WHRE Ph.D.: Adult Education (AdEd) Specialization
Overview
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) 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?
Students whose focus is research expertise and specialization content
may apply for the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in work and human
resource education. 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 Ph.D. requires 60 course credits and 24 thesis credits.
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