Adult and Community College Education

As educators, professionals and leaders we are faced with rapidly changing societal demands.  Our degree emphasizes the importance of building capacity and skills for graduates to anticipate and influence or lead adults who facilitate, teach, or lead adult learning initiatives.  Adults learn in many contexts – postsecondary and college settings, training & professional development, workplace and workforce development, and in helping profession contexts such as community education, adult basic education, non-profit, religious, or health professions.

Our program prepares graduates in key subject areas such as understanding adult learner characteristics, motivations, barriers and opportunities; the study of how adults learn, change and grow and how they can be supported by others to do so; the role of technology and distance education in adult learning; and, how professionals can build capacities to design, assess, lead and change organizations that serve adult learners.

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

Degree Description

We offer a fully online  M.Ed. and M.S. degree (with hybrid options).  Students choose a specialization in one of 3 areas:  Adult & Continuing Professional Education, Community College Teaching, and Health Professions Education.   The majority of our courses are offered online, in asynchronous formats.  Students have ongoing opportunities to network and built collegial relationships with faculty and their fellow students.  Students may study full-time or part-time, and courses are offered in Fall, Spring and Summer terms. 

Applications for admission are accepted year-round for the first available upcoming term.  We accept students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds.  To qualify for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education (any related field).  International applicants are welcome and must meet TOEFL score requirements.  Admissions decisions are based upon several criteria – Undergraduate GPA, Work history/career progression; Statement regarding interest in the field of adult & lifelong education; and professional references.  GRE scores are not required for master degree or graduate certificate applicants.

Admission Requirements

• Completed online application, department application form, resume and non-refundable application fee
• Unofficial transcripts are to be uploaded into ApplyYourself. If admitted, official transcripts must be sent to the Graduate School before admission is confirmed.
• Statement of interest including summary of your proposed program goals and desired future outcomes upon program completion
• North Carolina residency form if claiming for tuition purposes
• TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• GRE scores are not required for application to the Master’s program

Curriculum

More information about these Tracks can be found on the pages linked below:

• Adult and Continuing Professional Education
• Community College Teaching
• Health Professions Education

Note:  Students may begin their studies in Fall, Spring, Summer 1 or Summer 2 sessions.  This is a flexible option outside of more formal admissions process deadlines.  Please consult with Adult Education Program Coordinator for more information.

FAQ

• AWCPE FAQ 

Faculty

Duane Akroyd
Professor
duane_akroyd@ncsu.edu

Susan Barcinas
Associate Professor
susan_barcinas@ncsu.edu

M. Jayne Fleener
Professor
fleener@ncsu.edu

Chad Hoggan
Associate Professor
cdhoggan@ncsu.edu

Pooneh Lari
Adjunct Assistant Professor
plari@ncsu.edu

Paul Umbach
Adjunct Assistant Professor
paul_umbach@ncsu.edu