Master of Arts in Adult Learning

The Master of Arts in Adult Learning is designed for students who work with adult learners in various settings including adult basic education programs (GED completion), literacy programs, higher education, community, or corporate educational training programs, and for those interested in adult learning for social change and community engagement.

The program provides a solid grounding in the field of adult learning, focusing on theories of adult learning and modeling best principles and practices.

A blend of theory and application, the fully online degree program provides two concentrations. The Higher Education Leadership concentration which focuses on critical areas within the field and the General concentration which provides multiple options for individualized study and program design through chosen electives to respond to the unique needs and interests of learners. This concentration also allows students the option to incorporate an advanced certificate into their degree program and earn a second credential. As a student in the program, your critical awareness of yourself as a learner will be deepened within a collaborative and supportive community of diverse mentors and peers.

Program Design

This 30-credit hour program is taught through online instruction. Students customize their degree plan with a focus approved by program faculty to ensure relevance and alignment with a final project. Please visit Empire State University's Academic Catalog for course enrollment sequencing.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

The M.A. in Adult Learning provides the opportunity for graduate-level assessment of knowledge that can be incorporated into the degree program and evaluated through a portfolio. The total number of transfer credit and graduate-level assessment combined cannot exceed 12 credits.  There is no additional fee for PLA and credits can be used for requirements or electives.

Required Courses

• ADLC 6005 - Rethinking Experience and Learning in Adulthood, 3cr
• ADLC 6010 - Learning and Development in Contemporary Adulthood, 3cr
• ADLC 6015 - Strategies for Effective Adult Learning, 3cr
• ADLC 6020 - Approaches to Critical Inquiry and Research, 3cr

Elective Courses and Final Project

Through the general concentration, students choose four elective courses (12 credits) to reflect their interests and to reinforce the individual focus of their degree. Students are encouraged to use the electives to build a concentration around the final project topic.

The final project is a concrete, focused task in the field of adult learning that informs learning goals.

General Concentration

Higher Education Administration Concentration

Example Focus in Workplace Learning

Example Focus in Community Education

SAMPLE ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES:

ADLC 6035 Administering Adult Learning Programs

ADLC 6050 Learning Theory and Practice

ADLC 6065 Racialized Narratives in Adult Education

ADLC 6070 Adult Learning in the Community College

ADLC 6080 The Experience of Adults in Higher Education

ADLC 6085 Comparative and International Adult and Higher Education

ADLC 6105 Career Self-Management

ADLC 6125 Practicum in Adult Education

For more information about this program and its course sequencing and descriptions, visit the Empire State University's Academic Catalog.