WHRE M.A.: Adult Education (AdEd) Specialization
Overview
The master of arts (M.A.) degree in work and human resource education with a specialization in adult education (AdEd), administered by the Graduate School and offered by the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD), prepares individuals to work with adults in a variety of roles, such as program developers, teachers, advisers, administrators, and managers, in a variety of formal and informal settings, such as educational institutions, business and industry, community agencies, health care organizations, continuing and professional education, and adult basic education. We define adult education as a process whereby persons whose major social roles are characteristic of adult status undertake systematic and sustained learning activities for the purpose of bringing about changes in knowledge, attitudes, values, or skills. The adult education specialization provides a foundation of knowledge about the field, particularly regarding the nature of adult learners and adult development.
Who enrolls in this program?
Adult education attracts people who believe in the value of lifelong
learning. The program prepares professionals who work with adults in a
variety of educational, training and development, organization
development, and community settings, including those in education,
industry and business, government, and non-profit agencies. In these
settings, individuals are involved in teaching, administration (as
coordinators and managers), counseling, and program design and
evaluation. In addition, adult education students may choose program
options to reflect specific interests, such as adult basic education or
workplace literacy.
What will my program look like?
The M.A. is offered under Plan A and Plan B. Students in either plan
complete a minimum of
34 credits of 5xxx courses, including
16 credits in the major and 6 credits in the related field. Plan A
students also take 10 thesis credits; Plan B students complete a
3-6 credit project or paper, with remaining credits taken in either the
major or related field.
How long will my master's program take?
Attending full time, including summers, students often can complete the
degree requirements in one calendar year. However, many students are
employed full time and spread their coursework over
2 years. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years
after starting the program.
Contacts
For questions regarding the admissions process, admissions documents, or general information about the program contact:
Dr. Jeremy
Hernandez
Coordinator of graduate studies
Phone: 612-626-9377
Email: herna220@umn.edu
Specific questions regarding course content should be directed to the
program coordinator:
Dr. Shari Peterson
Coordinator, work and human resource education program
Phone: 612-624-4980
Email: peter007@umn.edu
Revised April 2012