An online bachelor’s degree in adult education may provide students with the skills and training needed to educate and train adults. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study adult learning behaviors, understand ethical and professional standards in teaching, and develop adult-education curriculum. Coursework within these programs may include general education requirements, education-related electives, and major-specific courses, such as adult education assessment strategies, interpersonal communication, and educational psychology.

Upon graduation, students may seek entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in a graduate-level program in adult education. Baccalaureate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in education, healthcare, and counseling.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 15% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s degree in adult education may combine general education requirements, education-based electives, and major-specific courses. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to mentor adults, increase staff development, and perform community development. Core adult education courses may include the following:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Adult Learning
• Educational Psychology
• Adult Education Assessment Strategies
• Human Behavior and Development
• Measurements and Evaluation
• Critical Thinking and Evaluation

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree in adult education may find careers in education, government, healthcare, and counseling. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as adult literacy and general education development (GED) teachers are expected to increase by 15% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Adult Education Counselor
• Adult Literacy Teacher
• GED Teacher
• Technical Education Teacher
• Social Worker

Continuing Education

Upon graduation, students may opt to further their education and enroll in a graduate-degree program in adult education. These upper-level programs may provide students with additional training on educating and training adults, and students may choose a specific area of concentration, including family literacy, education technology, and distance education.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook