Adult Education Graduate Programs

Adult education graduate students study the practice of teaching adults, including those in college and graduate school. Due to the cognitive differences inherent in developmental stages, adult education differs from child education in a number of ways. Adult education graduate programs specialize in training individuals to utilize the unique learning style of adult students taking into consideration factors including; adults tend to be more self-directed than children, adults tend to have formed a dominant learning style and have some understanding as to how best to use it, adults appreciate consistent feedback regarding their progress, and adults have a rich breadth of life experience to bring to their classroom experience. Candidates interested in an adult education graduate degree program can be attracted to the discipline for many reasons some may want to learn how to share knowledge of their field of expertise or be educators hoping to expand their educational reach.

Search our directory of campus adult education graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online adult education graduate degree programs.

The graduate degree in adult education is generally a master of education or a master of science. Depending upon their focus, adult education graduate programs may be known by various titles, including:

Adult learning
Adult and community education
Adult education and training
Educational leadership
Instructional design
Organizational learning
Curriculum and instruction

Individuals interested in the field of adult education should ideally possess the following qualities:

Devoted to teaching and the learning process
Willing to work at home on lesson planning, grading, etc.
Skilled at classroom management, or committed to learning about it
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Adult Education Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Adult education graduate programs vary in focus. Some are broad-based, while others emphasize a particular aspect of adult education, such as curriculum design, or a particular subject area, such as health care. Here is a sampling of some core courses an adult education graduate student could expect to encounter:

Research in education
Curriculum theory and design
Instructional development and theory
Diversity in education
Historical foundations of education
Technology in the classroom

The typical master’s degree in adult education takes one to three years to complete, depending upon both the school curriculum and the individual student’s pace. A capstone project or thesis is often required to graduate.

Admissions requirements to adult education graduate programs may include letters of recommendation, completion of an application, a personal statement, transcripts, and relevant test scores. Many schools also require a minimum GPA, and all schools require a bachelor’s degree. Some schools have certain academic prerequisites; you can learn whether this is the case at your school of choice by contacting the admissions department.

Adult Education Career Path

Those holding graduate degrees in adult education are qualified to become professors and teachers. They might teach at the university and college level, or pursue a career at a nonprofit or educational center, where they can instruct in subjects such as adult literacy and the GED. Some choose to work as consultants, tutors, or writers.

Adult Education Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists salary data for adult literacy teachers, GED teachers, and professors. In 2010, the median pay for an adult literacy or GED teacher was $46,530. Note that only a bachelor’s degree is required for this position. In contrast, the 2010 median salary for a postsecondary teacher was $62,050, and the minimum degree required is a master’s. Postsecondary education administrators, another career for which those with an adult education graduate degree may be qualified, earned an average salary of $83,710 in 2010.

Projected job growth for postsecondary education administrators is projected to be 19% between 2010 and 2020. Postsecondary teachers can expect an average job growth of 17% during the same time, and adult literacy and GED teachers can anticipate a job growth of 15%. These numbers all represent an average rate of job growth.

Salary Range for Adult Education Professions

Data according to

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm

Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Walden University
Master of Science (M.S.) in Adult Learning - Teaching Adults English as Second Language
Walden University's Master of Science in Adult Learning with a specialization in Teaching Adults English as Second Language,
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Phoenix,AZ
Argosy University
Adult Education & Training
The Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education and Training program is designed for the working professional associated w...
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Concordia University, Portland
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Advance your career as a recognized education leader, learn how to influence a collaborative work environment and gain
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Type: Online
Level: Doctorate
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Capella University
PhD - Postsecondary and Adult Education
Enhance your qualifications in adult education and college teaching, one of the 10 fastest growing occupations in the country...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Chicago,IL
Northwestern University
Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration
The MPPA program explores public policy issues, applications, and analysis and the administrative systems necessary to...
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Colorado State University
Adult Education and Training (AET)
In this M.Ed. degree, students gain skills to successfully administer a wide range of adult training and educational programs...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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Beverly,MA
Endicott College
Master of Education
Endicott College offers several options for those wishing to pursue a Master of Education degree.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Patchogue,NY
St. Joseph's College
Nursing
Must have a B.S. Degree with a major in nursing and have a New York State R.N. license.
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Type: Online
Level: Certificate
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University of North Dakota
Instructional Design & Technology - eLearning Emphasis
Learn to develop eLearning materials for corporate, governement, and educational settings. 100% online. Pay in-state tuition.
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Kansas State University
Adult and Continuing Education Master's
The Adult and Continuing Education degree program is geared toward working professionals whose careers involve working with.....
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Kaplan University
M.S. in Higher Education - College Teaching and Learning
Explore the foundational aspects of andragogy and the use of technology in higher education settings.
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Indiana University Of Pennsylvania
Adult and Community Education
Program planning, training and development, teaching adults, leadership, organizational dynamics, and community education.
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Abilene Christian University
Master of Education in Higher Education
Abilene Christian University's Master of Education in Higher Education, Emphasis in College Student Affairs and Conflict
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Type: Online
Level: Doctorate
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Northcentral University
Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Curriculum and Teaching
Northcentral University's online Ph.D. in Education program is suitable for learners who want to combine a strong base of the...
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Pennsylvania State University - World Campus
M.Ed. in Adult Education
Students from diverse backgrounds to come together and study the needs of today's adult learners and how they learn best.
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