the Wedgworth Leadership Institute, Scientific Thinking and Educaitional Partnership, and the Program Development and Evaluation Center.
Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research, and extension, the department enhances leadership in communities and organizations, educates individuals, and communicates ideas and issues to various audiences.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). With 24 undergraduate majors, more than 50 areas of specialization and 20 graduate programs, CALS is an educational leader in the areas of food, agriculture, natural resources and life sciences.

Mission and Values

The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with a high quality education that results in knowledge and abilities for gainful employment and additional education, productive citizenship, and lifelong learning in the areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences as they relate to human resources, the environment, individual communities, and a global society. To achieve excellence, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences promotes these core values:

• Respect, honesty, integrity, fairness and cooperation
• Academic excellence and scientific inquiry
• Diversity of people and ideas
• Programs that are responsive to the needs of students, Florida and the world
• Global awareness and understanding
• Opportunities for student growth, development, and career success
• Quality teaching and advising
• Education as a lifelong process
• Partnerships with faculty, students, staff and stakeholders
• The role of the College in fulfilling the IFAS mission

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible. While extending into every community of the state, UF/IFAS has developed an international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research and extension.  Because of this mission and the diversity of Florida’s climate and agricultural commodities, IFAS has facilities located throughout Florida.