Master of Science (MS)
in Adult and Community College Education
Overview
Faculty Opportunities in Community Colleges
Course of Study
Student Advisory Worksheet
Contact
Overview
The Master of Science graduate program with a specialization in Community College Teaching is a 48 hour coursework hour program with a required capstone paper. It offers a "split-degree focus," with 18 hours of coursework in an academic discipline, 18 hours in community college teaching courses, elective courses if desired, and 12 hours of research methods and thesis. 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. Download the brochure:
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.
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/ and look under administration/faculty/staff for select current job listings. 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 MS program has a minimum requirement of 36 hours of course work and 12 hours of research methods and thesis. The thesis involves research into a topic of the student's choice in community college teaching, as negotiated with their advisor. 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). MS students may also take EAC 795 Reflective Practice in AHE, a doctoral level course. 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 program
EAC 551 Research in Adult and Higher Education (3 hrs)
EAC 595 Foundations of Adult Education ( 3 hrs)
EAC 559 The Adult Learner ( 3 hrs)
2. Community College Teaching Focus (9 hours)
EAC 538 Instructional Strategies in Adult and Community College Education (3 hrs)
EAC 580 Designing Instructional Systems in Training and Development ( 3 hrs)
EAC 560 Classroom Assessment and Evaluation (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 (for those with little or no experience in community college teaching) (3 hrs)
EAC 700 Community College and Two-Year Postsecondary Education (3 hrs)
4. Research Methods and Thesis (12 hours)
Six hours of research methods courses will prepare you to do original research on a topic of your choice in the area of community college teaching; the thesis is a six hour requirement. The choice of methods courses and the thesis topic will be negotiated with your advisor
Program Completion: 48-54 Hours Total (minimum requirement)
For more information
Adult & Higher Education
Graduate Handbook
Admissions
Process
General
Graduate Policies
Graduate Assistantships & Financial
Assistance
Course
Descriptions (Link to TRACS Course Descriptions on NCSU site)
Faculty
Adult Education & Training and Development Student Association
Contact
Dr. Tuere Bowles
Assistant Professor
Department of Adult and Higher Education
Office: 310-C Poe Hall
Phone: 919.515.4871
Fax: 919.515.6305
tuere_bowles@ncsu.edu
