This major offers the following option(s):

• Community College Leadership
• Leadership in Higher Education

EdM available only via Ecampus.

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

Master of Education (EdM)

The Master of Education (EdM) degree in Adult and Higher Education is 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.

Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree

The Doctor of Education degree in Adult and Higher Education 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 in a higher education setting that enables them to benefit from the program learning outcomes. Examples of experience include teaching, student services, administration, finance, support staff, and/or supervision. 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree

The AHE PhD will not be admitting students in academic year 2022-2023. Course requirements are being revised and students will be admitted in Fall 2023.

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

EdM

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

EdD

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly activities in an ethical manner.

PhD

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly activities in an ethical manner.

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Master of Education (EdM)

EdD Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 108 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree.
2. An earned master's degree. Up to 30 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 research setting for a minimum of 3 credits.
4. At least 36 thesis/dissertation credits.

Major Code: 2075