Student and teacher

Master of Education in Adult, Professional & Higher Education

Reach your career goals by attaining a Master's Degree in Adult, Professional and Higher Education (APHE)

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.

Teacher in front of students outside
Teacher in front of students outside
Teacher in front of other teachers
Clock with graduate hat icon

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.

A+ computer icon

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.
Teacher smiling
Teacher smiling

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

  1. Apply for admission to Cleveland State University.
  2. 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.
  3. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement can:

Courses

Required College Core

RESEARCH/INQUIRY

CourseTitleCredits
EDB 601Research in Education and Human Services3 Credits

EDUCATIONAL POLICY, HISTORY & SOCIAL CONTEXT

CourseTitleCredits
ALD 606Modern Higher Education in a Changing Society3 Credits
OR  
ALD 607Adult Education in a Changing Society3 Credits

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

CourseTitleCredits
ALD 605Adult Learning & Development Theories and Practice3 Credits

THEORY AND PRACTICE

CourseTitleCredits
ALD 663Planning Programs for Adult Learners3 Credits

Adult Learning & Development Track

CourseTitleCredits
ALD 603Lifespan Development3 Credits
ALD 664Teaching Methods for Adult Learners3 Credits
ALD 688Internship in Adult Learning and Development3 Credits
ALD 689ALD Portfolio Capstone3 Credits
Electives - Choose one of the following (3 credits)
CourseTitleCredits
ALD 545Program Evaluation3 Credits
ALD 631Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership3 Credits
ALD 647Adult Learning and Workplace Diversity3 Credits
ALD 679ALD in Nonprofit Organizations3 Credits

Professional Education Track

CourseTitleCredits
ALD 631Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership3 Credits
ALD 646Human Resources Development for Adult Educators3 Credits
ALD 664Teaching Methods for Adult Learners3 Credits
ALD 689ALD Portfolio Capstone3 Credits
Electives - Choose one of the following (3 credits)
CourseTitleCredits
ALD 545Program Evaluation3 Credits
ALD 603Lifespan Development3 Credits
ALD 647Adult Learning and Workplace Diversity3 Credits
ALD 679ALD in Nonprofit Organizations3 Credits
ALD 688Internship in Adult Learning & Development3 Credits

Higher Education Track

CourseTitleCredits
ALD 653Community Colleges in a Changing Society3 Credits
ALD 664Teaching Methods for Adult Learners3 Credits
ALD 665Student Affairs for Adult Educators3 Credits
ALD 689ALD Portfolio Capstone3 Credits
Electives - Choose one of the following (3 credits)
CourseTitleCredits
ALD 545Program Evaluation3 Credits
ALD 603Lifespan Development3 Credits
ALD 631Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership3 Credits
ALD 647Adult Learning and Workplace Diversity3 Credits
ALD 679ALD in Nonprofit Organizations3 Credits
ALD 688Internship in Adult Learning & Development3 Credits

Instructional Design & Technology Track

CourseTitleCredits
ETE 555Instructional Design3 Credits
ALD 664Teaching Methods for Adult Learners3 Credits
ETE 690Designing Online Instruction3 Credits
ETE 691eLearning Tools and Techniques3 Credits
ALD 689ALD Portfolio Capstone3 Credits
Electives - Choose one of the following (3 credits)
CourseTitleCredits
ALD 545Program Evaluation3 Credits
ALD 631Group Dynamics for Educational Leadership3 Credits
ALD 645Organizational Learning and Change3 Credits
ALD 679ALD in Nonprofit Organizations3 Credits
ETE 595Current Topics & Research in Educational Technology3 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.

CourseTitleCredits
 Thesis3 Credits
ALD 689ALD Portfolio Capstone3 Credits
Student working on laptop
Student working on laptop

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.

CSU trees blooming
CSU trees blooming

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.

Girl looking at her computer
Girl looking at her computer

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.

Graduate Form

Complete the form and we'll have an enrollment specialist contact you with the information you need!

Loading...

By submitting this form, I am providing my express consent authorizing Cleveland State University and their representatives to contact me by email, phone, or text (including use of automatic dialing system) at the home or cell phone number above. Consent is needed to contact you but is not a requirement to register or enroll. Standard text messaging and/or data rates may apply.