Meet the Needs of Today's Adult Learners
With an increased demand for qualified adult educators, the APHE program can help you obtain a degree intended to increase the knowledge and competence of those who work with adult learners in a variety of areas that include community-based education, workplace learning, human resources, healthcare education and higher education.
The Adult, Professional, and Higher Education program offers convenience and flexibility by being able to complete the entire program online. Courses are offered in an online format for students who have additional commitments, such as child and family care and/or demanding work schedules. The online format follows the same rigorous curricula as on-campus options, leading to similar advancement opportunities for our graduates. The program also offers face-to-face format for those students who have the flexibility and may prefer to attend in person. The program offers rolling admissions, so interested students can apply at any time and if accepted, enroll in courses any semester. In addition, the majority of our courses can be taken in any sequence, which allows you to take coursework on your preferred timeline.
The APHE program at CSU is unique in that it provides an urban perspective and experience. In addition, the Master’s degree, along with the certificates, are practitioner-oriented and grounded in theory. Our program provides enough flexibility in course content so you can tailor the program to specifically advance your career goals.
Time to Complete
5 semesters taking 6 credits per semester. Students who need more time for personal and/or professional reasons have the flexibility to complete the program within a timeframe that meets their needs.
Credits
10 courses totaling 30 credit hours
Program Highlights
The APHE program prepares professionals who reflect our commitment to educational excellence for adults through teaching, research, and service. We are focused on leadership, social justice, and partnerships in addressing contemporary urban needs and our program’s goals reflect the college mission:
- Academic Excellence — As an academic community, we create and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, and service that reflects the highest standards of educational excellence; serve as an intellectual community of learner-scholars; and value academic freedom, shared decision-making, inquiry, and integrity.
- Community/Collaboration — We value a collaborative culture within the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education that fosters: communities of learner-scholars, relationships with diverse populations, and partnerships with the urban community.
- Integrity — We promote integrity through our commitment to improving the lives of others; expectation of honest, truthful, and ethical teaching, learning, research, and professional practice; and consideration of people’s feelings and needs in what we do.
- Rigorous Intellectual Exchange — We foster and encourage ourselves and our constituents to create new knowledge and research; exercise reflective beliefs and practices; model ethical behaviors; and promote critical thinking.
- Leadership — We strive to use our leadership and expertise to take risks, act as a catalyst for innovative change; and work to make a difference.
- Passion — We value our commitment to improving the quality of life in our community through actions that reflect equity, diversity, and social justice; and demonstrate respect and passion for the human condition.
Learning Methodology
Students take four required college core courses (12 credit hours) and complete a required capstone experience. The remaining courses are dependent on the specialization you select, thus allowing you to develop an expertise in your area of interest, totaling 30 credit hours.
This APHE Master's degree program helps enhance skills in:
- Adult learning theory
- Adult development theory
- Program planning and evaluation
- Curriculum design and instruction
- Group/team work
- Organizational development theory
- Diversity
Coursework consists of student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. This includes collaborative learning opportunities and discussions, critical reflection, and research projects that focus on real world application of course content. Our program encourages an in-depth and challenging learning environment that can be applied to one’s immediate and future work and life context.
Admissions Requirements
- Apply for admission to Cleveland State University.
- Applicants need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. If their degree is older than 6 years, then the GPA minimum is 3.0.
- Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement can:
- Apply as a non-degree seeking student. Then, after earning 12 credit hours of graduate credit with a “B” or better, reapply as a degree-seeking student
Courses
Required College Core
RESEARCH/INQUIRY
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDB 601 | Research in Education and Human Services | 3 Credits |
EDUCATIONAL POLICY, HISTORY & SOCIAL CONTEXT
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 606 | Modern Higher Education in a Changing Society | 3 Credits |
| OR | ||
| ALD 607 | Adult Education in a Changing Society | 3 Credits |
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 605 | Adult Learning & Development Theories and Practice | 3 Credits |
THEORY AND PRACTICE
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 663 | Planning Programs for Adult Learners | 3 Credits |
Adult Learning & Development Track
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 603 | Lifespan Development | 3 Credits |
| ALD 664 | Teaching Methods for Adult Learners | 3 Credits |
| ALD 688 | Internship in Adult Learning and Development | 3 Credits |
| ALD 689 | ALD Portfolio Capstone | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 545 | Program Evaluation | 3 Credits |
| ALD 631 | Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership | 3 Credits |
| ALD 647 | Adult Learning and Workplace Diversity | 3 Credits |
| ALD 679 | ALD in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 Credits |
Professional Education Track
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 631 | Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership | 3 Credits |
| ALD 646 | Human Resources Development for Adult Educators | 3 Credits |
| ALD 664 | Teaching Methods for Adult Learners | 3 Credits |
| ALD 689 | ALD Portfolio Capstone | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 545 | Program Evaluation | 3 Credits |
| ALD 603 | Lifespan Development | 3 Credits |
| ALD 647 | Adult Learning and Workplace Diversity | 3 Credits |
| ALD 679 | ALD in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 Credits |
| ALD 688 | Internship in Adult Learning & Development | 3 Credits |
Higher Education Track
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 653 | Community Colleges in a Changing Society | 3 Credits |
| ALD 664 | Teaching Methods for Adult Learners | 3 Credits |
| ALD 665 | Student Affairs for Adult Educators | 3 Credits |
| ALD 689 | ALD Portfolio Capstone | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 545 | Program Evaluation | 3 Credits |
| ALD 603 | Lifespan Development | 3 Credits |
| ALD 631 | Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership | 3 Credits |
| ALD 647 | Adult Learning and Workplace Diversity | 3 Credits |
| ALD 679 | ALD in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 Credits |
| ALD 688 | Internship in Adult Learning & Development | 3 Credits |
Instructional Design & Technology Track
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ETE 555 | Instructional Design | 3 Credits |
| ALD 664 | Teaching Methods for Adult Learners | 3 Credits |
| ETE 690 | Designing Online Instruction | 3 Credits |
| ETE 691 | eLearning Tools and Techniques | 3 Credits |
| ALD 689 | ALD Portfolio Capstone | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ALD 545 | Program Evaluation | 3 Credits |
| ALD 631 | Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership | 3 Credits |
| ALD 645 | Organizational Learning and Change | 3 Credits |
| ALD 679 | ALD in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 Credits |
| ETE 595 | Current Topics & Research in Educational Technology | 3 Credits |
Exit Requirements
One of the options must be selected.
If thesis is chosen, the thesis credits will be in addition to the degree total of 30 credits.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis | 3 Credits | |
| ALD 689 | ALD Portfolio Capstone | 3 Credits |
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and financial aid for CSU programs are kept competitive so you can receive the education you deserve. Tuition for online programs and courses follows the same fee structure as traditional, on-campus programs and courses. Current CSU Graduate tuition costs can be found on the Bursar’s website.
Approximately 70% of CSU’s students receive some form of financial assistance. The University participates in or administers all the major federal and state grant and loan programs. In addition, CSU provides University grants and scholarships.
To begin the financial aid process, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file a FAFSA every year after January 1st to receive your financial aid. Cleveland State University’s financial aid school code is 003032.
If you have any questions, visit the Financial Aid section of CSU’s website, or contact the Financial Aid office.
Faculty
Our faculty are accomplished in the field of adult education, higher education, workplace learning, and healthcare education. They have published books, have numerous articles published in top tier journals, and presented at national and international conferences.
Our scholar–practitioners are here to help you succeed by providing a supportive learning environment within the classroom setting, as well as through mentoring outside the classroom. Faculty are available face-to-face and virtually to help you meet your educational and career goals through advising and mentoring experiences.
Student Success Coaching
At CSU, you will be paired with a Student Success Coach to support you on your journey from acceptance into a program to graduation. Coaches help with:
- Time management
- Study strategies
- Focus techniques
- Work-life balance
- Academic support resources
- Navigating University policies and procedures
- Resolving issues and locating the right resources
Student Success Coaches will reach out to you for a welcome call early in your program. Coaches can help you create an academic success plan with strategies and goals that will help you be successful. Student Success Coaches are available to you throughout your program. Student Success Coaches do not replace academic advisors or other counselors, but rather work as a team with them to provide you with all the right resources.
Career Outcomes
The APHE program prepares you to work with adult learners in a variety of areas that include community-based education, workplace learning, human resources development, healthcare education, and higher education.
Students who choose the Adult Learning & Development specialization may pursue a career as a(n):
- GED/HS Equivalency instructor
- Corrections educator
- Adult literacy teacher
- Program coordinator
- Community school administrator
- Educational policy maker
- Instructional designer
- Employee of a non-profit agency (cultural institution, senior citizen center, zoo)
Students who choose the Professional Education specialization may pursue a career as a(n):
- Training and development facilitator
- Human resources representative
- Employee relation specialist
- Program coordinator
- Organizational development specialist
- Continuing education planner
- Healthcare educator
Students who choose the Higher Education specialization may pursue a career at a 4-year/2-year institution or a vocational/technical school in areas such as:
- College admissions counselor
- Alumni affairs representative
- University registrar
- Collegiate athletics coordinator
- Residence life director
- Student advocacy coordinator
- Student activities coordinator
- Career development counselor
- Academic advisor
Students who choose the Instructional Design & Technology specialization may pursue a career as a(n):
- Instructional designer
- Learning consultant
- Content developer
- Learning content manager
- Learning and development specialist
- Digital learning coordinator
- Technology specialist
- eLearning developer
- Corporate training developer
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a certain undergraduate degree to be accepted into program?
No, as long as you have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, you will be considered for admission into the program.
What can I do with this degree? What kind of job can I get?
You can work with adult learners in a variety of areas that include community-based education, workplace learning, human resources, healthcare education and higher education. Examples include: GED/HS equivalency instructor, instructional designer, training and development facilitator, healthcare educator, college admissions counselor or academic advisor.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
Typically, students enroll in 1-2 courses (3-6 credit hours) a semester. You can graduate from the APHE program within five semesters by taking two courses each semester. Students who need more time for personal and/or professional reasons have the flexibility to complete the program within a timeframe that meets their needs.
Does the program require a thesis?
No, however, completing a thesis is one of the exit options.
Do you offer graduate assistantships?
Yes. However, as there are a limited number of graduate assistantships available, students must go through an application process.