Source: Melinda Sinn, 785-532-5888, sinnpio@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.coe.k-state.edu/online/ace/
News release prepared by: Jared Betts, 785-532-5888, betts290@k-state.edu

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

K-STATE OFFERING ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREE IN ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's College of Education and Division of Continuing Education will offer a new online master's degree program in adult and continuing education starting this summer.

Although the 33-credit-hour program is new in terms of its online format, K-State is no stranger to offering course work in the field of adult and continuing education; an on-campus and site-based program has been offered for more than 25 years with more than 1,000 graduates.

"Graduates of the face-to-face program report that they use the information they learned daily to improve their practice," said Royce Ann Collins, assistant professor of educational leadership at K-State. "They've also reported that their acquired knowledge assisted them in professional advancement as well as giving them prestige in their organization.

"The online program is exactly the same as our face-to-face programs. We are simply teaching in a new format," Collins said. "The faculty believes this new online approach will be able to assist more adult education professionals in the region."

The degree is for working professionals whose careers involve working with adults in educational and training situations. It emphasizes the professional needs of all adult educators in their roles as leaders, teachers, managers and program developers.

The degree allows for students to tailor their own course of study to meet individual needs, according to Jeff Zacharakis, associate professor of educational leadership at K-State.

"A degree in adult education is one of the most flexible graduate degrees you can earn," Zacharakis said. "We offer potential students a tremendous opportunity to earn both a master's degree in adult and continuing education as well as a graduate certificate in more than 10 disciplines, including areas like conflict resolution and organizational leadership."

More information about the adult and continuing education online master's degree program and complete application information are available at http://www.coe.k-state.edu/online/ace/. For a complete listing of available distance education programs, contact the K-State Division of Continuing Education at 1-800-622-2578 or informationdce@k-state.edu.