Adult and Higher Education

The College of Education offers online, in-person and hybrid graduate work leading to Master of Education (Ed.M.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees with a major in Adult and Higher Education.

Master of Education (Ed.M.)

The Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education is offered fully online in partnership with College of Education and Ecampus. Applications open in September for fall start the following year.

The Master of Education (Ed.M.) program prepares professionals in education, curriculum development, instructional design, and training to be able to work with adult learners in the following areas:

• Human resources within for-profit corporations and not-for-profit agencies
• Organizations involved in systems development
• Developmental education programs in community colleges
• Instructional design and technology in educational settings
• In a variety of additional higher education settings.

This program is guided by the Academy of Human Resource Development Standards, a professional organization recognized internationally.

The Ed.M. degree in Adult and Higher Education is a fully online cohort model designed to be completed in less than two years.

Learn more

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Adult and Higher Education (AHE) Ed.D. degree has newly updated curriculum. The coursework includes a series of research, leadership and content expertise courses, which are intended to provide students with the knowledge to take the next steps in their professional careers.

The Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education is offered in a hybrid format in partnership with the College of Education and Ecampus. During the first two years of this program, students will meet and study with a learning cohort both in person and online. Classes are held two weekends per term at Oregon State's downtown Portland classroom building.

Applications open in September for fall start the following year.

The Ph.D. is undergoing curriculum and program updates. Changes are anticipated to begin fall 2023. If approved, the program updates will no longer require an option (Community College Leadership or Leadership in Higher Education).

Please visit the College of Education website to learn more about the two programs and how they align best with your career goals.

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.