Overview
The online Master of Science degree program in ACE is a field-based program designed to serve adult learners who may be employed on a full-time basis. Students learn to build educational programs through the comprehensive online program and engage with other adult learners using various collaboration formats. Once completed, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of fields, such as Adult basic education, Adult advanced education, Community college instruction, University instruction, Career and technical instruction, Business, industry, and corporate training, Athletics coaching, Healthcare Education, Community centers, Non-Profit organizations, or professional roles in Human resource services, Government agencies, Community agencies, and other fields that involve adult education and adult learning.
Through project-based assignments and activities, students are provided with real-world knowledge, experience, and critical thinking that can be applied to their place of employment. Students will learn about Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills, Program Planning and Development, Program Evaluation, Professionalism, Instructional Development and Delivery, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Adult Learning Theory, Research Methods, Transfer of Learning, Academic Portfolio Development, and Presentation.
The areas of emphasis in ACE allow a program to be tailored to meet the personal and professional needs of a broad spectrum of graduate students. The courses provide students with the opportunity to continue their graduate education in a flexible program through an online delivery system. The program offers two areas of emphasis: (1) Adult Education and Evaluation (AEE) and (2) Career and Technical Center Teaching (CTCT). Students entering the program will build upon the academic background gained through their undergraduate education and professional employment. The program’s coursework will provide the additional educational requirements, training, and leadership development necessary to complete a Master of Science degree. The student’s plan of study will be created in consultation with their advisor, selecting an area of emphasis and planning the program.
The online Master of Science degree program in ACE prepares graduate students with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to work in the field of training, development, and education of adult populations. Students in the program engage and collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds and occupations. As our industrial base becomes more global and job skills needed in the workplace change more frequently, professionals skilled in the training and development of adults are and will continue to be a critical profession needed in our society. The ACE specialization serves a diverse market consisting of students from all walks of life. While a case could be made that almost anyone could benefit from learning about ACE, five key groups are served.
- Professional Adult Educators are those who have been in the training and development field for at least one year. Potential students in this group typically teach adults in a structured environment, including businesses, community colleges, non-profit organizations, or vocational schools. These students usually have some experience developing curricula, conducting training, and may carry specific credentials appropriate to their field.
- Novice Adult Educators are those who have no experience in adult education, but desire employment in training and development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth (2014-2024) for Training and Development Specialists in the State of West Virginia is 19%, and 7% nationwide.
- Potential Post-Secondary Faculty are those who would like to teach at the post-secondary level. These students typically have no desire to pursue a terminal degree or engage in substantial research activities. Their goals are to obtain adjunct positions in academia or become faculty at community colleges or career and technical schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth (2014-2024) for Post-Secondary Teachers is 13% nationwide.
- Corporations seeking advanced training for their training and development staff may offer a substantial number of potential students. The ACE specialization is available 100% online, making this an ideal program for corporations that want to support their students without losing employees to “class time.”
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the ACE fields are those who have become experts in their trade and want to transition into business owners and teachers. While this is a much smaller customer segment, it is essential to consider reaching these potential students as marketing activities develop.
- Undecideds’ are individuals who can significantly benefit from completing the ACE specialization after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. These students are unsatisfied with other graduate education options and would like to gain skills in adult education and training and development.
Mission Statement
The mission of the ACE program is to provide its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be successful in the global economy and society of the 21st century. The online program shall be centrally related to the Marshall University Board of Governors Approved Mission Statement of the Institution.
The mission of the ACE program supports both the university and college missions because we value everything that the university and college stand for, including diversity, social justice, multiculturalism, equity, inclusion, and teacher and professional educators across the lifespan, with a focus on how to meet the needs adult educators and professionals in a variety of fields.
Online Delivery Means Accessibility and Convenience for Students
Our faculty have years of experience in teaching internet-based courses for adult working professionals. Through this experience, the faculty have developed unmatched expertise in designing and teaching online courses. One-on-one advising (face-to-face, online, phone, email) is available to every student from program entry through completion.
Programs of Study – Areas of Emphasis
Adult Education and Evaluation
Career and Technical Center Teaching
ACE Program Courses
Areas of Emphasis – Plans of Study Forms
Plan of Study: Adult Education and Evaluation
Plan of Study: Career and Technical Center Teaching
Digital Fact Sheet
Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website: www.marshall.edu/graduate/how-to-apply-for-admission.
M.S., Area of Emphasis in Adult Education and Evaluation
In addition to Marshall University’s requirements for admission, the following criteria must be met for admission to the Adult Education and Evaluation program:
- Students must apply online by completing and submitting the "Distance-Only" application, and all required credentials and fees must be on file in the Office of Graduate Admissions before an application can be processed. Visit www.marshall.edu/admissions/apply for additional information.
- Candidates must be in good academic standing, have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, and have a minimum undergraduate cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
M.S., Area of Emphasis in Career and Technical Center Teaching
In addition to Marshall University’s requirements for admission, the following criteria must be met for admission to the Career and Technical Center Teaching area of emphasis
- Students must apply online by completing and submitting the "Distance-Only" application, and all required credentials and fees must be on file in the Office of Graduate Admissions before an application can be processed. Visit www.marshall.edu/admissions/apply for additional information.
- Candidates must be in good academic standing, have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and have a minimum undergraduate cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Candidates applying to the Career and Technical Center Teaching area of emphasis must be employed as a career and technical center teacher in the State of West Virginia
ACE Faculty & Staff Directory
For information on the program faculty and staff, please visit https://www.marshall.edu/coepd/directory/ace/