Adult/Organizational Learning and Leadership

A graduate degree in adult/organizational learning and leadership provides the skills and credentials to facilitate training programs within your own field of technical expertise. Designed for working professionals, the flexible program allows you to customize the degree to fit your interests. Graduates of the program secure positions as adult educators in colleges and universities, managers of training and development, human resource specialists, training consultants and instructional designers.

Choose an emphasis in:

• Adult basic education
• Adult learning 
• Human resource development

Become certified in human resource development or as an adult basic education/general education development (GED) instructor. You may also receive an M.S., Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in Education with an adult/organizational learning and leadership emphasis.

This degree capitalizes on your unique technical skills by providing you the opportunity for professional development that will enhance your career. You will become a leader and educator in your field, with new skills to teach and to help others advance their careers.

This degree is offered at two University of Idaho campus locations: Moscow and Boise. The M.S. program is available online.

Prepare for Success

This program is tailored for the working professional and is applicable to each student’s unique working environment. Courses are designed to address the needs of adult learners and to provide the flexibility necessary for busy adults.

Your First Year

The curriculum includes these courses:

• The Adult Learner: Foundations and Characteristics
• Instructional Design and Curriculum Development
• Strategies for Teaching Adults
• Organizational Development
• Communication Skills for Adults in a Diverse World
• Human Resource Development 
• Leadership Development

What You Can Do

Graduates of the adult/organizational learning and leadership teach in colleges and universities and are positioned for leadership and managerial positions within their area of technical expertise. They secure positions as managers of training and development, human resource specialists, training consultants and instructional designers.

Opportunities

Graduates of this program acquire management skills that transfer to a wide range of opportunities in various types of organizations, including:

• Community Colleges and universities
• Business training facilities
• Manufacturing firms
• Government and state agencies
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Private educational institutions

Current Research

Adult & Organizational Learning faculty are engaged in research focused on sustainability and technology; creating a positive workforce and workplace; best practices in teaching adults; individual, organizational and career development; and adult basic education.

Activities

Students and faculty are active and make presentations at the Idaho Life-long Learning Association conference (ILLA), and become active in the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association.

Faculty Involvement

A small student-to-faculty ratio provides a unique opportunity for students to interact closely with faculty.

James A. Gregson
Associate Dean and Professor
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Laura Holyoke, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Research Focus: Organizational Health & Sustainability, Organizational Learning in Higher Education, Organizational Culture and Leadership
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Michael Kroth, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Research interests: Transformational Learning, Motivation, Passionate Work, Creating Healthy Work Places, Managerial Caring
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Bryan Maughan, Assistant Professor
Director, Professional Practices Doctorate Program
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Jerry R. McMurtry, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Research interests: Developing human resources in rural organizations, Leadership
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