Adult Education, Adult Learning

Adult Education & Adult Learning
Overview and Degrees

The number of adult learners is expected to increase by nearly 20 percent in the coming years, according to the Center for National Education Statistics.*

Professionals specializing in adult education may teach in a variety of settings including corporate training programs, adult high schools, GED preparation programs, or in remedial core content classes such as reading and writing. Today’s technological work force also requires training professionals to be competent with many different presentation tools, including online delivery formats.

Educators working in adult high schools, corporate settings, and correctional facilities often need only a bachelor’s degree. Some private sector employers prefer candidates with graduate level certifications or degrees. Colleges and universities will require faculty members to hold a minimum of a master’s degree, but will often prefer individuals with doctorate degrees.

Adult Education Career Options

Adult education careers are not just limited to educational institutions. Adult education iis a growing field that offers opportunities in a variety of settings.

• National associations
• International organizations
• Non-profit and for-profit organizations/corporations
• Government agencies
• Military
• Politics
• Executive search firms
• Publications

Options, such as online education, workforce development, and continuing education programs all target adults, whose educational needs are very different from children and teens. Some of the career options for professionals working in adult education might include:

• Adult Literacy and Remedial Teachers
• Training and Development Managers
• Training and Development Specialists
• E-Learning Instructor
• Curriculum Designer
• Adult Education Teachers
• Higher Education Administrators
• Corporate Training Specialists

Adult Education Career Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2010) predicts adult basic education positions will increase by approximately 15 percent by 2018, which is faster than average job growth. Significant job growth is also expected for teachers working with ESL (English as a Second Language) adults who need to learn English and improve their communication skills. Corporate trainers, post-secondary instructors, and curriculum designers are also expected to grow at a much faster rate, some as much as 23 percent by 2018 (BLS, 2010).

Education and Certification Requirements

Teachers completing a bachelor’s degree in adult education will become experts in adult learning theory in order to design and deliver instruction to an adult audience. Some employers will prefer individuals to have completed a certificate program or master’s degree, while universities often require a doctoral degree. State programs, such as adult high schools, will also require some form of state certification. Visit your state’s department of education web site for information about specific requirements.

Adult Learning and Workforce Education
Master of Education

The Masters of Education degree in Adult Learning and Workplace Education is designed for individuals interested in the growing fields of career development, human resource management, and adult learning. This integrative program seeks to prepare professionals to develop, implement, and manage systems to improved individual and organizational performance. These skills translate across a wide range of industries including higher education settings, workforce development agencies, and adult career centers. In addition, the program is designed to promote skills that will allow graduates to influence public policy and organizational decision-making. This specialization will provide educators with the tools and competencies required to critically reflect on workplace issues, solve organization problems, and anticipate and respond to change.

• Leadership in Higher Education - MAEd
• Higher Education Leadership - EdD
• Education / Leadership in Higher Education - PhD

Postsecondary and Adult Education
Master of Science in Education

This online master's specialization is designed to provide you the tools you need to design, deliver and manage effective instruction programs for adults in a variety of settings, including online education, workforce development, continuing education, higher education, and military education. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing postsecondary faculty, corporate training, or adult education positions in the fields of higher education, business, and nonprofit or community education.

Postsecondary and Adult Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The curriculum focuses on theories of adult learning and distance education, critical analysis and research skills, best practices in postsecondary adult instruction, and application of theory and research to develop effective learning environments for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing postsecondary faculty positions or education leadership positions in a variety of adult learning settings, including higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the military.

• Leadership for Higher Education - MAEd

Developmental Education
Master of Science in Adult Learning

Educators with the knowledge and understanding to help students with special learning needs are the key to an effective developmental education program. Explore theory, political and economic issues, and research in the field. Examine effective strategies for intake and placement, advising, teaching, and assessment in developmental education programs for adults. Investigate best practices in curriculum design and the use of technology to support retention of adult learners.

General
Master of Science in Adult Learning

You will prepare to become an effective adult educator in a range of learning settings. Through the General Program, you can gain an overview of adult learning theories, research, and best practices that can be applied to create transformative learning experiences for adults. Broaden your understanding of adult development, including how diversity and multiculturalism affect motivation in the adult education field. 

• College Teaching & Learning - MSHE
• General - MSHE
• Enrollment Management & Institutional Management - MSHE
• Global Higher Education - MSHE
• Leadership for Student Success - MSHE
• Online and Distance Learning - MSHE

Adult Education and Training
Master of Arts in Education

The Master of Arts/Adult Education and Training Program (MAED/AET) is a 35-credit program of study designed for individuals who wish to develop the skills to work with adult learners in areas such as corporate training, community college instruction, non-profit and community based organizations, human services agencies, or professional development. The program encompasses knowledge of andragogical theory, the needs of diverse learners, critical issues and trends in adult education and training, instructional design and strategies, the use of technologies, and assessment. It also provides courses that address coaching and mentoring, e-learning, and e-learning web design technologies.

For program disclosure information, click here

• Higher Education Administration - PhD

Instructional Technology / Adult Learning Higher Education
Master of Science in Education

In this concentration, students study the design and practice of effective online curriculum, as well as multimedia development and implementation, to prepare to meet the demand for instructional designers, instructional technologists, and media developers in higher education.

Instructional Technology / Adult Learning Organizations
Master of Science in Education

In this concentration, students review design and development models, technology, pedagogy, and management principles and practices used in instructional design in corporations, the military, and nonprofit training environments.

• College Teaching and Learning - MSHE
• Online College Teaching - MSHE
• Student Affairs - MSHE

Adult Education
Master of Education

Step up your adult learning environment. Whether you are currently working in the adult education field or seek an exciting and meaningful career change, JIU's M.Ed in Adult Education will provide you the practical skills, techniques, and confidence to excel in this growing industry. Our project-based degree program is comprehensive - you will address not only theory, organizational development strategies and assessments of adult learning, but apply this new knowledge to real-world situations. Our special emphasis on technology in adult education will enhance your skills even more.

Drexel Online’s Master’s degree in Higher Education was ranked as one of"America's Best Graduate Schools" by U.S. News & World Report in 2010.Drexel’s School of Education is among the nation’s best at preparing the next generation of higher education leaders for the challenges facing tomorrow’s students.

Higher Education
Master of Science
The MS in Higher Education program prepares students with the tools and knowledge needed for career advancement in the field of higher education. The program provides a strong foundation for career advancement, executive and senior level positions, and future doctoral studies. Students will graduate with a primary concentration in Higher Education Administration & Organizational Management and an optional secondary three-course concentration in one of the following five areas: Enrollment Management; Institutional Research and Planning; Academic Development, Technology & Instruction; Financial Management in Higher Education; or Global & International Education. Students that do not choose to pursue a secondary concentration will select three higher education elective courses of their choice.

Adult Education Careers