Career Opportunities with a Master's in Adult Education

A master's in adult education equips you with the skills to effectively teach adults in settings like community colleges, higher education, and workplaces.

Going to graduate school and earning this degree leads to more career opportunities in the education field.

What Is Adult Education?

Adult education focuses on teaching adults who are past the age of traditional students. It provides adults with opportunities to learn based on their career goals or personal interests. It is used for professional development to help adults stay up-to-date and adapt to changes in the workplace. Adult education also makes it possible for adult learners to change career paths with continuing education programs.

What Is an Adult Education Program?

An adult education program prepares graduates to teach and develop adult learning experiences. The coursework covers topics like adult learning theories, curriculum development, and instructional design. These programs are designed to prepare individuals to effectively teach adults in a variety of learning environments. Graduates possess the skills needed that apply the adult learning theory to encourage lifelong learning

Admission Requirements

To earn a master's in adult education, prospective students need to have a bachelor's degree. The admission process may differ depending on the institution's requirements but it often involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Colleges and universities make it easy to submit an online application and often waive application fees.

Some admission processes for master's degree programs have additional requirements such as attending an interview, submitting test scores like the MAT and GRE, and meeting an undergraduate GPA requirement. Application deadlines vary, some offer rolling admission and accept applications year-round and others have cut-off dates for applying to and starting a semester.

Although it is not always required, some graduate-level adult education programs prefer that you have teaching experience or other applicable experience in the education field.

What Can I Do with a Master's in Adult Education Degree?

Earning a master's in adult education qualifies you for new opportunities to help you meet your career goals.

Higher Education Instructor

Higher education instructors teach adults at the postsecondary level who are earning degrees or taking adult learning courses at colleges and universities. This career involves delivering course materials like lectures and learning resources and contributing to curriculum development. The instructional design methods learned in an MEd in adult education program help higher education instructors meet the varying needs of adult learners to be effective teachers.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee employee training and professional development programs in various workplaces. A master's in adult education gives human resource managers the skills to facilitate adult learning experiences like employee workshops and training.

Education Program Manager

Education program managers oversee programs that offer adult education. They play a key role in the successful delivery of adult education by implementing new programs in colleges, corporate offices, and other organizations that need their expertise from their master's in adult education. Their position involves collaborating with instructors and curriculum developers to meet learning goals and achieve quality results from their programs.

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers collaborate with educators to design educational content. They ensure that the adult instructional materials align with learning objectives and meet industry standards. Curriculum developers add updates when needed to meet learning outcomes and incorporate new educational methods that help make learning accessible and effective for adults.

Adult Education Degree Programs in the U.S.

Graduate students can choose from the many quality adult education degree programs offered nationwide with on-campus and online learning options.

1. Capella University

Capella University has a Master of Science in education with an adult education specialization. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The program teaches you how to engage effectively and create inclusive environments for adult learners with diverse backgrounds. It also covers higher education trends, the process of program development, and research-based theories that are involved when teaching adults.

2. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University's College of Education offers a Master of Education degree with a specialization in adult and continuing professional education. Students can choose to earn their degree online or with NC State's hybrid option which combines online and on-campus classes. The master of education degree is comprised of 36 credit hours and includes a research project or internship.

3. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University's Master of Education in adult education is 100% online and covers andragogy principles that influence the techniques used to teach adults. The program focuses on strategies to effectively teach adult learners and the importance of self-reflection in adult education.

The program teaches students about adult learner characteristics and how to facilitate an effective adult learning environment. Graduates are prepared to work in adult teaching or advising roles supporting adult learners who are self-directed or completing required learning in the workplace.

FAQs About Earning Your Master's Degree in Adult Education

These questions are common among students looking to begin graduate school. Knowing what to expect can help you make a more informed decision.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Adult Education Cost?

The tuition cost of adult education programs varies depending on whether you choose a nonprofit or for-profit institution, if the program is online or in person, and the amount of financial aid and scholarships you receive. It is important to keep in mind that there may be additional fees in addition to tuition for technology and learning materials such as course textbooks.

Online learning is generally a cheaper option with less expensive degree programs. They often offer accelerated options such as competency-based online programs that let you complete coursework at your own pace and finish faster, saving you money.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?

Adult education graduate programs cover topics related to andragogy, the practice of teaching adult learners. After finishing the credit hours, students complete a capstone project or an internship before earning their graduate degree.

Some core courses include:

• strategies for teaching adults
• methods of educational research
• current issues in education
• college teaching
• foundations of adult education
• theories and principles of adult learning

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Master's Program in Adult Education?

Master's programs in adult education typically take about two years to complete, which is the average for master's degrees. You can complete your degree faster by choosing an accelerated program or a competency-based program which can help you complete your degree at a faster pace.

Is a Master's in Adult Education Worth It?

Pursuing graduate studies with a master's in adult education is worth it if you want to work in community colleges or universities, teach adult basic education classes, or help develop curriculum and implement new education and training programs. Master's programs prepare graduates to contribute to the lifelong learning and professional development of adults.