M.Ed. in Adult Learning
Human Resource Development | Instructional Design & Technology
“This program transformed my life and my career, but most importantly, it transformed my thinking. Become what you are with a Master’s Degree in Adult Learning at VCU.”
- Caitlin Bergendahl, M.Ed. ’15
“If you are passionate about helping people reach their potential, and use their strengths and abilities to the fullest, you’re going to find something to be passionate about in this program.”
- Jennifer McCluskey, M.Ed. ’17
Providing learning and development opportunities and initiatives for adults in the workplace is very different from K-12 education. The M.Ed. in adult learning provides its graduates with the knowledge and skills to be major contributors to organizations, whether in human resource development or as instructional designers.
We realize that learning in the workplace, whether for profit or non-profit, revolves around using technology as a learning tool and format. Each course incorporates the use of – and learning of – current technologies. Students leave the program with theoretical and practical knowledge and experience to aid them in providing learning to adults in the workplace.
Our graduates work in business and industry, healthcare, government, non-profit, higher education, and community and human services agencies. As organizations realize the need for talent development and workforce development, our graduates have been poised to meet their needs, and to help organizations achieve their overall talent and workforce objectives.
Admission to this 33-hour program (which can be completed in two years) is predicated on the "whole person" concept, taking into account life experiences, academic record, references, and the reasons for the student’s interest in the program. As of spring 2020, the MAT or GRE are not required for admission. Successful applicants will have sufficient work experience to enable them to bring relevant experiences into the classroom learning environment, which is encouraged.
Prospective students are encouraged to take a course in the adult learning master’s program as a "non-degree seeking student" before admission to ensure the program is a fit for their career goals. This is not a requirement, but only a suggestion if students have doubts regarding the program. Any classes taken prior to admission into the program will be transferred into the program if the student is accepted.
CONCENTRATIONS/VCU BULLETIN INFO
PROGRAM BASICS
How to apply: Graduate application
Semester of entry: Spring, summer or fall
Application deadline: Feb. 1 for fall and summer admission, Nov. 1 for spring admission
Late applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basisResources and Checklists
Application checklist [PDF]
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- General admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School
- Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the student's potential for graduate study in education
- Statement of intent
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- At least a 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours of coursework
FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO
- Nationally-recognized program
- Convenient format designed for working professionals (most classes in the face-to face format, but some are online and/or hybrid)
- Faculty with real-world experience working in adult learning environments
- May be completed in two years if take two courses per semester (not required)
- Small class size; focused faculty attention
- In lieu of a thesis and comprehensive exam, students create an e-portfolio and undertake an Action Learning project that focuses on real problems of strategic importance to an organization
- Focus is on learning and development with projects which may be part of the student’s actual work and relevant to their current position
- Hands-on experience in working with and in adult learning environments
Program Concentrations
The human resource development concentration prepares students to take on roles of increasing responsibility in the learning and development of employees in a variety of organizational settings. The focus of this concentration is for students to gain the skills and knowledge required to support the strategies, mission and goals of the enterprise through employee training and organizational development.
Previous graduates from this concentration hold positions as chief learning officers, vice presidents of workforce development, managers and directors of training and development and other upper-level management positions.
Degree requirements for the human resource development concentration »
Please keep in mind, however, that the exact course requirements may vary depending on when you matriculated into the program, so please consult your adviser or the program coordinator with any additional questions.
The instructional design and technology concentration offers a unique opportunity to explore the ways in which technologies are changing how and where learning happens for adults. The three-course sequence begins with an examination of the theory and practice that informs e-learning, builds on that experience through a broad exploration of digital media tools and concludes with a solutions-based approach to instructional design challenges in e-learning for adults.
A central emphasis throughout the concentration is considering the nature of self-directed learning in an age when we have access to the vast storehouse of human knowledge at our fingertips and the ability to publish in every major media format on the web — all within a context of networked digital communication and collaboration.
Degree requirements for the instructional design and technology concentration »
Please keep in mind, however, that the exact course requirements may vary depending on when you matriculated into the program, so please consult your adviser or the program coordinator with any additional questions.
Related Program: B.A. in Human and Organizational Development
This undergraduate program is designed to help students grow skills in planning and developing learning programs for adults in organizations such as corporations, non-profits, education and healthcare.
Ready To Get Started?
- Jenna Lenhardt, Ph.D.
- Director, Strat Recrt & Outrch
- (804) 827-6847
- SOEinfo@vcu.edu
- Robin Hurst, Ed.D.
- Coordinator
- (804) 828-8021
- rrhurst@vcu.edu