Master's Program Description

This 36-hour master’s degree program is technically oriented, with a strong orientation in the skills necessary to develop and implement professional development programs and materials. The program leads to a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) Degree. Information regarding admission to the James Madison University's graduate school can be found at http://www.jmu.edu/gradschool.

Professional Core (24 credit hours):

  • AHRD 520 Foundations of Adult Education/Human Resource Development
  • AHRD 540 Leadership and Facilitation
  • AHRD 580 Learning in Adulthood
  • AHRD 590 Technology in AHRD
  • AHRD 600 Performance Analysis and Needs Assessment in Adult Education/HRD
  • AHRD 610 Instructional Design in Adult Education/HRD
  • AHRD 630 Research Methods in Adult Education/HRD
  • AHRD 640 Evaluation in Adult Education/HRD

Concentration Courses:

Choose 9 - 12 credits in your area of concentration. Concentration areas for AHRD include the following defined areas of study:

  • Leadership and Facilitation
  • Human Resource Management
  • Higher Education
  • Technology
  • Evaluation and Meaurement

In addition, learners, with the guidance of his/her faculty advisor, can define a concentration in another area of study such as, public administration, counseling psychology, secondary education, or any content area that is complementary with the learner's professional objectives.

Research Paper or Thesis:

  • AHRD 680 Reading and Research (3 credit hours)
  • AHRD 700 Thesis (3 to 6 credit hours)

Oral Comprehensive Examination:

Oral and written examinations will be conducted during the final semester of enrollment by the student’s advisory committee.