The Master of Education in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) at Southern Arkansas University is designed for professionals seeking to lead and innovate in post-secondary environments, corporate training, and community education. This program offers a flexible, practitioner-focused curriculum to help you advance your career in the evolving landscape of adult learning.
Why Choose SAU for your M.Ed. in HALE?
The HALE degree specifically targets the unique needs of adult learners.
- Affordability: Ranked among the most affordable graduate degrees in the nation.
- Flexibility: Designed for working professionals with a fully online structure.
- Customization: Tailor your coursework to match your specific field, whether it’s adult education, student affairs, or corporate training.
- Supportive Faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who prioritize practical application and personal mentorship.
Skills You Will Gain
- Adult Learning Theory: Understanding how adults process information and stay motivated.
- Program Development: Designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
- Administrative Leadership: Navigating the legal, financial, and ethical complexities of higher education.
- Instructional Design: Creating effective digital and physical learning environments.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
Our faculty are committed teachers, with extensive knowledge of higher education administration and adult pedagogy.
- Online Community: Use modern LMS tools to collaborate with peers sharing professional experiences to enhance the learning process.
Student Stories
“I chose to further my education at Southern Arkansas University because they offered the degree I needed to progress in my career at an affordable cost. The Higher Adult Education Program was the perfect choice in advancing my career because the online structure is designed to conveniently fit into my busy schedule. My professors were wonderful, and I felt that they truly cared about my education. The professors encouraged practical application of the course material to use our personal and professional experiences to enhance our learning process. I appreciated how personable the faculty and staff members were during the enrollment process, and I knew that SAU was the right decision from the very beginning.”
Curriculum
The program is comprised of 30 required hours. Students must complete 27 hours of coursework with three hours of capstone project to complete the HALE program. A student must also complete any additional college and university graduation requirements.
Core Courses (6 Hours)
- EDUC 6003 – Educational Research
- HALE 6343 – Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Learning Education Seminar
Capstone Project (3 Hours)
- HALE 6373 – HALE Capstone Project
Electives
(select 21 hours from the following)
Students should meet with their advisor to determine which courses align with career goals.
- HALE 6233 – Distance Learning Design and Administration
- HALE 6313 – Budgeting and Finance in Postsecondary Education
- HALE 6323 – Curricular Design and Evaluation in Postsecondary Distance Learning
- HALE 6353 – Foundations of Distance Learning
- HALE 6363 – History and Philosophy of Postsecondary Education
- HALE 6383 – Leadership and Organization Development
- HALE 6393 – Post-Secondary Teaching
- HALE 6413 – Program Planning and Evaluation in Postsecondary Contexts
- HALE 6423 – Special Problems in Adult Education
- HALE 6433 – Survey of Adult Learning
- HALE 6443 – The College Student
- HALE 6453 – The Community College
- COUN 6843 – Introduction to Student Affairs in Higher Education
- COUN 6853 – Student Affairs Theory and Practice
- COUN 6873 – Organization and Administration of Student Affairs Services
- ID 6023 – Instructional Design Theory and Practice
- ID 6063 – Issues and Trends in Instructional Design and Technology
- ID 6043 – Instructional Strategies and Tools
Admissions
Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No specific major is required, making it ideal for career-changers.
Application Requirements:
- Completed Online Application
- Official undergraduate transcripts.
- Minimum GPA requirements (2.5 or higher).
Career Outcomes
An M.Ed. in HALE provides a high return on investment by opening doors to leadership roles in high-growth sectors:
- Higher Education: Student Affairs Director, Financial Aid Director, or Academic Advisor.
- Corporate: Training and Development Manager, Corporate Coach.
- Community: Non-profit Program Coordinator, ESL Program Director.
- ROI: With SAU’s affordable tuition rates and out-of-state tuition waivers for students residing in bordering counties of neighboring states (TX, LA, MS, MO, OK, and TN), students may complete their graduate education with substantially less debt than they might incur at comparable institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program entirely online?
Do I need a background in education?
Are there scholarships available?
Accreditation
Southern Arkansas University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This ensures your degree meets rigorous academic standards and is recognized by employers and doctoral programs nationwide.
