The workplace is evolving rapidly, creating new demands for workforce training and professional development. In response, Penn State is offering a new certificate and a revamped master’s degree online for professionals looking to advance their skills in adult education.
The 30-credit Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, previously the M.Ed. in Adult Education, is being offered by the College of Education through Penn State World Campus. Students can choose options in one of two areas: Adult Basic Education and Literacy, or Global Online and Distance Education, or they can earn a general Master of Education that allows more flexibility for electives.
Penn State is also offering a new 12-credit post-baccalaureate Adult Basic Education certificate online. Students can apply the certificate credits toward the Lifelong Learning master’s degree.
Graduates will be equipped to provide leadership in teaching and learning; instructional design and development; program planning and administration; or curriculum and program evaluation, said William C. Diehl, lead faculty for the program.
“As more organizations turn to online distance education, professionals in many fields are being asked to develop and teach in online programs,” Diehl said. “They can turn to our established curriculum and experienced faculty to learn about teaching and management in distance education programs; including the opportunity to gain knowledge of the foundations of distance education, theory and design.”
Students will interact with fellow students from around the country and the world and get new perspectives on distance education and traditional teaching, Diehl said.
“Traditional teachers and administrators find that once they learn about the theory and practice of distance and online education, they can take a lot of what they learn back to their own traditional classrooms,” he said.
In addition to the two new programs, Penn State also offers a 12-credit certificate in Distance Education.
More information about the master’s degree and certificate programs is available on the Penn State World Campus website.