Adult Education and Training

Bob Hughes, EdD, Program Director
TBD: Department Chair

Overview

The master’s degree in adult education is intended for those planning to instruct adults or manage programs designed for adult learners in post-secondary institutions or public and private organizations. Students select their area of specialization, which can include adult development or basic education, teaching English as a second language, or human resources development (training). Many students create a course of study that includes two of the specializations to more broadly prepare for job opportunities. Up to nine elective credits and the internship may be used to emphasize a particular content area.

The specializations include:

Adult development or adult basic education prepares individuals to work in community colleges or social service agencies helping adults improve basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
Human resources development is designed for those who wish to administer or instruct in employer-sponsored training programs.
English as a second language prepares individuals to work with adult learners who wish to improve their ability to speak English.

Admission Requirements for Adult Education

Applicants are considered for enrollment every quarter. Admission is selective, and candidates are evaluated on their individual merits rather than on a comparative basis. Requirements include:

Application for Graduate Admission with non-refundable $55 application fee. (Application fee waived for SU alumni.)
Four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including transfer credit earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA may apply but are required to submit by the application deadline official GRE or MAT scores
Two recommendations from recent supervisors using College of Education forms
Résumé indicating a minimum of one year’s work experience
College of Education Self-Assessment form
Statement of purpose: In one to two, single-spaced typed pages describe how your past experiences suggest that a degree or certificate in adult education and training will fit into your future plans. If you are applying for the master’s degree program, explain which of the three specializations within the program are appropriate to your future plans, and describe how that specialization within the adult education and training program will connect your past experience to your future plans. If you are applying for the post-master’s degree certificate in community college instruction, explain how your existing master’s degree and this certificate will fit into your future plans to teach at a community college.

Degree Requirements for Adult Education

A 3.00 cumulative GPA must be maintained to remain in the program and to graduate from the program.
Satisfactory completion of a three credit hour internship. The internship is selected cooperatively by the student and major advisor and is designed to provide a practical learning experience in an appropriate setting.
Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination of selected areas within the program of study. The examination may be taken upon completion of Part I, Part II, and Part III of the program of study.