Master of Education
in Adult and Community College Education
Specialization: Community College Teaching
Overview
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) graduate program with a specialization in Community College Teaching is a 36-41 coursework hour program with a required capstone paper. It offers a "split-degree focus," with 18 hours of coursework in an academic discipline, 21 hours in community college teaching courses, and, as desired, elective courses. The program is designed for entering and experienced community college instructors who value having both academic discipline content expertise, as well as a strong background in adult learning, instructional design and evaluation, and community college education. This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals who wish to enhance their competencies as community college faculty, and it meets the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) guidelines for faculty qualifications. The 18 hours of disciplinary coursework at the graduate level may be taken at NC State or at an accredited institution, upon departmental and Graduate School approval. Up to a total of 18 hours of coursework may be transferred into the degree; this will include disciplinary courses and AHE courses taken prior to admission. This program is offered for both full and part-time students; AHE courses are offered once a week during late afternoon or evening hours. In addition, select courses are occasionally available in summer session, on weekends, at other sites, and through distance education technologies. The MS with a specialization in Community College Teaching (specialization with thesis focus) is also available.
See the following links for more information about the Master of Adult and Community College Education Specialization in Community College Teaching:
Faculty Opportunities in Community Colleges
Throughout the nation as well as in North Carolina, community colleges have a growing need for qualified community college faculty. Projections suggest a 40% retirement and turnover rate in the next five years. Because there is no certification or licensure for community college instructors, desirable qualifications and availability of positions will vary from institution to institution. Under SACS accreditation standards, North Carolina Community Colleges are required to hire academic faculty with a minimum of 18 hours of an academic discipline. We advise you to speak to the Dean of Instruction and the coordinator in your disciplinary area specialization at your targeted community college regarding their desired qualifications, the availability of full-time or part-time positions in your targeted academic specialization, and preferences for instructional technology background. Please refer to the North Carolina Community College System website: http://www.ncccs.cc.nc.us/Personnel/jobs.htm. You may also meet individually with these community colleges regarding current and future job openings, as not all positions are posted on the NCCCS website. The NCCCS website also provides direct links to each of the 59 North Carolina Community Colleges' websites.
Course of Study
The MEd program reflects a minimum requirement of 39 hours of course work, including a capstone paper. Applicants who have not had prior experiences at the community college may be expected to complete up to two extra courses, for a maximum 42 hours of coursework (see course requirements below). Within this degree specialization, NC State University allows up to 18 hours of coursework to be transferred in from other institutions, but this transfer must have the student's advisor approval. If you wish to apply NCSU graduate hours to the program, please consult with your advisor for additional information and approval.
1. Core Courses (9 hours) *To be taken at the beginning of the program
EAC 551 Research in Adult and Higher Education (3 hrs)
EAC 710 Adult History, Philosophy, Contemporary Practice (3 hrs)
EAC 759 The Adult Learner (3 hrs)
2. Community College Teaching Focus (9 hours)
EAC 580 - Designing Instructional Systems in T&D (3 hrs)
EAC 538 - Instructional Strategies in AHE (3 hrs)
EAC 560 - Assessment and Evaluation in AHE (3 hrs)
3. Academic Discipline Focus (18-24 hours)
Transfers of up to 18 hours, from NC State or other accredited institutions, may be brought in upon departmental approval. Students with insufficient teaching and community college experiences, after consultation with their advisor, may take:
EAC 685 Supervised Teaching (3 hrs) (for those with little or no experience in community college teaching)
EAC 700 Community College and Two-Year Postsecondary Education (3 hrs)
4. Capstone (3 hours)
EAC 692 - A final project to be negotiated with advisor
Program Completion: 39- 45 Hours Total (minimum requirement)
MS Program Requirements:
The MS requires all of the above courses, except the capstone course, EAC 692; students may also take EAC 795 Reflective Practice in AHE, and must complete 6 hours of research methods and 6 hours of thesis. The thesis involves research into a topic of the student's choice in community college teaching, as negotiated with their advisor.
For More Information
- Adult & Higher Education Handbook
- Financial Aid and Assistantships
- Course Descriptions (Link to TRACS Course Descriptions on NCSU site)
- Adult Education & Training and Development Graduate Student Association
- Higher Education Administration Graduate Student Association
- Past Curricula
- Graduate School Forms
Contact
Dr. Tuere Bowles
Assistant Professor
Department of Adult and Higher Education
Office: 310-C Poe Hall
Phone: 919-513-4871
Fax: 919-515-6305
tuere_bowles@ncsu.edu
