Adult Education and Training (AET)

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education and Human Resource Studies

Adult Education and Training (M.Ed.)

Degree Overview

Learning is a lifelong endeavor and trained specialists are needed to teach adult learners in postsecondary, community, and corporate settings. With coursework that is based in practice, yet grounded in current adult learning theory, the Adult Education and Training master's degree prepares you to successfully plan and administer a wide range of training and educational programs.

Take your career to the next level as you become a more skilled adult educator and trainer in the following fields:

  • Health education
  • Emergency medical services (EMS) education
  • Corporate training
  • Athletics coaching
  • Adult basic education
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
  • Many other fields involving adult learning

Through project-based assignments that ensure real-world knowledge and immediate application on the job, you will learn to think more strategically about:

  • Adult learning theory
  • Instructional design
  • Methods of instruction
  • Learning technologies
  • Learning transfer
  • Program assessment

Offered through the School of Education in the College of Applied Human Sciences, this program gives you the skills to teach in a variety of adult learning environments within a culturally diverse global context.

  • Collaborative projects encourage individual and professional growth through exposure to other colleagues.
  • Advisers assist you in becoming a critically reflective practitioner, capable of conducting and communicating workplace research as it relates to and informs the field of adult learning and training.
  • The online format allows you to earn a master's degree and still maintain your personal life and career.

Requirements

The degree requires completion of 30 semester credits, with at least 24 credits earned at Colorado State University. Either a thesis or final project is required. Learn more about the degree requirements

Curriculum

In this customizable degree program, you will complete core courses and choose elective courses that match your area of expertise and career goals. Learn more about the curriculum

Course Descriptions

Courses include: Adult Teaching and Learning; Processes and Methods of Instruction; Instructional Design and Program Planning; and Philosophy and Organization of Workforce Development. Learn more about required courses

CSU's School of Education has been preparing teachers and teacher educators, educational specialists, administrators, and trainers for over 70 years.

Faculty

Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge about adult learning to the online classroom, with specialties ranging from distance education to workforce development to adult outdoor education. Learn more about our faculty

What Our Students Say

"I am a non-traditional student who earned my undergraduate degree some years back at the same time my two children were enrolled in college. The online delivery format of the AET program was a good match for me, and I highly recommend the program. Time flew as I progressed through the classes with the help of a great counselor, knowledgeable faculty and interesting, challenging and fulfilling classes. Earning my master's degree has enabled me to teach a wider variety of classes at Pikes Peak Community College."
-Sandra Bailey, AET Graduate
Read what other students say

Career Opportunities

The AET master's degree equips you for a career in a variety of fields that facilitate adult learning activities. Exciting careers in this area include: training coordinators, corporate and military trainers, community college instructors, and professional staff in community development agencies. The knowledge you gain through this program will give you the confidence needed to succeed in the ever-changing world of adult education. Learn more about career opportunities

U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado State University’s online education degree programs among the top in the nation in terms of student engagement and accreditation.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally-accredited institution. GRE scores are not required. Find out how to apply

The Learning Experience

You will learn through online presentations and lectures, which are supplemented by assignments, readings, and online interaction and discussion with faculty and fellow students. There may also be videos, CD-ROMs, or DVDs that will be used to supplement the online content and activities. Find out more about the learning experience

Questions? Ask us.

We'll be in touch within 2 business days.

- or contact -

Mike Macklin
(970) 491-7583
michael.macklin@colostate.edu

Receive periodic emails about this program.

Jeffrey M. Foley, Ph.D.
School of Education
(970) 491-6289
jeffrey.foley@colostate.edu

Leann Kaiser, Ph.D.
School of Education
(307) 742-6964
leann.kaiser@colostate.edu

Karen Kaminski, Ph.D.
School of Education
(970) 491-3713
karen.kaminski@colostate.edu

Degree at a Glance

Delivery

Online. There may also be videos, CD-ROMs, or DVDs that will be used to supplement the online content and activities.

On-campus attendance is an option, but is not required to complete this program.

Total credits

Plan A or B – 30 credits

Tuition

$496 per credit
(financial aid available)

Time frame

Can be completed in a minimum of 16 months, including summer terms. Program duration may vary based on previous coursework, intensity of study, and course availability.

Designed for

Those who wish to facilitate adult learning activities including instructors and program developers in proprietary schools, business and industry training departments, community colleges, consulting, entrepreneurial possibilities, or as preparation for a Ph.D. program.

What you will earn

You will earn the same regionally-accredited Colorado State University degree that a student on the Fort Collins campus is awarded. Your diploma and transcript are identical to those awarded to on-campus students.