Developmental, Adult and Higher Education Program
Message from the Coordinator
Dr. Lori Kupczynski

Welcome to the Developmental, Adult and Higher Education Degree Program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Developmental, Adult and Higher Education are growing areas in academia and business, and our program focuses on applicable knowledge that can assist in many areas.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss the program, or if you have any questions. I wish you all the best in your quest for post-graduate study.
Dr. Lori Kupczynski
Telephone: 361-593-2430
kulpk000@tamuk.edu
Areas of Focus
Developmental Education Coming Soon!
The need for developmental education is growing across the United States. Ensuring that educators are prepared to offer success to students transitioning from K-12 to higher education is a must in the educational arena today. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will be offering specific curriculum to meet this need in the near future.
Stay tuned!
Master of Education Degree in Adult Education is Online!
The Adult Education focus prepares individuals to work with the unique problems and learning styles of adult learners. With a focus on community, continuing and higher education, this fully online program offers curriculum in a mentoring environment to allow students to excel in many areas, including education, business, healthcare, military and nonprofit careers.
Higher Education Graduate Courses
Higher education is a constantly changing area with growth of technical and community colleges, expansion of universities and the rapid growth of for-profit institutions. The six area courses in the Higher Education focus offer a focused view of the many tenets of higher education.
Application Procedures
Students may be admitted to the program from a variety of academic backgrounds. Students who enroll in the graduate program in Developmental, Adult and Higher Education must meet the general graduate admission requirements for TAMUK.
Admission to the University
All prospective students should access the Graduate Admissions page on the TAMUK website for the processes and procedures related to admissions.
Questions Regarding Admission Status
Please call the Office of Admissions to check on the status of your admission to the University.
Enrollment in Classes
Students may register online, using Blue & Gold, after they have been accepted into the University.
College of Graduate Studies
For additional information, contact the College of Graduate Studies.
Degree Plan
Click here for a PDF file of the Adult Education M. Ed. Degree Plan. The Online Adult Education Masters Degree Program has three components:
- Courses (Core and Electives)
- Comprehensive Examinations
- Capstone Research Project
Course Descriptions
Developmental Education Course Descriptions
Coming Soon!
M.Ed. in Adult Education Course Descriptions
Core Courses:
5305. Graduate Research Project. 3
This course is specifically designed for Plan II and Plan III students. A graduate research project must be completed and submitted to the Department Office for a grade to be assigned, otherwise an S or U notation is recorded. Prerequisite: departmental approval. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.
5319. Methods of Adult Education. 3(3-0)
Development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes which the adult education teacher should possess.
5379. Adult Learning and Development. 3(3-0)
Research, theory and principles of adult learning and development explored. Evaluation of adult interests and skills through a variety of strategies discussed. Application of theory presented through class projects.
5388. Introduction to Adult Education. 3(3-0)
A historical and structural overview of the adult education movement as well as a systematic examination of the role of the adult education across a wide range of institutional settings.
5391. Curriculum and Program Planning in Adult Education. 3(3-0)
A review and analysis of the major theories, research findings and practices in the planning of adult education and training curricula. Appropriate practice and on-site application of concepts learned will be a major activity of this course.
5392. Adult Education Research Practicum. 3(3-0)
Principles of research are examined in the context of the literature of the field of adult education. Guided opportunities for research of current adult education or training issues of theoretical and practical concern are provided under direction of a member of the adult education faculty.
Elective Courses:
5301. Selected Topics in Adult Education. 3(3-0)
Detailed analysis and evaluation of selected topics in adult education not otherwise treated in depth in available courses. May be repeated for credit when topics differ.
5360. Instructional Materials for Adult ESL Students. 3(3-0)
A review of criteria for selection of materials to teach ESL to adult students. Principles for the development of effective ESL curriculum materials designed to meet the needs of adult ESL students.
5361. Assessment of Adult ESL. 3(3-0)
This course examines the purposes, types and evaluations of language assessment in adult ESL programs. The topics of the test reliability, validity and practicality will be discussed. A review of standardized and alternative methods or assessment including portfolio and participatory assessment will be included.
5389. Evaluation and Measurement in Adult Education. 3(3-0)
An in-depth examination of principles of testing and measurement with particular reference to adult learners in a variety of adult education settings. Students will gain a working familiarity with the numerous testing Instruments available for adults as well as gain skill in developing teacher-made measurements.
5390. Community Education. 3(3-0)
Structure, purpose and strategies of community education as they relate to school administration and community development.
5393. Counseling Adults. 3(3-0)
Principles of education and vocational guidance and counseling to adults are reviewed, with special reference to illiterate and undereducated adults in South Texas. Supervised opportunities for practice and refinement of guidance and counseling skills are provided.
5394. Tutorial in Adult Education. 3(3-0)
Systematic research and practice in topics in adult education and/or training selected by the student in Consultation with a member of the adult education faculty. May be repeated once when the topic of the tutorial study changes.
5395. Teaching English as Second Language to Adults. 3(3-0)
An intensive investigation and application of the theories, current research findings and methods of second language acquisition of adults.
5396. Teaching Literacy and Reading Skills to Adults. 3(3-0)
Methods, materials and techniques for teaching literacy and reading skills to adults.
5398. Bilingual Adult Education. 3(3-0)
In-depth treatment of the special learning problems encountered by illiterate, monolingual non-English speaking and undereducated adults.
Higher Education Course Descriptions
6323. Advanced Topics in Educational Leadership. 3(3-0)
Selected topics in an identified area of educational leadership; advanced investigations of selected topics and problems dealing with curriculum, theory, legal issues, program design and experimental formulations. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
6325. Student Personnel Services in Higher Education. 3(3-0)
Provides an overview of the conceptual and operational aspects that impact the student personnel programs of higher education institutions in the United States. Is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the field. An overview of content areas of personnel services offered in colleges and universities. Legal, ethical and professional identity issues are also examined.
6326. Curriculum/Program Planning and Evaluation in Higher Education. 3(3-0)
Provides an overview of the conceptual and operational aspects at impact curriculum and instruction in higher education institutions in the United States. Emphasis is on strategies for anticipating future societal needs and developing higher educational curriculum to meet those needs. Is designed to prepare individuals for teaching and leadership positions in higher education and education related fields.
6327. Higher Education Administration. 3(3-0)
Provides an overview of various elements in higher education administration, including an understanding of the role of boards of trustees, presidents, faculty, unions, students, state and federal governments, coordinating boards and accreditation agencies. Focus is on attributes of successful contemporary leadership in higher education.
6328. Strategic Enrollment Leadership. 3(3-0)
Focuses on strategic enrollment management, an approach to improving relationships within an institution. It provides a review of principles and practices for leading recruitment, enrollment management and leadership within community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities. Specific attention is given to effective enrollment management and leadership, recruitment, retention, institutional advancement, student service and targeted communication.
6336. Teaching and Research in Higher Education. 3(3-0)
Provides a detailed study of teaching and research in higher education. Research, theory and principles of teaching and learning are explored with a specific emphasis on differentiation between university and community college environments. Application of theory is presented and analyzed along with research findings and practices for curricula design and instruction in the higher education environment.
6338. Legal and Ethical Issues in Higher Education. 3(3-0)
Surveys the legal issues arising from the relationship between higher education institutions and their governing boards, administrators, faculty, students and governmental bodies. Will explore the role of landmark and current legislation and course decisions in academic and student affairs, distance learning and fiscal and campus management.
Additional Information
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Contact for Questions:
Lori Kupczynski, Ed.D.
Graduate Coordinator
Developmental, Adult and Higher Education
Assistant Professor
Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
MSC 233, 700 University Blvd.
Kingsville, TX 78363-8202
kulpk000@tamuk.edu
Phone: (361) 593-2430
Fax: (361) 593-2136
This page was last updated on: March 06, 2013