Northern Illinois University

Counseling, Adult and Higher Education

Adult and Higher Education

The NIU Adult and Higher Education Program in the College of Education offers professional preparation for students at the master’s and doctoral levels for entry-level and leadership roles in the field of adult education and higher education. 

The Master of Science in Education – Adult and Higher Education is a 36-semester-hour program that offers theoretical and methodological bases for professional development, while providing comprehensive pre-service education for persons seeking careers in adult and higher education.

The Doctor of Education – Adult and Higher Education is a 63-semester-hour program beyond the master’s degree that provides a flexible system of professional study, with course work in areas of educational policy, administration, and research, to prepare both generalists and specialists in the field. Graduate students in adult and higher education prepare for leadership roles in a variety of adult and higher education endeavors. Students learn how to assist others to enhance their present roles or to prepare for new roles in society.

In addition, students have a choice of four areas of emphasis and are strongly encouraged to take the courses identified under each category, for specific preparation related to the above-mentioned leadership roles. The four areas of study are:

      • Adult Continuing Education 
      • Human Resource Development
      • International, Community, and Popular Education
      • Higher Education / Student Affairs

Highlights of the Adult and Higher Education program include:

  • Dynamic, challenging, and engaging coursework on topics such as: ethics, leadership and administration, program planning, community development, social justice, adult learning theory, educational policy analysis, student development, continuing professional education, program assessment and evaluation, and much more.
  • Practical hands-on experiences gained through internships, assistantships, and study abroad programs to such counties as Brazil, China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan.
  • An engaged community of practitioners and scholars actively pursuing educational research.

Spring 2013 Adult and Higher Education Information Sessions

Are you interested in master's or doctoral study in adult and higher education?  Come find out more about the admissions requirements, meet program faculty and get your questions answered about a post-secondary degree in adult and higher education.  Spring 2013 Information Sessions are scheduled:
 
Date: Thursday, February 21
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Place: Gabel Hall 146

Date: Tuesday, April 16
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Place: Gabel Hall 146
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Advisor at: (815) 753-1306.

Program Standards and Review