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World Campus offers on-line master’s degree in adult education
	A Web-based master of education (M.Ed.) degree in adult education is now available through the Penn State World Campus. “This degree program will be extremely valuable for working professionals,” Dr. David H. Monk, dean of the College of Education, said. “Often professional, family and community commitments limit a person’s ability to continue their education in a traditional campus environment. The on-line master’s degree addresses these issues and makes it possible for working professionals to learn anytime and anywhere. We’re committed to increasing access to the college’s educational programs through the World Campus.” The Penn State World Campus uses information technologies and the World Wide Web to extend the University’s signature undergraduate, graduate, certificate and continuing education programs to learners around the globe. The master of education degree in adult education is designed to increase the knowledge and competence of those who work with adult learners in a wide range of settings. Program courses are taught using a blend of Web technology, print and other media to provide an effective balance of flexibility and interaction. The World Campus draws together the expertise of Penn State’s renowned faculty, learner support services—ranging from advising to on-line registration—and access to resources, including the University Libraries. No prior course work in adult education is required for admission into the program, but students must hold a baccalaureate degree. Plans call for a program that consists of 33 credits, 21 of which must be in adult education. Students can tailor the program to suit their interests by combining 12 credits in electives from other accredited universities and from World Campus courses—in chemical dependency counselor education or educational technology integration—with their adult education degree concentrations. “As in resident instruction, our World Campus courses involve lots of group work and student interaction,” Dr. Nickie Askov, professor of education and program head of adult education at Penn State, said. “Instruction will include projects that will prove useful to students in their work, whether they are involved in literacy, training, human resource development, community development, social service work, health education, teacher education or another aspect of adult education.” International adult education and distance education themes will be built into every course to enable students to feel comfortable in a global adult education context. Learners also will receive instruction in designing programs that use new technologies for delivery. Penn State’s Adult Education program is one of the top-ranked programs of its kind in the United States. By 2002, Penn State expects to offer more than 30 credit programs through the World Campus.