Mission and History

Mission Statement:
The mission of the graduate program in Developmental and Adult Education is to prepare graduate students to teach and lead effectively in and adult found in diverse settings --including public schools, colleges and universities, community-based organizations and agencies, and workplaces of all kinds -- in a way that provides graduates with tools to:

Accurately and astutely assess educational and related needs
Design, implement, manage, and evaluate programs and services to effectively address those needs
Structure participatory programs involving collaboration, development, and ownership of educational ends and means by the learners themselves
Understand, analyze, and relate pertinent theories to practice.
Design and conduct practical research aimed at enhancing effectiveness of educational programs
Model excellence in learning and leadership as well as in personal, professional, and community networking and development, so that Developmental and Adult Education program participants can meet their educational and related needs and goals; aspire to excellence in lifelong learning, critical thinking, and creative problem solving; and improve the quality of their lives.

Overview of the M.A. Program:
Since 1990 the Developmental and Adult Education Master of Arts program has prepared educators for the administration of developmental education programs and services. Adult education was added as a focus in 1997.

For both the thesis and non-thesis option, required coursework emphasizes, adult learning and development; program administration and leadership, including needs assessment, design, implementation, management, and evaluation; research methodology; teaching adults; and multicultural perspectives in postsecondary and adult education. Additional courses are added to the student’s degree outline in consultation with the program advisor and with consideration of the student’s professional career tracks (e.g. adult literacy/ESL, continuing and community education, or developmental education and learning assistance). The 39-hour master's program includes 3 semester hours of supervised internship practicum (150 clock hours minimum) in a setting appropriate to the student’s career goals.

Those students selecting the thesis option must write and defend a master's thesis on a developmental or adult education topic. Graduate faculty will supervise the thesis project.

What can I do with a graduate degree in Developmental and Adult Education?

Graduates are prepared to work in:
Developmental Education and Learning Assistance

Community college and university programs providing learning assistance to students in:

learning assistance centers
Tutorial centers
Writing, mathematics, reading and study skills instruction
Pre-college to college transition initiatives, such as Talent Search, Upward Bond, and Student Support Services
Alternative educational settings

Adult Literacy/ESL Education
Programs for providing education and training for adults in:

Adult literacy
Adult basic education
GED/Adult high school overnment
Family literacy
Workplace literacy
Workforce development

Continuing and Community Education
Programs providing education and training for adults in settings including:

College and universities
Government agencies
Business and industry
Community-based organizations and agencies
Hospitals and community health facilities
Religious organizations
The Armed services
Correctional facilities