The College of Education offers graduate work leading to Master of Education (EdM), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees with a major in Adult and Higher Education, as well as Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS).

Master of Education (EdM)

Available via Ecampus only.

The Masters of Education (EdM) degree in Adult and Higher Education is a program designed for working professionals to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve adult learners in a number of settings. These can include for-profit corporations, not-for-profit agencies, community organizations, and various higher education settings. This program is guided by the Academy of Human Resource Development Standards, a professional organization recognized internationally.

The EdM degree in Adult and Higher Education is a fully online cohort-based program. It is designed to be completed in two years.

Admission to the EdM Degree 

For specific admission information, please go to the AHE website.

The Adult and Higher Education major offers two options: Community College Leadership (CCL) and Leadership in Higher Education (LHE). Candidates will pursue their chosen option either in an EdD or PhD designation, depending upon the purpose and approach of their research study and the intended role to be sought after successful completion of the degree. Both options require completion of courses in foundational and research cores, internship hours, and thesis courses. A minimum of 12 credits of content specialty courses must be taken for each option.

Note: Both options are part-time, cohort-based that meet face-to-face and online (hybrid model), and designed to be completed within a three-to-four-year period.

Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree

The Doctor of Education degree prepares professionals for faculty/administrative leadership roles in a variety of positions in community colleges or other higher education settings. Candidates must have appropriate professional experience that enables them to benefit from the stated program outcomes. Examples of experience include teaching, student services, administration, finance, curriculum specialist, support staff, or supervisor in an educational related setting.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares professionals for research, administration, and professorial roles in higher education settings. Candidates must have significant experience in an education or education-related setting such as teaching, leadership administration, curriculum specialist, supervisor, etc., where the primary function is education. Knowledge of educational research methodology is highly desirable.

Major Code: 2075

The EdM in Adult and Higher Education Masters degree requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits.

EdD Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 114 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree.
2. An earned master's degree. Up to 36 credits may be credited toward the required graduate credits.
3. At least 24 thesis/dissertation credits.
4. A mentored internship in an appropriate work setting for a minimum of 6 credits.

PhD Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 120 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree.
2. An earned master's degree. Up to 33 credits may be credited toward the required graduate credits.
3. A mentored internship in an appropriate work setting for a minimum of 3 credits.
4. At least 36 thesis/dissertation credits.

Major Code: 2075