Adult Education (M.S.)
Master of Science Program
Program Code: MS-ED
Major Code: ADE
Social and Psychological Foundations Department
Bacon Hall 306, (716) 878-4214
adulteducation.buffalostate.edu
The master of science in adult education program prepares professionals for careers in adult education and human resource development. Community agencies employ adult educators to conduct literacy, personal development, and workforce-preparation programs. Similarly, businesses employ human resource development professionals to train new workers and retrain experienced workers. Graduates of the program are also well prepared for doctoral programs in adult education. This program does not lead to teaching certification.
The master’s program is offered 100% online.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale), or a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- A letter describing the applicant’s interest in the field and experience with teaching or administering adult programs.
- Applicants may be asked to participate in a phone or online interview at the discretion of the adult education coordinator.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.
Application Deadline
Applicants must apply by August 1 for fall admission or by December 1 for spring admission. No applications are accepted for summer admission.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (21 credit hours) | ||
| ADE 500 | INTRODUCTION TO ADULT EDUCATION | 3 |
| ADE 600 | ADULTHOOD AND DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| ADE 605 | HISTORICAL, SOCIAL, AND PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ADULT EDUCATION | 3 |
| ADE 608 | INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT | 3 |
| ADE 610 | METHODS OF ADULT EDUCATION | 3 |
| ADE 655 | DIVERSITY ISSUES IN ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING | 3 |
| ADE 695 | METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH | 3 |
| Elective Field Specialization Courses (9 credit hours) | ||
| Select three content courses plus comprehensive examination | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Graduation Requirements
A minimum of 30 credit hours completed with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA including 9 hours in an elective field specialization, selected under advisement. The 9-credit field specialization is developed by each student and his or her academic advisor to incorporate courses from related academic disciplines. Examples of field specializations include administration, literacy, English as a second language, job development, workplace learning and staff development, vocational education, counseling, human resource development, student personnel administration, community activism, creativity, exceptionality, criminal justice, health and wellness, educational computing, hospitality and business. The field specialization could also include an internship for those students with minimal adult education experience.
Students also must complete a written comprehensive examination as a culminating requirement.