Adult, Professional, and Community Education (M.A.)
M.A. Adult, Professional, and Community Education
Program Overview
This program has dedicated, learner-centered faculty who are leaders in the field, a focus on reflective practice, emphasizing both theory and skills to become more effective practitioners and leaders, and course delivery formats for working professionals (night, hybrid, and online courses).
Course Work
This program provides the expertise and experience to develop and lead various adult education programs. In addition to the common core, which includes a supervised internship, students are encouraged to take courses appropriate to their career-focused specializations: adult ESL and workplace, community, and continuing education.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Concentration Adult ESL | Hours 33 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Location Online |
Degree M.A. | Concentration Adult ESL | Hours 39 | Thesis Option Thesis | Location Online |
Degree M.A. | Concentration Workplace, Community and Continuing Education | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Location Online |
Degree M.A. | Concentration Workplace, Community and Continuing Education | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Thesis | Location Online |
100% Online
This program is completely online. If you are not a Texas resident and will not relocate, please visit the Office of Distance and Extended Learning. International applicants will not be eligible to receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa from Texas State and may review the eligibility requirements of enrolling in online programs and contact the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with questions.
Program Details
The program is diverse with local and international students. Graduates have gone on to make a difference as community educators, corporate trainers, higher education professionals, and educational leaders.
Program Mission
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Adult, Professional, and Community Education is an academically rigorous and student-focused program designed for individuals working in or aspiring to work in adult education programs in diverse settings, including community-based organizations, government agencies, business and industry, and post-secondary education programs for adults. The program prepares reflective practitioners to teach, develop, and manage adult educational programs and conduct applied research to improve practice.
Career Options
The program educates scholar-practitioners for diverse roles as teachers, staff developers, evaluators, and administrators. Graduates are found in government agencies, corporations, colleges and universities, the military, and community organizations, including libraries, museums, parks, schools, workforce development foundations, corporate training departments, NGOs, social services, religious organizations, adult literacy, adult basic education and ESL programs.
Program Faculty
The faculty members in this program are a unique group of individuals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and are nationally recognized for their accomplishments. They also provide national and international leadership as journal editors and reviewers.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
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For Entry Prior to Summer 2026
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard June 15 (*Flexible) June 1 Spring October 15 (*Flexible) October 1 Summer I April 15 (*Flexible) March 15 *This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Effective for Summer 2026 Entry and Beyond
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard August 1 June 1 Spring - Priority September 1 September 1 Spring - Standard November 1 October 1 Summer I - Priority January 1 January 1 Summer I - Standard May 1 March 15
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of
- 19 listening
- 19 reading
- 19 speaking
- 18 writing
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores. -
Documents
- writing sample (maximum 300 words) discussing your interest in adult education
Review important information about documents.