| Total credits | Estimated resident cost | Estimated Washington border cost | Estimated non-resident cost |
|---|
| 45 | $28,175 | $30,650 | $39,245 |
Program cost estimates are based on 2025/26 PSU tuition and fees only. This chart is provided to help you estimate the minimum tuition and fees for program completion. Additional fees may apply depending on the course of study that you choose to pursue and the specific courses for which you enroll, so you may also find it useful to review detailed tuition and fee information and the full cost of attendance for PSU programs. Financial aid and scholarship options may be available to offset program costs. Visit COE Scholarships for specific details on how to qualify and apply. |
Curriculum
The Postsecondary, Adult, and Continuing Education (PACE) Program at Portland State University prepares students to lead, teach, and serve in a wide range of educational and organizational settings. Designed for professionals in higher education, community and nonprofit organizations, and training and development roles across private and public sectors, the program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application. Through their coursework, students develop a deep understanding of how adults learn across intellectual, emotional, and cultural dimensions; apply research and theory to enhance educational practice; and examine how policies, procedures, and external factors shape learning environments. Graduates emerge with the ability to create equitable and sustainable programs, communicate effectively in professional contexts, and use research, assessment, and technology to support learning and organizational success.
Course descriptions
For course descriptions, please consult the Bulletin or Class Schedule.
Program Format
Modality
Online, scheduled meetings and no scheduled meetings: This program is held entirely online. Some classes have required meeting times, others have no required meeting times.
Part-time or Full-time
Estimated time to completion: 1–3 years
Scheduling
Evening: Online classes with meeting times are typically held in the late afternoons or early evenings from 4-6:30pm or 6:40-9:20pm.
Weekly Estimated Time Commitment
The PSU Credit Hour Policy defines 1 credit hour as requiring a minimum of 3 hours of student time per week over the course of the term. PSU operates on the quarter system, and terms last 10 weeks.
Graduate school is a big commitment; please consider this information as a starting tool to help you gain a sense of the time commitment. Students learn differently and you may find that it takes you more time to complete the coursework on a weekly basis. Generally, a graduate program is more intensive and should require more time on homework than undergraduate courses; therefore, we recommend planning for more time than the minimum.
In the PACE program, students have the flexibility to design a plan of study that fits their individual goals and schedules. Most students maintain employment while completing the program and typically enroll in 4–9 credits per term, adjusting their course load as needed. There is no requirement to register every term. Because classes emphasize extensive reading and writing, students are encouraged to plan their time carefully. Students who choose to participate in an optional internship experience should also plan for approximately 30 hours of daytime engagement over the course of a term.
Program of Study
Self-paced: This program is self-paced, meaning that students can take most or all courses on their own schedule, attend full-time, part-time or change their enrollment on a term-by-term basis. Classes follow the regular PSU academic calendar structure. All classes must be completed within 7 years of beginning the program.
Master’s Core
Students may complete the master’s core at any point in their program. However, it is recommended that students complete ELP 520 and ELP 511 as early as possible.
| Master’s core coursework | CR | Terms offered |
|---|
| ELP 511 Principles of Educational Research and Data Analysis I | 4 | Fall, Winter, Spring |
| ELP 520 Developmental Perspectives on Adult Learning | 4 | Fall, Spring |
ELP 551 Social Foundations of Education OR
ELP 554 Philosophy of Education | 4 | Fall, Spring OR
Summer, Winter |
| ELP 568 Educational Organization and Administration | 4 | Fall, Spring |
| Thematic Specialization and Electives (25 credits) |
| See Thematic Specializations and Electives below |
| Capstone/Culminating Experience | CR | Terms offered |
| ELP 507 PACE Comprehensive Exam (Comps) | 4 | Spring |
| Total Program Credits | 45 (minimum) |