Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Master of Science in Education in Adult and Higher Education


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This 36-semester-hour program offers theoretical and methodological bases for professional development, while providing comprehensive scholarly, paraprofessional education for persons seeking careers in this field. A required core of learning experiences is supplemented by course work in areas of instruction, administration, and research to prepare both generalists and specialists. The program provides opportunities for individualization to take into account the student’s goals and needs and usually includes a faculty-supervised internship in programming, teaching, counseling, or evaluating. It prepares professionals in adult education, community education, international and popular education, human resource development, student affairs and higher education, to work in contexts such as adult education organizations, higher education institutions, business and industry, and social agencies concerned with community problem solving.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Admission

Applicants will be reviewed holistically on their academic performance and preparedness for the graduate program. Each applicant must submit a goals statement outlining interest in the program, professional aspirations, and relevant experience. A CV/resume is also required. Two letters of recommendation are required from professors or supervisors who can provide supportive evidence of an applicant’s professional qualifications and potential for success in graduate study. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores and GRE scores are not required. The adult and higher education admissions committee reserves the right to request an interview with an applicant if additional information is needed.

Student-at-Large, Study-Abroad, and Transfer Credit

A maximum of 15 student-at-large and transfer semester hours in combination may be applied toward the master’s degree in adult and higher education. See “Requirements for Graduate Degrees” for limitation on study-abroad credit. The faculty adviser and the office of the dean of the Graduate School have final authority in determining course credit applicable toward the master’s degree in adult and higher education.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Requirements


The M.S.Ed. in adult and higher education requires a minimum of 36 semester hours. Students select from one of the following: a specialization in higher education or a specialization in adult education. In consultation with an adviser the student selects a thesis or non-thesis option. 

In no case will a master’s degree student be allowed to register for CAHA 598, Issues in Adult and Higher Education, or CAHA 699, Master’s Thesis, without having completed 27 semester hours of course work in a master’s level program approved by the adult and higher education adviser.

Non-Thesis Option


Specialization in Adult Education


Students are required to take 15 semester hours of the specialization core, 6 semester hours of research core, 3 semester hours of internship, and 12 semester hours in a focus area. Focus areas will be developed in consultation with and approved by the adviser. Students have the option to complete a certificate offered by adult and higher education.

This specialization is designed to prepare students to assume a variety of administrative positions within academic institutions, community-based programs, healthcare, corporate businesses and governmental organizations. Students can choose to complete a focus area in teaching and adult development, community programming and development, or develop another focus area with adviser’s approval.

Internship Core


Suggested Focus Areas


Twelve semester hours in one of the following focus areas with approval of adviser or a focus area developed in consultation with program adviser.

Specialization in Higher Education


Students are required to take 15 semester hours of the specialization core, 6 semester hours of research core, 3 semester hours of internship, and 12 semester hours in a focus area. Focus areas will be developed in consultation with and approved by their adviser. Students have the option to complete a certificate offered by adult and higher education.

This specialization is designed to prepare students to assume a variety of administrative positions within postsecondary institutions. Students can choose to complete a focus area in student affairs administration, higher education leadership, or develop another focus area with adviser’s approval.

Internship Core


Suggested Focus Areas


One of the following focus areas with approval of adviser or a focus area developed in consultation with program adviser.

Thesis Option


Same as the non-thesis option except that instead of taking CAHA 598, Issues in Adult and Higher Education, for 3 semester hours, students complete 6 semester hours of CAHA 699, Master’s Thesis.

Comprehensive Examination


Students in the non-thesis option fulfill the comprehensive examination requirement by successfully completing a comprehensive writing assignment while enrolled in CAHA 598. Students in the thesis option fulfill this requirement in conjunction with the thesis defense.

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