Specialization in Adult, Community and Higher Education (ACHE)
This specialization provides advanced study for individuals who work with adults in the capacity of instruction, administration, or community leadership within a variety of formal, non-formal, and informal settings in both local and global contexts. Our students represent a wide array of adult, community, and higher education practice and scholarship including: post-secondary instruction, community organizations and NGOs, student affairs, cultural and arts organizations, and workplace learning.
The ACHE specialization is available in both the Doctoral and Master's programs.
Goals for Students in the ACHE Specialization
- Articulate an understanding of adult, community, and higher ed as areas of scholarship and applied knowledge underpinned by research.
- Develop skills in effective conceptualization and leadership of adult education programming in higher education and community settings.
- Demonstrate capacity to critically evaluate research and understand its relation to theory and practice in ACHE (MEd Course-Based); for MEd Thesis-Route, to additionally conceptualize and execute an original research project.
Master's Program
This specialization provides advanced study for individuals who work with adults in the capacity of teaching, administration, or community leadership within a variety of institutional, community, and workplace settings throughout the world.
Program Structure
The MEd degree requires a minimum of ★36 for course-based programs, or ★24 for thesis-based programs. This includes ★6 in the department core courses and ★6 in the specialization core courses. Each student's program includes study in core areas, research methods, electives, and a thesis or capping exercise.
Educational Policy Core Courses
- EDPS 580 - Contemporary Issues in Education: Perspective & Practice
- EDPS 581 - Introduction to Evaluating Educational Research
ACHE Specialization Core Courses
- EDPS 521 - Adult Learning and Development
- EDPS 577 - Foundations of Adult and Higher Education
Options/Electives
500-level and above courses taken across the department or faculty, chosen in consultation with the supervisor or program advisor.
Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval by their advisor/supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.
A list of courses to be offered throughout the year can be found by accessing Bear Tracks.
Course-Based Program
EDPS 900 - Directed Research Project
Thesis-Based Program
Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a thesis-based Master of Education shall present a thesis embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor.
Possible Concentrations in a Program
In addition to the above required courses, students may select from a wide range of electives to fulfill their individual learning goals. Some suggested alignment with Educational Policy Studies elective courses are listed below for key interest areas in adult, community, and higher education.
- Higher Education: 511, 512, 526, 547, 548, 560, 561, 563, 564, 571, 572, 635, 671, 672
- Workplace Learning: 511, 512, 526, 541, 545, 547, 560, 561, 564, 585, 635
- Community Education & Social Change: 520, 522, 528, 547, 563, 564, 567, 575, 578, 579, 585
- Global/International Education: 520, 522, 523, 525, 528, 548, 564, 575, 585
Doctoral Program
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Faculty of Education will only consider applicants to the PhD program with full-time status if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Remains professionally employed at or above .5 FTE (this includes four over five arrangements) during their studies.
- Has a supervisor who has expressed in writing the ability and intention of funding the student to $25,000 for each of the first two years (this includes financial co-sponsorship with another faculty member).
- Is applying as an Indigenous student (1 studentship) or a member of an equity-denied group (1 studentship).
- Is sponsored by an external agency at or above $25,000 per year or has an external scholarship at or above $25,000.
This specialization provides advanced study for individuals who work with adults in the capacity of teaching, administration, or community leadership within a variety of institutional, community, and workplace settings throughout the world.
Program Structure
The PhD degree requires a minimum of ★36 which normally includes a minimum of ★24 in graduate courses and a dissertation. In addition to the department core courses (★6), students must complete specialization core courses and optional courses for a minimum total of ★24 in graduate courses.
Educational Policy Core Courses
- EDPS 680 - Policy Research and Education
- EDPS 681 - Frameworks for Research in Educational Policy Studies
Options
- 500-level or 600-level courses taken across the department or faculty chosen to enhance the program.
A list of courses to be offered during the Fall Session (September to December) and Winter Session (January to April) can be found through the University of Alberta Bear Tracks system.
Information about courses offered during the Intersession (May to August) will be available on the U of A Bear Tracks system when the University of Alberta publishes its Spring/Summer Guide, normally by December.
Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.
Dissertation
Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a doctoral program are required to present a dissertation embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor and supervisory committee.
Candidacy Examination
The completion of coursework, the Academic Integrity and Ethics Training and the Candidacy Exam must be completed within three years of the start of the program. For part time students, these requirements must be complete within four years of the start of the program.
Contacts
Graduate Advisors:
Please direct admissions questions, program inquiries, etc., to essgrad2@ualberta.ca.
Program Coordinator:
Sara Carpenter
sara3@ualberta.ca