An online doctoral degree in adult education may provide students with the skills, expertise and training needed to instruct adults in a classroom setting. In this three to five-year program, students may learn how to deliver results-based curriculum, teach critical thinking, and provide vision and direction to learning adults. Program coursework may include research-based courses alongside core adult education classes including theory and methods in adult education, critical thinking, and foundations of adult education.

Upon successful completion of the program, students may seek entry to upper-level employment in the adult education sector. Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in foreign-language teaching programs, universities, vocational programs, adult literacy programs, and general equivalency programs.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 15% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-degree adult education programs may include dissertation courses alongside core adult education coursework. These courses may teach students how to facilitate learning styles geared toward adult learners and implement development programs specifically for adults. Core adult education courses may include the following:

• Theory and Methods in Adult Education
• Classroom Assessment in Education
• Faculty Leadership
• Critical Thinking in Adult Education
• Teaching Adults
• Foundations of Adult Education
• Learning Theory and the Educational Process

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may explore career options in universities, public school systems, vocational schools, foreign-language learning programs, and general equivalency degree programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are expected to increase by 15% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Post-Secondary Teacher
• General Equivalency Degree Teacher
• Vocational Teacher
• Adult Literacy Instructor
• Instructional Coordinator

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