Adult Learning and Workforce Education
- Course Information
As economies and businesses change, there is growing demand for adult education and worker retraining. The skills and knowledge you will gain in our MEd in Adult Learning and Workforce Education specialization translate across a wide range of industries, including higher education, workforce development agencies, human resource organizations and adult career centers. Your courses and mentoring by professionally experienced professors will provide you with the tools and competencies required to critically reflect on workplace issues, solve organizational problems, develop programs and training to increase overall performance, and anticipate and respond to change. With a master’s in Adult Learning and Workforce Education, you will be prepared to influence public policy and organizational decision-making as it relates to the workforce.
Certification and Licensing
The School of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The MEd program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country. Certification requirements vary by state. Students are advised to contact their state department of education or local school district for guidance in obtaining certification or licensure, or for approval in fulfilling district level incentive programs.
There are several reasons why an educator would want to pursue a graduate degree in education that does not lead to state licensing or certification.
Reasons may include:
- "Move up" steps on the salary schedule.
- Improve skills and professionalism in general or to pursue a ”leadership” position outside the classroom (school-based or district level).
- Advance as a ”teacher leader” through a graduate degree (already has a bachelor's degree and certification).
- Meet the needs of increasingly diverse students.
- Work in a traditional K-12 classroom environment (trainer, educational consultant, etc).
Completion Period for Master's Degrees
Northcentral University allows 5 years to complete all 30 credit hour master's programs. Normal time to complete varies depending upon the rate courses are taken and credits transferred.
In this course, students will explore the theoretical and practical underpinnings of organizational development. Particular emphasis is placed on examining and understanding the intrinsic role of mission, vision, purpose, and core values in the development of an organization. Students examine the essential elements of effective leadership, dynamic culture, and interactive community and their influence in shaping organizational health and wellness.
Introduction to Best Practices for Training and Presenting to International Audiences
In this course, students will investigate best practices for training and presenting to international audiences. There will be opportunities to analyze the role of culture and best practices. In addition, global training skills will be honed through application of practices relative to international training and presentation.
Leadership in Educational Organizations
This Master's level course is about effective leadership in educational organizations. It is particularly relevant for practicing school administrators, those who desire to become administrators, and classroom teachers who recognize the importance of leadership to positively impact schooling in our nation. Students pursuing a specialization in Educational Leadership are advised to take this as their first course of study.
The Art and Science of Adult Education
In this course, students will gain a knowledge base organized around four domains: professional attitudes; historical, social, and philosophical context; adult learning and development; and, organization and administration of adult programs. Topics include: adult learning theory, training and development, motivation, and learning modalities.
Adult Learning Theories
During this Master's level course, students will examine and develop the skills in identifying, analyzing, and planning for the diversity in adult learning behaviors. Students will identify the strategies for developing critical thinking and reflective practice in adult students. Students will evaluate the principles of adult learning theory and how they can be used in the design of technology-based instruction to make it more effective.
Leading the Global Workforce: Paradigms and Possibilities
In this course, students will examine human performance and improvement. Topics include: performance improvement analysis, needs assessment, models of change, and performance models and interventions.
Evaluating Training Programs
In this course, students gain knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and techniques of training evaluation. The underlying value of such knowledge for global trainers is the ability to understand how and why particular training programs are effective or ineffective. Students will identify and clarify the training needs of organizations; select appropriate training approaches; and evaluate training outcomes.
At Northcentral University, we pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to tuition and fees. If a cost is not included in our Cost Per Course Tuition Rate, we let you know up front. Currently, the only additional cost above your program rate* is books. Learn more about the NCU’s MEd costs below:
- Per credit cost: $628
- Per 3 credit course cost: $1,884
- Program cost: $19,190
- Average book cost per course: $110
- Application Fee: $0
- Learning Management Fee (one-time per program): $350
- Registration Fee: $0
Click here to learn more about payment and financing options.
*Program rates are subject to change and generally increase at the start of each calendar year.
Total program costs reflected are calculated based on standard degree program credits exclusive of the program’s potential evaluation track. The actual cost of a program is determined based upon the program and track the student enters, transfer credits if any, and other unique student factors. For more information: please contact Admissions or refer to the catalog.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about our students, it’s that they are motivated and ambitious—but they are also busy! At Northcentral University, we’ve designed our education experience to work with you, not against you, so you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing the quality, flexibility and support you need to be successful.
- Regionally Accredited
- No Physical Residency Requirements
- One-to-One Teaching
- 100% Doctoral Faculty
- Flexibility of Online Learning
- University Resources
To learn more, request information or call 1-866-776-0331 to speak with an enrollment advisor today. We offer new courses every Monday of the year so you can get started when it’s best for you.