Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership with Adult & Higher Education emphasis is a distinctive master’s degree that combines the academic, theoretical and research findings of adult and continuing education with the practical application of the responsibilities and duties of adult and continuing education administrators. This one-of-a-kind degree program is made possible through a collaboration with the University of South Dakota and the Learning Resources Network (LERN). The convenience and flexibility of this 33 credit-hour program allows participants to gain up to 15 credit hours of practical knowledge through the LERN professional development institutes and online courses. The curriculum and faculty for select LERN institutes and courses are approved for USD credits in advance. As a result, university credit from the LERN experiences transfers seamlessly toward the master’s degree. The remaining courses are completed online through the University of South Dakota. LERN participants residing anywhere in the world have access to this unique program. The USD School of Education has been accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE) since 1956. Learn more at usd.edu/online-eal-lern.
DELIVERY: Online
Learning Resources Network (LERN)
Learning Resources Network (LERN) is the world’s largest association in continuing education and lifelong learning, offering information and consulting expertise to providers of continuing education and customized training. Founded in 1974, LERN serves more than 9,000 professionals every year. Learn more at lern.org.
General Application Requirements
- Completed application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts*
- Letters of recommendation*
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV*
*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog
Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs
This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.
USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.
Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.
Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.
For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.
