A degree in adult education qualifies graduates to work with learners in a variety of disciplines and settings. Instructors who specialize in adult education may teach more traditional academic courses and subject matter, such as math and science. They can also teach continuing education courses related to personal development or craftsmanship, such as art, cooking, welding, and photography.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), teachers specializing in adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a second language (ESL) earn a median annual salary of $59,950 as of May 2024. Graduates from adult education programs may work in secondary schools or community colleges.
Popular Online Adult Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Adult Education Programs
Why Get a Degree in Adult Education?
A degree in adult education allows individuals to become teachers who specialize in working with nontraditional students. Earning a degree in adult education provides a solid foundation in the education field and learning theory that translates well to more specific disciplines, such as language arts, foreign language, math, science, and art.
This degree may also appeal to professionals within a specific discipline who want to transition into a teaching role. Online programs in adult education allow students to pursue a degree in education while balancing work, family life, and other obligations. A degree in adult education allows individuals to become teachers who specialize in working with nontraditional students. Earning a degree in adult education provides a solid foundation in the education field and learning theory that translates well to more specific disciplines, such as language arts, foreign language, math, science, and art.
This degree may also appeal to professionals within a specific discipline who want to transition into a teaching role. Online programs in adult education allow students to pursue a degree in education while balancing work, family life, and other obligations.
How Much Does an Adult Education Degree Cost?
Tuition costs vary depending on many factors, including student residency, whether the school is private or public, and program length. In-state tuition typically costs significantly less than out-of-state tuition. In addition, longer programs usually cost more because students must take more classes.
In general, online adult education programs offer more affordability and flexibility than their traditional on-campus counterparts. Many of these programs charge a standard rate for students regardless of residency.
Online programs also allow students to save on cost of living, since they do not need to live near campus. Working professionals can enroll in online adult education programs while continuing their career, helping offset tuition costs.
Adult education programs typically do not require any additional fees, but online programs may charge a technology fee.
How Much Do Adult Education Majors Make?
Graduates with a degree in adult education may work as adult education instructors, continuing education coordinators, ESL teachers, or community education instructors.
According to the BLS, adult education and ESL teachers earn a median annual salary of $59,950 while career/technical education teachers earn $62,910. Postsecondary teachers earn an annual median salary of $83,980, and the BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034.
Professionals typically earn higher salaries as they gain more experience. Earning certifications and licensure in specific subject areas can increase educators' expertise in a subject or with a specific group of learners. For instance, adult educators with a certificate to teach ESL may expand their job prospects and earning potential.
Courses in Adult Education
Adult education programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective teachers to adult learners. Most adult education programs include a standard curriculum in education and provide courses specializing in adult education.
The core curriculum may include courses such as educational leadership, program planning and development, and research in adult and higher education. More specialized courses might cover topics such as professional education, student services in adult education, and internship opportunities.
See below for some common courses in adult education programs.
Diversity in Adult Education
This course introduces students to theory and instructional strategies for teaching nontraditional learners from various cultural backgrounds and nationalities. Enrollees explore ways to make their curriculum more culturally competent. In addition to cultural differences, students learn to accommodate neurodiverse students and learners with disabilities.Adult Development
Enrollees study the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of adults across the lifespan. The course covers theories of learning, theories of normal and abnormal personality development, and factors that affect human development.The Adult Learner
Students explore adult learning theory and how to apply learning theory in instruction to foster motivation in nontraditional learners. This course touches on the developmental challenges of adulthood, the differences in pedagogy for children and pedagogy for adults, and the instructional methods used to apply adult learning principles.
Certifications and Licensure for Adult Education
Adult education can encompass a variety of disciplines and subject matter specializations. A degree in adult education can pair well with many licenses and certifications in specific areas. Aspiring teachers need a state teaching license or certification to teach in public schools or institutions. Educators can also earn alternative certifications and certifications in particular subject areas.
State Teaching License
Aspiring teachers must be licensed or certified in the state where they wish to teach. State licensure or certification typically requires a bachelor's degree, the completion of an approved educator preparation program, passing certification exams, and submitting an application to the relevant state board.TEFL/TESOL Certificate
A TEFL or TESOL certificate allows individuals to teach ESL or English to foreign language speakers. Educators typically need these internationally recognized certificates to teach English abroad. Candidates must enroll in and complete an online course.American Board English Language Arts Teacher Certification
This nonprofit provides alternative teaching certifications to qualified individuals. Candidates can pursue online, self-paced programs in several subjects, including English. Students must pass the professional teaching knowledge exam and a subject area exam to earn certification.Adult Education Program Frequently Asked Questions
Aspiring teachers need a bachelor's degree in teaching or a related-subject area and must fulfill requirements for state licensure. This typically includes completing student teaching hours and passing a certification exam.
