Adult and Higher Education

A group of students looking over a canyon

Teaching and Learning in Community

Upcoming Info Session

Program Information

The Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education program is designed for those who desire to teach, consult, or administer education programs, materials, and policies targeted to diverse adult populations. The Adult and Higher Education curriculum links theories to practice, policies, research, and evaluation. It prepares students for competency and knowledge in the areas of instructional technology, e-learning, research methods, teaching methodologies, diversity issues, curriculum development, leadership and management, policy issues, assessment and evaluation, adult learning, and program development. Graduates will work in settings such as community/technical colleges, universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and business and industry.

The 52-credit program is conveniently offered in a hybrid learning format. The face-to-face sessions will be held on two Saturdays per quarter (on the Bellingham, WA campus), and the remainder of the 10-week courses are taught online. These days and times help students to balance their studies with work and family. 

The program is designed for working adults. Completion time for the program is three to four years on a part-time basis.

 

Goals

The program prepares both entry-level and advanced practitioners as teachers, trainers, educators, policy-makers, consultants, and administrators in diverse educational, human resource, business, and healthcare settings for adults. The program emphasizes a social justice and a progressive approach to the adult and higher education field; academic, critical, and digital literacies; inquiry-based learning with action research; and issues of identity, reflection, and diversity.

Application Requirements

  • All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
  • Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
  • Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
  • International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

  • Three (3) Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose: 300 ‐ 500 words describing: a) your past experience working with adults as a volunteer or an employee, particularly in an education capacity; b) your understanding of and commitment to the field of adult and higher education; c) why you are interested in pursuing this particular degree; and d) how you see this degree program fitting with your career goals.