Adult and Lifelong Education

Welcome to the Adult and Lifelong Education program. We have several master degree and a graduate certificate that is offered 100% on-line and a Ph.D. specialization that is offered residentially in face-to-face instruction. Our degrees integrate the best of established adult and lifelong education topics with emerging professional fields.

As educators, professionals and leaders we are faced with rapidly changing societal demands. Our degrees emphasize the importance of building capacity and skills for graduates to anticipate and influence or lead adults through ongoing personal, professional, health/well-being and societal changes. In our program, we emphasize that learning is essential in identifying and shaping our futures.

Our program of study is applicable and valuable for professionals in educational, workplace, professional or community settings – we recognize that adults can learn and their learning can be facilitated in many settings. When you study with us, you will become skilled in understanding what motivates and transforms adult learners to reach their goals. You will develop expertise in collaborative, experiential, organizational and group learning. In addition, you’ll develop capacities in face-to-face and technology-based learning, and/or in leading or facilitating successful environments that bring out the best in adults as they participate in the places they work, study, and live.

Come join us and develop your competencies and experiences in adult capacity building for the future!

MASTER OF EDUCATION

Adult and Community College Education, M.Ed.

The M.Ed. has 3 specializations in Adult and Continuing Professional Education, Community College Teaching, or in Health Professions Education. It is designed for entry level or experienced professionals who wish to build expertise in adult learning, instructional strategies for adults, instructional design, assessment and evaluation, or other key adult education topics. For those in the community college teaching specialization, this program meets the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) guidelines for faculty qualifications.

Training and Development, M.Ed.

Individuals responsible for employee and workforce development are provided the skills necessary to be successful in various learning and performance environments. Whether you are interested in instructional design, internal training and development, consulting, e-learning, or other training roles, the Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Training and Development (T&D) will provide you the skills needed to enter or advance in the field.

DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Adult and Lifelong Education, Ph.D.

The Adult and Lifelong Education program area is unique in its emphasis on serving the spectrum of both formal and informal adult learning organizations, and its inclusion of administrative, instructional and technology-related leadership within a practitioner preparation program. Based on a land-grant, Research Extensive University, the department reflects the tripartite commitment to quality instruction, research scholarship and service outreach.

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION

Community College Leadership, Ed.D.

The NC State University Ed.D. doctoral cohort in Community College Leadership has cohorts in that meet in Charlotte and Raleigh and provides a unique opportunity for working professionals to complete a doctoral program. The structure of the program allows professionals to balance work responsibilities with academic commitments for a degree that can be completed in under four years.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Teaching, Training, & Educational Technology Certificate Program

The specialization of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching, Training, & Educational Technology emphasizes the operational components of workplace learning and development addressing organizational needs, the design of instructional systems, methods and techniques of training, evaluation of learning, and organizational change. The specialization is tailored to individuals who are, or aspire to be, business owners, consultants, c-level decision makers, managers, and training specialists in a variety of organizational settings.

Adult and Lifelong Education Alumni Profiles

Dr. David Coniglio, ’13
Academic Coordinator of the PA Program and Associate Professor of Health Professional Studies,
Campbell University

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Dr. Algie Gatewood, ’94
President,
Alamance Community College

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Dr. Donna Petherbridge, ’07
Associate Vice Provost for Instructional Technology Support and Development,
North Carolina State University

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Dr. L. Steve Thornburg, ’88
President,
Cleveland Community College