College of Education and Human Development
 Adult
Education
 FAQs
What must I do to apply?
All the usual rules for application to graduate school at USM apply.
You need to file an application, submit undergraduate transcripts,
get three
letters of recommendation, and write a personal essay.
In addition, we conduct a personal interview with all admissions
candidates. While we prefer
this interview to be in person, in exceptional circumstances
we will arrange for a telephone interview. "Think
about applying to the Adult Education Program!" is a handy guide to use
when you are ready to apply.
If I already have a master’s degree,
how can I decide which program to take?
If you are an experienced educator with a master’s degree, the 30
credit hour post-master’s certificate of study in adult learning
may be for you. This program gives accomplished students the opportunity
to further hone their learning in the field of adult education and encourages
field-based projects. If you hold a master’s degree but lack experience
as an educator, the master’s degree in adult education is more
likely the program designed for you.
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How can I find out more about the adult education programs?
This link gives you a two-page program information sheet.
May I take some adult education courses before I apply or am admitted
to the program?
Yes, many students explore adult education programs by taking a few
courses first. We suggest that students begin with courses
from the following list:
HRD 600-History and Philosophy of Adult Education, HRD
604- Self-Directed
Education: Orientation , or HRD 631-The Adult Learner.
After earning 6 credits of graduate work, students must apply
for acceptance into a degree
program. While their application is being considered, a
student may take an additional 6 credits. Note: Students
who have credits they wish to transfer
toward a degree in adult education should apply for acceptance
into a degree program before taking additional graduate work.
As part of the application
process, possible transfer credits will be evaluated.
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What is the typical work load for a graduate course in adult education?
In most three credit courses students are asked to read three or four
books and several articles (articles and book chapters
might be packaged into a bound "course pack"). Most courses
require writing which may include essays, autobiographically-based reflections,
journals, or
research-based papers. On occasion, oral presentations
and group work are part of the assessment process. While every week is
different, in general
plan to spend two to three hours working outside the classroom
for every hour in class.
Can I take my time and go slowly?
Yes - in fact, most of our students do. Full time study in graduate
school is considered to be nine credit hours per semester.
Very few people in the Adult Education Program are full-time
students. The typical pattern
is to take one course in both the fall and winter semesters and then
one or two courses in the summer. This puts an individual
on track to graduate in between four and five
years. However, it is possible to complete the program
in as brief a period as two years.
Once accepted into a program, a student has five years
to complete a the degree.
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When will I be assigned an advisor?
Students who have applied and been formally accepted into a degree program
are assigned academic advisors. If you have questions before being accepted
into a program, contact the adult education program coordinator.
Can I select where I do my internship or directed study?
Yes, students are expected to research and find appropriate sites for
their directed study and/or 300 hour internship. Proposals
require final faculty approval; USM faculty are interested
in how these significant work
experiences fit into a student’s educational goals. Since the
adult education program has strong connections to the Department
of Student Services
at USM, Portland Adult
Education, Women, Work and Community, and UNUM-Provident,
many students have done internships
and directed studies at these sites.
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What are some job opportunities for graduates of adult education programs?
Graduates of the master’s degree and the post-master’s certificate
of advanced study programs in adult education work in many
areas of the large and diverse field of adult education in Maine. Within
the field of
higher education, graduates hold positions as faculty members,
directors, presidents, counselors, and assistant deans. In the non-profit
sector,
graduates serve as executive directors, assistant directors,
program directors and educational specialists. In the corporate sector,
graduates work as
managers of corporate training, HR managers, trainers,
assistant vice-presidents and workplace educators. Within the area of
public education, graduates
are directors, teachers and staff developers. In the area
of community education, graduates hold positions as program coordinators,
educators,
counselors and community educators. Finally, in the governmental
arena, graduates serve as directors, department heads and educators for
state
departments in Maine including labor, environmental protection
and the police academy.
What credentials are needed to be a Director of Adult Education in the
State of Maine?
To work as a Director of Adult Education for a public school system
in the State of Maine, you must be certified. The master’s degree in
adult education can lead to this certification if the required courses
are selected as part of the degree program. To complete the certification
within the 36 credit hours required for the master’s degree requires
careful course selection from the very beginning. Some of the specialized
courses that may be required for the certification include: EDU 683 School
Budgeting and Finance, EDU 679 Evaluation and Supervision, EDU 678 School
Law and SED 611 Exceptionality. Each student is ultimately responsible
for working directly with the Department of Education in Augusta regarding
the current certification requirements. After researching these requirements,
students are advised to work with their academic advisor to select courses
that will lead to the desired certification and fulfill the requirements
for the master’s degree.
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