Master of Arts in Adult Learning
The Master of Arts in Adult Learning is designed for students interested in adult learning and education, including learning in organizations, online learning, adult learning in international contexts, adults in higher education, adult literacy, and adult learning for social change and community engagement. A meld of theory and application, the fully online degree program provides multiple options for individualized study and program design to respond to the particular needs and interests of learners. As a student in the program, your critical awareness of yourself as a learner will be deepened within a collaborative and supportive community of diverse faculty members and peers.
Drawing on a solid foundation, students are able to meet individual goals and customize their degree programs to meet those needs. Therefore, students entering the program are encouraged to articulate a proposed final project – i.e. a concrete and focused task in the field of adult learning – around which learning goals will be formulated. The individualized degree plan is approved by program faculty and revisited on a regular basis to ensure that it remains relevant in the face of new learning, felt needs, and ideas.
The program is responsive to the range of practice and purposes in adult learning and education including learning in organizations, online learning, adult learning in international contexts, adults in higher education, adult literacy, and adult learning for social change and community engagement. It is organized to respond to the particular needs and interests of learners by providing multiple options for individualized study and program design. The hallmarks of the program include:
- a collaborative learning community, with multiple opportunities for collaboration
- a meld of theory and application,
- a robust online learning environment with opportunities for other modalities and venues,
- opportunities for hands-on engagement with the ongoing practices of Empire State College,
- respect for diversity and multiplicity,
- a deepening of one’s critical awareness of oneself as a learner,
- practice in critical analysis and inquiry,
- effective learning environment design,
- the integration of experiential learning,
- a supportive community, including mentors, affinity cohorts, and social networking.
Admission to the M.A. in Adult Learning program is selective. This program begins new students in the fall and spring terms only.
MAAL Enrollment Sequence
MAAL Electives
Degree Program Planning and Prior Learning Assessment: Guide and Video
MAAL Program Delivery
