Graduate Program

Degree Programs

General Requirements

Masters degree students must complete all program course work within six years of matriculating in the program.
Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, including the following:

Required Adult Education Core Courses (23 credit hours):
  • D500 Introduction to Adult Education Theory (3 cr.)
  • D505 Adult Learning through the Lifespan (3 cr.)
  • D506 Adult Education Planning and Development (3 cr.)
  • D512 Seminar in the Forms and Forces of Adult Education (3 cr.)
  • D521 Participation Training (2 cr.) Note: This course has a 3-day residency requirement.
  • D525 Introduction to Distance Education Systems (3 cr.)
  • D620 Adult Education Research (3 cr.)
  • D640 Adult Education Capstone Seminar (3 cr.)
Professional Focus Area Courses (13 credit hours chosen from the following):
  • D523 Small Group Theory in Adult Education (3 cr.)
  • D550 Practicum in Adult Education (1-3 cr.)
  • D590 Independent Study in Adult Education (1-3 cr.)
  • D600 The Teaching-Learning Transaction in Adult Education (3 cr.)
  • D613 The Organizational Context of Adult Education (3 cr.)
  • D615 Adult and Continuing Education in Collegiate Settings (3 cr.)
  • D625  Variable Topic Seminars (variable cr.)
  • D650 Internship in Adult Education (1-6 cr.)
  • D660 Readings in Adult Education (1-6 cr.)

Or other courses from related areas not to exceed 9 credit hours from outside of the Adult Education department.

Masters Thesis Option

A masters thesis is an option in many program areas. Most masters students in adult education, however, do not write a thesis. Students who choose to write a thesis are not exempt from completing the Capstone Seminar. Carrying out masters thesis research and writing a masters thesis are particularly valuable experiences for students who seek a scholarly career. Students who choose to carry out a master’s thesis should incorporate appropriate research course work in their program of studies. See the IU School of Continuing Studies Bulletinpdf file image for a full description of the thesis process.