Master of Arts in Education: Concentration in Adult Education
Graduate Advisors: Dr. Doris Flowers, Dr. Ming-yeh Lee
The Adult Education program is designed for graduate students who wish to pursue advanced studies in adult learning and educational processes. Program graduates work as leaders in a wide variety of contexts reflective of the diverse backgrounds and need for adult education higher education, in government/policy agencies, in literacy programs, community colleges, health care, law enforcement, business and industry, military, the workplace, community-based organizations, and many other settings. Our program is grounded philosophically using adult theoretical models of learning and social justice practices. This is an inclusive program that serves a diverse community.
Admission to Program
Entry into the program is open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 units of college coursework. Prospective students must submit a CSU graduate application and a department application. In addition to the department application form, applicants must also submit to the department two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and transcripts. A faculty committee reviews department applications for admission. Students are admitted in both fall and spring semesters.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One
During the first semester in a program and before filing Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form, each student must demonstrate graduate-level English writing ability. If remedial work is necessary, the student shall be expected to complete prescribed courses in English, or other corrective work, at a level acceptable to the department.
Level Two
The second assessment occurs within the Culminating Experience course (i.e., either ISED 895 or ISED 898) and by the time an ATC is approved and filed.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the M.A. program with concentration in adult education, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate their understanding and critical analysis of the significant adult learning theories.
- Demonstrate their awareness of how the socio-cultural context affects adult learning and leadership development.
- Conduct critical analysis of the educational policy in the context of adult education.
- Develop adult education programs for different learner populations.
- Conduct empirical research (both qualitative and quantitative) in the area of adult education.
Enrollment Requirement
Students who were admitted to the MA program before fall 2008 must enroll in the University during the semester of anticipated graduation. To meet this requirement, students may choose to enroll in a 0-unit designated College of Professional & Global Education course established for this purpose.
Students admitted fall 2008 and beyond have the semester they enroll in the culminating experience course and the following semester to complete their degree requirements. Those who need time beyond the two semesters to complete the culminating experience requirement must enroll in a 0-unit designated College of Professional & Global Education course every subsequent semester until the requirement is completed.
For more information, please contact the department at (415) 338–1653 or come to Burk Hall 239.
Education (M.A.): Concentration in Adult Education — Minimum 30 Units
Required Courses (12 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 706 | Principles and Methods of Adult and Vocational Education | 3 |
| ISED 707 | Planning and Funding Education and Community Programs | 3 |
| ISED 735 | The Adult Learner: From Theory to Practice | 3 |
| ISED 736 | Leadership and Policy for Community and Non-Formal Education | 3 |
Research Methods (3 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 797 | Seminar in Educational Research | 3 |
Electives (12 Units)
Units selected that reflect student’s individual goals. May be chosen from courses below or from other departments or colleges.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 738 | Critical Theories and Pedagogies | 3 |
| ISED 739 | Education and Community Development: Equity and Diversity | 3 |
| ISED 740 | Education & Globalization: Issues in Comparative and International Education | 3 |
| ISED 747 | Culture, Language, and Society in Education | 3 |
| ISED 748 | Culture, Cognition, and Power Issues in Education | 3 |
| ISED 781 | Educational Praxis: Curriculum Development and Pedagogies | 3 |
| ISED 782 | Practicum in Adult Learning | 3 |
Culminating Experience (3 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ISED 895 | Field Study Project | 3 |
| or ISED 898 | Master's Thesis | |