PACE curriculum
The PACE program requires the completion of at least 45 credits, which includes at minimum:
- ELP professional studies core (16 credits)
- Thematic specialization and electives (25 credits)
- Culminating experience (4 credits)
Students have considerable flexibility in shaping their thematic specialization and elective course work in consultation with their assigned faculty advisor or other program faculty. Throughout the academic year and during summer session, classes are delivered in a variety of formats including hybrid (asynchronous online work combined with face-to-face meetings), fully online or online with a synchronous scheduled meeting time. Hybrid and online synchronous classes are typically held in the late afternoons or early evenings from 4-6:30pm or 6:40-9:20pm, or on Saturdays. Fully online courses are asynchronous but instructors are often available for virtual meetings with students to answer questions or provide guidance to successfully complete the class. Refer to the ELP Course Planning Guide for current offerings and delivery formats.
PACE program of study
ELP Professional Studies Core: (16 credits)
Students may complete the professional studies core at any point in their program. However, it is recommended that students complete ELP 520 and ELP 511 as early as possible.
- ELP 511 Principles of Educational Research and Data Analysis I (4 credits)
- ELP 520 Developmental Perspectives on Adult Learning (4 credits)
- ELP 551 Social Foundations of Education (4 credits) OR ELP 554 Philosophy of Education (4 credits)
- ELP 568 Educational Organization and Administration (4 credits)
Thematic specializations and electives (25 credits)
The Thematic Specializations serve as a learning guide in assisting students with focusing and developing their PACE program of study. Thematic Specializations are not required to complete the program, but offer students the opportunity to pursue contemporary educational and professional training issues in greater depth. Students may choose one theme or combine courses from a variety of themes in developing their own unique focus. Each Thematic Specialization also corresponds with an optional Graduate Certificate (18 credits) which can be “counted” as part of the Master’s degree requirements.
Theme Specializations and Graduate Certificates:
Electives
Students select from other ELP courses and theme areas to complete at least 25 elective credits. As well, students may complete graduate level courses offered by other PSU academic units (with advisor approval) such as courses in anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, conflict management and ethics, applied linguistics, speech communication, social work, gender, ethnic studies, urban affairs, or business.
Self-Directed Learning Credit (Independent Study and Practicum/Internship)
Rather than elective courses, students may work with faculty to design a self-directed learning or internship experience. Students might engage in research, program evaluation, practicum, internship, special project, or reading and conference on selected topics by enrolling in ELP 506 Independent Study or ELP 509 Internship/Practicum. These courses are offered each term for 1-4 credits. Typically, 30 hours of learning engagement is equivalent to 1 credit; faculty provide students a learning objective template to help them outline their goals, activities, and assessment processes.
- ELP 506 Independent Study (1-4 credits)
- ELP 509 Practicum/Internship (1-4 credits)
Capstone Culminating Experience (4 credits)
Candidates for the Master's degree with a specialization in Postsecondary, Adult & Continuing Education complete a culminating project class, ELP 507 PACE COMPs. This capstone course involves writing a theory to practice paper defining a problem within higher and postsecondary education or within the professional areas connected to learning and training. Students compose a literature review that addresses the real-world context where the problem is situated, then create an intervention that addresses the problem with the goal of improving practice. Students create a 15 minute powerpoint version of their COMPs theory to practice paper that would be suitable for a professional conference presentation. Additionally, students create a set of professional guiding principles and practice, and a written reflection on the PACE learning outcomes. Typically, students enroll in PACE Comps during their last or second-to-last academic term before graduation.
Course descriptions
For course descriptions, please consult the Bulletin or Class Schedule.
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