Master of Arts Degree in Adult Education (MA)
This program is projected to begin accepting students in the Fall 2017 semester.
Adult Education is a diverse field of practice, research, and scholarship that focuses on how adults (16 years and older) learn and how to facilitate that learning. Students in the Adult Education Certificate program develop the ability to teach adults, plan adult learning experiences, guide communities in capacity-building, and foster learning for advocacy and action in a variety of settings.
Our program offers a variety of concentrations:
Adult Basic Education (literacy; teaching English as a second language; developmental/ remedial education; general equivalency diploma (GED) preparation; and workforce development and training
Human Resource Management & Development
Leadership and Administration in Adult Education
Health Services
Gerontology
Graduates of the program are equipped to secure positions in education, nonprofit, public and private service organizations at the national and global levels.
This program reflects national and local trends in adult education, and aligns with characteristics of Andragogy (theory and practice of educating adults). It is designed to customize learning to specific learning needs using self-directed learning strategies that include learning plans and self-assessments. The curriculum embeds workshops and seminars that are conducted by trained professionals. The subdivision of core courses into 1-credit modules allows students to tailor their learning and adult educators to meet professional development requirements for job effectiveness and recertification (for which 90 PD hours are needed every four years). Additionally, the program uses the cohort delivery model—students go through the program as a group, and courses are scheduled sequentially—with admissions to the program in the Fall semester only.
Master’s Degree in Adult Education Student Learning Outcomes
- Learners will demonstrate a thorough understanding of program design and tools essential to navigating the historical, sociological, psychological, and philosophical foundations of adult and continuing education.
- Learners will demonstrate understanding of the changing field of adult education, as well as vital information about their individual identities as educators and leaders.
- Leaners will demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of orientations and theories of adult development.
- Learners will acquire the ability to teach various adult learning styles using techniques and instructional methods that accommodate different learning preferences.
- Learners with demonstrate how to best institute self-directed learning strategies and include learning opportunities to encourage and empower adult learners to exhibit self-determination and plan their educational trajectory.
- Learners will demonstrate best practices for working with persons with disabilities and special needs in relation to career awareness, exploration, and placement by understanding pre-vocational, vocational and work activities.
- Learners will demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate with adults using learned methodology for organizing and presenting materials and information in ways appropriate for adults.
- Learners will demonstrate competency and understanding of the legal, ethical, cultural, and social issues that are associated with the use of technology.
- Learners will demonstrate understanding of basic computer literacy skills in relation to assistive technology for special needs learners.
- Learners will demonstrate mastery in the skills specific to their area of concentration.
Related:
Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Adult Education Program (MA)
The Master of Arts program offers:
- Master of Arts in Adult Education (36 graduate credit hours).
Tailored to the distinctive learning needs of adults, this program is designed to be a natural transition from the Graduate Certificate program, with which it shares core courses and features. Up to 21 of the credits earned in UDC’s Graduate Certificate program are transferable, within 5 years, to the MA in Adult Education.
- Professional Development Training
The subdivision of core courses into 3 one-credit thematic modules sets the stage for students to customize learning plans to their specific needs. The incorporation of seminars/workshops on contemporary Adult Education issues (such as 2014 GED Blueprint, Common Core beyond K-12, CASAS and other assessment standards) conducted by faculty and other authorities in the field, provides adult educators the necessary academic training to satisfy professional development and/or recertification requirements. 90 PD hours are needed for recertification every 4 years.
Snapshot of Program Requirements
| Program |
Core |
Electives |
Capstone |
Total |
| Master’s |
| If Comps Assessment |
24 |
12 |
0 |
36 |
| If Master’s Thesis |
24 |
9 |
3 |
36 |
Applicants to the Program must:
- hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, post-secondary institution.
- to teach Adult Basic Education, must meet:
- Professional education requirements set out in Municipal Regulations, Chapter 16, Sections 1653 & 1654. Equivalent UDC courses are accepted.
- OSSE’s State Licensure and Accreditation requirement of Praxis I passing scores. If you do not meet this requirement at the time of Admission, you must do so before completion of 9 credits of course work, to continue in the program.
To Apply Now:
- Go to www.udc.edu for admissions requirements and application forms.
- To apply to the MA in Adult Education:
complete application for Masters Degree Applicants. GRE scores, less than 5 years old, are required if you do not already hold a graduate degree. If you do not meet the GRE requirement at the time of Admission, you must do so upon or before completion of 9 credits of course work, to continue in the program.
- To register for PD Workshops: Please contact the Adult Education Program. Phone: 202.274.6984 or Email: heather.bruce@udc.edu.
Program of Study
