Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education

Lifelong Learning and Adult Education extends through the life span from late adolescence to advanced age and takes place in a rich diversity of organizational as well as informal settings. The Lifelong Learning and Adult Education degree can open doors worldwide to successful careers in faculty and administration positions at universities and colleges or to fulfilling leadership and research positions at government and public agencies non-governmental organizations, churches or religious organizations, adult basic education programs, healthcare providers, international organizations, and community-based organizations. Course work, reading assignments, research projects, internships, informal discussions, and the dissertation all provide opportunities for in-depth and challenging learning experiences. The Lifelong Learning and Adult Education program is interdisciplinary, and students are advised to take courses in supporting fields within the University.

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces that are available for new students. Applicants with a junior/senior grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale), and a graduate GPA of 3.50 or above will be highly considered applications to the program. However, applicants with strong backgrounds and abilities in areas of particular interest or relevance to adult education practice may be admitted to either of the doctoral programs with a baccalaureate degree only (provided the junior/senior GPA is at least 3.0), or with master's-level studies in which the graduate GPA is at least 3.2. GRE scores are not required for admission.

A sample of student writing is required for each degree. M.Ed. applicants submit a recent writing sample, such as a term paper, report, or publication of 3000 words or more. Ph.D. and D.Ed. applicants should submit either a published article, master's paper, master's thesis, or a paper from their master's studies.

Three letters of reference are required from people who are best qualified to evaluate the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate study. These letters may be from an academic adviser, instructors who are familiar with the applicant's academic record, a research project supervisor, an employment supervisor, or others who are able to provide a substantive evaluation of the applicant's work. Letters of recommendation must address the applicant's academic ability, motivation, and likelihood of success in completing the program.

A statement of purpose describing the applicant's short and long range career objectives is required. This statement includes an explanation of how the proposed study of adult education relates to the stated career objectives.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60