Master of Education in Adult Education

From the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development

• The Profession
• Delivery Format
• Program Curriculum
• Program Planning
• Admission Information
• Selecting an M.A. or M.Ed.
• Contact Information 

The Profession

Adult educators are people who believe in the value of lifelong learning. They instruct adults in new subjects and help to develop and advance skills adults already have. They teach a wide variety of subjects—reading, English as a second language, computer use, foreign languages, international studies, writing, and art. Adult educators work in settings where adults go for further knowledge and life enrichment opportunities such as community schools, recreational settings, or county and state programs. Adult education is a vibrant field, fueled by expanding demand and interests, with a broad range of career possibilities in both the public and private sectors.

(back to top)

Delivery Format

The coursework necessary to attain this degree can be completed in Rochester; however, students wishing to complete their degree at an accelerated pace may find it necessary to attend classes on the Twin Cities campus. To accommodate the busy schedules of educators, many courses are offered evenings, Saturdays, and during the summer.

(back to top)

Program Curriculum

The M.Ed. in Adult Education program of 34 semester credits includes coursework in adult and continuing education as well as in a related field appropriate to the student's interests. In consultation with a faculty adviser, students may include coursework, independent study, and field experiences in their program plans.

No more than 40% of the program coursework may be completed before formal admission to the M.Ed., regardless of where the work was competed. Students have seven years to complete their degree beginning with the first coursework used in the program and must maintain a 2.80 overall GPA.

Core Requirements:

• AdEd/HRD 5001: Survey of Human Resource Development and Adult Education (3 credits)
• AdEd 5101: Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 credits)
• AdEd 5102: Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development (3 credits)
• AdEd 5103: Designing the Adult Education Program (3 credits)
• AdEd 5196: Field Experience in Adult Education (3-6 credits)
• AdEd 5000 level elective (3 credits)
• HRD 5301: Organization Development (3 credits)
• WCFE 5901: Using Work, Community, and Family Education Research (3 credits)

Electives:

• Minimum of 10 credits

M.Ed. candidates in adult education may also add coursework from the following areas to their program:

• Adult learners, including undereducated adults
• Adult education as a field of practice and a profession
• Teaching adults
• design of educational activities for adults
• Evaluation of education activities for adults
• Administration or management of agencies, programs, and personnel related to adult education
• Advising and counseling adults learners
• Adult literacy
• Additional teaching licensure in adult literacy from the state of Minnesota

(back to top)

Program Planning

Use the Master of Education Planning Sheet located on the Twin Cities website to help plan your program.

(back to top)

Admission Information

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • GRE or GMAT and graduate courses may be provided as optional evidence of academic potential
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.80 on a 4.0 scale
• Completed application materials (see STEP TWO below)

Admission Process

STEP 1

Meet with University of Minnesota Rochester advisor Joseph Marchesani, Program Director for Education and Human Resource Development. To schedule an appointment, contact him at 507-280-2819 or 507-280-2829; e-mail march027@umn.edu.

STEP 2

Submit the following application materials in a single envelope. Indicate on the envelope the program to which you are applying (MEd in Adult Education). Keep a copy of all application materials you submit. Submit application package directly to:

Student & Professional Services
College of Education and Human Development
110 Wulling Hall
86 Pleasant Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

• Application for Admission Form
  Complete an M.Ed./Professional Studies Application Form at http://cehd.umn.edu/SPS/Forms/#Prof.
• Application Processing Fee
  Make check, money order, or bank draft payable to the University of Minnesota for $55.
• Official Transcripts
  Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate colleges or universities where 12 or more semester credits were completed and all colleges and universities attended after completion of the undergraduate degree, except the University of Minnesota. All official transcripts must be submitted in an envelope sealed by the issuing school.
• Resume or CV
  Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Educational Goal Statement
  Submit a personal statement that describes your educational goals (include past, current, and future educational goals) and rational for interest in the M.Ed. program (how this program at the University of Minnesota will fulfill these goals). Limit of 2 pages
• Copy of Teaching License
  If applicable, submit a copy of your current or previous Minnesota Teaching license(s). This step is recommended for all M.Ed. program applicants.
• Coursework completed outside the United States
  Consult the instructions on the application form for details.

Application Deadlines
The College of Education and Human Development reviews applications on an ongoing basis. Application deadlines for each academic term are listed below:

• Fall semester - July 1
• Spring semester - November 1
• Summer session - March 1

All applicants will receive written notification of the admission committee's final decision. Notification letters are typically mailed within four to six weeks after the application deadline.

Transfer of Credits
If approved by an academic adviser and the WCFE Director of Graduate Studies, students may transfer up to eight graduate semester credits from accredited institutions other than the University of Minnesota.

(back to top)