Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education

Program Overview

Todays adults are lifelong learners, meaning the majority of individuals all around the world are interested not only in postsecondary education (e.g., colleges, universities), but also in learning that extends far beyond these formal settings. As such, organizations, from colleges and universities to private and public workplaces across all industries, and the professionals that staff such organizations need a range of competencies and perspectives.

The completely online Master of Arts in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education (HALE) at Michigan State University prepares students to succeed in careers connected to lifelong learning by providing knowledge and skills in areas such as organizational administration and leadership, finance and budgeting, curriculum development, teaching and learning, and evaluation.

Our program has long been ranked among the nations best, and our courses are taught by renowned faculty members, one of the largest groups of full-time faculties dedicated to higher education and lifelong learning. The degree is customizable to your interests and goals through courses, independent studies and applied experiences. But no matter what area of lifelong education in which you specialize, you will be ready to facilitate organizational development and change, nurture a commitment to lifelong learning and honor diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

HALE students tend to work full time and often pursue a HALE MA to deepen their skills and knowledge and make advancements or shifts in their professional careers.

Program Highlights

#2 in Higher Education Administration in U.S. News Ranking for 2023

Program Outcomes

Based on the objectives of the program, you will:

• Understand central issues in postsecondary organization and leadership, teaching and learning, and administration.
• Gain inquiry skills and use them to understand important problems in the context of postsecondary practice.
• Connect theoretical understandings to the practice of administration, leadership, and teaching through coursework and related experiences.
• Understand the broad social consequences of your educational and leadership duties and the ethical nature of your role.
• Engage in disciplined reflection on your experience, studies, and practices.

Career Outlook

HALE graduates work at colleges and universities, nonprofits, public agencies and private industries. They are enacting change across the nation and around the world as student affairs professionals, educators, entry or mid-level administrators, teaching and learning professionals, fundraisers, and senior level organizational leaders.

Course Information

Core

Electives

Choose Three of the Following Courses (9 credits)

EAD 801 - Leadership and Organizational Development (3 Credits)
EAD 805 - Administration in Higher Education (3 Credits)
EAD 860 - Concept of a Learning Society (3 Credits)
EAD 861 - Adult Learning (3 Credits)
EAD 866 - Teaching in Postsecondary Education (3 Credits)
EAD 870 - Foundations of Postsecondary Education (3 Credits)
EAD 876 - Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education (3 Credits)
EAD 877 - Program Planning and Evaluation in Postsecondary Contexts (3 Credits)

Choose Five Additional Courses (15 credits)

Fifteen (15) additional credits, of which nine (9) credits must be Educational Administration (EAD) courses within the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education program. Other graduate level courses may be taken with the approval of your advisor.

Final Essay

Students in this program will also be required to complete and submit a final portfolio project. 

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree
• 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
• Two to three years of work experience.
• CV/Résumé
• A written personal statement
• Personal statement should answer the following questions in 750 words: What inspires you to pursue a career in higher, adult, and lifelong education?
  What qualities, characteristics, and skills make you a strong candidate for the HALE M.A. program?
  How will the HALE program help you meet your personal and professional goals?
  Please include the final word count at the end of your document (e.g. “Word Count: 750”).
• 3 letters of recommendation
  At least one should be from a faculty member who had you as a student. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
• Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

• Complete a university application
• Send official transcripts from each degree-granting institution attended, via email to haleadm@msu.edu or by mail to:
  Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education (HALE) Program
  c/o HALE Admissions Assistant Department of Educational Administration
  Michigan State University - Erickson Hall
  620 Farm Lane Rm 423
  East Lansing, MI 48824-1034

Provisional admission is, on occasion, granted to students that do not have a 3.0 undergraduate G.P.A.