Program Overview

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Master's Degree in Adult and Community Education

The Master's Degree in Adult and Community Education at Ball State University is a unique program that focuses on the education of adults in formal, nonformal, and informal settings. This program is one of the few in the nation with a strong community education focus.

Program Overview

The program provides learners with the skills and supporting theory to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for adults. Adult and community education is a wide umbrella field that embraces lifelong learning in multiple contexts. The program follows the individual holistically as they learn and teach in various settings throughout their life.

Why a Master's Degree in Adult and Community Education?

The Master's Degree in Adult and Community Education has a proven track record with a 60+-year history. The program is designed for practitioners, where students work on projects instead of taking tests. Students can apply the learning in their workplace immediately, and project-based learning affords them the opportunity to connect theories and methodologies with real-world experiences.

Program Details

• The program requires completion of at least 30 credits of graduate course work.
• A minimum of 18 credits must be completed in the major, supplemented by a research course and electives from the major or related subjects.
• Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• The program offers a flexible online course format, with all EDAC courses offered online using Canvas.
• Courses use discussion boards, project-based learning, critical reflection, and self-directed learning to engage the whole person and the experience students bring to the program.

Core Courses

The following core courses are required:

• EDAC 631 Adult and Community Education (3 credits)
• EDAC 632 Organizing Adult and Community Education Programs (3 credits)
• EDAC 634 The Adult as a Learner (3 credits)
• EDAC 635 Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 credits)
• EDAC 638 Program Planning in Community and Adult Education (3 credits)
• EDAC 648 The Community Educator (3 credits)

Research Requirements

In addition to core courses, students must either write a master's thesis or select one of the following research courses:

• EDPS 640 Methodology of Educational and Psychological Research (3 credits)
• EDST 671 Evaluation of Educational Programs (3 credits)
• EDST 697 The Grant Process and Research (3 credits)

Electives

Students must complete 9 additional credits in adult and community education or from any other related field at Ball State. Elective courses include:

• Adult Education Courses:
  • EDAC 629 Psychology of Adult Adjustment (3 credits)
  • EDAC 655 Continuing Education for Professionals (3 credits)
  • EDAC 699 Internship in Adult and Community Education (2-6 credits)
  • EDST 671 Evaluation of Educational Programs (3 credits)
  • EDST 680 Staff Development to Strengthen Curriculum (3 credits)
• Community Education Courses:
  • EDAC 644 Collaborative Learning in Adult, Higher, and Community Education (3 credits)
  • EDAC 646 Working with Volunteers in Community Agencies (3 credits)
  • EDAC 681 Managing Community Education (3 credits)
  • EDAC 699 Internship in Adult and Community Education (2-6 credits)
  • EDCU 675 Evaluation of Educational Personnel to Strengthen Curriculum (3 credits)

What You Will Learn

The adult and community education program allows students to gain skills in:

• Instructional design
• Program planning
• Teaching strategies
• Inclusive excellence and social justice
• Program evaluation
• Grant writing
• Leadership skills and methods
• Community education

National Rankings

Ball State is consistently highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in best online graduate education programs. U.S. News also ranks the Master's Degrees in Education Programs among the best online programs for veterans.

Double Your Major

By taking one additional 3-credit class, students can complete a double major in adult and community education and executive development for public service.

Certificate Option

If students are not quite ready to pursue a full master's program, they can choose to complete the graduate certificate in Adult and Community Education (15 credits) first. The completed certificate will count toward the first half of the master's degree completion.