Purpose

The Master of Education in Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning is a progressive, multi-disciplinary program that introduces key concepts of adult learning and development in a variety of contexts. Graduates and participants in the program are qualified for a variety of careers such as training and development in organizations and the military, higher education and online learning, and community-based education. The program will:

• Provide a comprehensive, research-based understanding of human capacity building and competency development.
• Connect advanced candidates with challenges facing today’s organizations and prepare them to create innovative and effective learning solutions.
• Prepare advanced candidates to synthesize elements from adult learning theory, instructional design, emerging technology, and curriculum and program development and apply them to one’s current or planned professional setting.

Drawing on a range of disciplines (education, business, information technology), this program will prepare one for a career to apply knowledge and skills, which can be effectively used and developed on an individual, team and organizational level.

Unique Program Features

The M.Ed. in Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning program utilizes real-world experiences to connect learners with external stakeholders and organizations through project-and problem-based learning. One will work with faculty in the U.S. and abroad, who work in a variety of adult educational settings, to develop transferable competencies highly sought after in organizational learning and development, consulting, higher education, the military, and other adult educational settings.

Program Competencies

• Active Inquiry & Critical Thinking – Your decisions are based on supported learning and design theory, and the acquisition of new knowledge through extensive investigation viewed through the lens of critically reflective reasoning.
• Problem Solving – You will synthesize knowledge from diverse sources and contradictory points of view to solve complex and ambiguous learning, training, and development problems facing today’s organizations.
• Strategic Thinking – You will lead strategic change initiatives and develop learning strategies to help organizations develop and sustain competitive advantage.
• Professional Ethics and Moral Reasoning – Your actions are value-based under conditions of complexity and uncertainty.
• Interpersonal Leadership – You will build and utilize a set of communication and coaching skills that encourages the growth and professional development of individuals, and a positive climate that promotes effective learning in teams and organizations.
• Educational Technology Innovation – You will become a leader in utilizing emerging technologies, learning theory, and instructional design strategies to develop effective learning experiences and materials for a diverse set of adult learners in diverse organizational settings.

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
3. Advanced candidates with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may be considered for admission after submitting a written Statement of Career Objectives and completing an interview with the Area Coordinator.

Graduation Requirements

• All advanced candidates must successfully complete the required 30 credit hours with a 3.0 grade point average, with no more than 2 “C’s” and no grade lower than a “C.” See Academic Policies under the Academic Standards section of this catalog for more information.
• An application for graduation is required before a completion statement is posted to the transcript. The application for graduation is available in MyPark/student academic information (under the student tab). Candidates must return the completed form with the appropriate fee. See the Graduation Requirements section in this catalog for more information.