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Adults frequently return to the classroom. Sometimes, they need to finish a high school equivalency program or master basic literacy skills. They may speak English as a second language and want to improve their English, or they might aspire to new positions in their industry or company.
By earning an online master's degree in adult education, you can help these adults' lives grow richer and more expansive by becoming their educator. This degree can prepare you to serve as an instructional designer, human resource manager, or corporate training manager — entering a robust career field.
The training and development field is projected to grow 6% by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2022. Use this guide to learn more about the top online master's programs in adult education and how to choose the right program for your career goals.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Master's Programs in Adult Education
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $629
Out-of-State | $629
Credits to Graduate: 33
University of Georgia's master of learning, leadership, and organizational development can deliver the organizational, teamwork, and communication skills needed to teach adult learners. The flexible two-year program requires each enrollee to complete real-world projects, a final portfolio, and an oral exam.
Admission requirements include 3-5 years of relevant experience, a $100 application fee, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Candidates must also provide official transcripts and letters of recommendation.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,007
Out-of-State | $1,007
Credits to Graduate: 30
Rutgers University-New Brunswick provides an M.Ed. in adult and continuing education focusing on curriculum development for adult learners across the education, non-profit, and corporate sectors. The program offers four concentrations: adult ESL, educational technology, higher education teaching, and human resources.
Coursework covers 21 core units and nine electives. Attendees without declared concentrations can tailor their program with courses of their choosing. Each enrollee must complete a capstone project, included as part of the final two courses, to design and implement a curriculum.
#3 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate: 36
North Carolina State University at Raleigh's graduate program in adult and community college education explores how adults learn, learning barriers, and personal motivations. The program offers fully online and hybrid options. Both delivery methods include the following concentration choices: community college teaching, health professional education, and adult professional education.
Each concentration's curriculum includes core and specialization classes with the same overall credit requirements. The program culminates with a research project or an internship.
#4 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $491
Out-of-State | $589
Credits to Graduate: 36
Indiana University-Bloomington offers a master's in adult education that reviews the history of adult education, learning models, and research methods. Students can take most courses online, except a mandatory in-person three-day residency course. The curriculum includes 21 core course credits and 15 elective credits.
Each applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 minimum GPA to qualify. Admission materials include transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
#5 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $438
Out-of-State | $438
Credits to Graduate: 33
University of Arkansas offers a master of education in adult and lifelong learning that teaches the leadership, program design, and assessment skills necessary for working with adult learners. Students must satisfy the classwork and internship prerequisites to pursue adult educator licensure. Licensed individuals can become teachers in state-approved programs.
Attendees can take a course in statistics or research methods. All enrollees must complete a capstone project, which requires the consent of an advisor or instructor.
#6 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $374
Out-of-State | $374
Credits to Graduate: 30
Enrollees can complete Louisiana State University's online master's degree in curriculum and instruction with an adult education concentration within 10 months. The asynchronous coursework includes foundations of adult education, career counseling, and multicultural connections through literature. Additionally, this program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Each prospective student must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. The school requires an online application, a $25 fee, and official transcripts for admission.
#7 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
Ball State University
Muncie, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $451
Out-of-State | $676
Credits to Graduate: 30
Ball State University features an MA in adult and community education. This program focuses on valuable teaching skills, including instructional design, program evaluation, and learning theories. Students can create their own specializations or choose from adult education and community education concentrations. The MA also requires a research course or thesis.
An enrollee can earn a dual degree in executive development for public service by completing an additional three-credit course. This major helps students increase their administrative and leadership development skills.
#8 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,017
Out-of-State | $1,017
Credits to Graduate: 30
Pennsylvania State University's lifelong learning and adult education graduate degree prepares enrollees to pursue careers as adult learner educators, trainers, and leaders. Students can take a general curriculum or a global online and distance education concentration. The concentration focuses on course design and technologies related to online learning.
The program offers a fully online curriculum with asynchronous courses. Each enrollee must finish their courses within eight years and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
#9 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $290
Out-of-State | $1,021
Credits to Graduate: 36
Busy students can complete East Carolina University's fully online M.A.Ed. in adult education through part-time enrollment in 2.5 years. Attendees take asynchronous courses to learn instructional strategies, issues in adult literacy, and administration topics. Enrollees can choose from five concentrations, including community college instruction, education in healthcare professionals, and workplace training.
The curriculum includes a mandatory research course, but a thesis and internship are optional. The school recommends that students without related hands-on work experience complete internships.
#10 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education
Troy University
Troy, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 33-36
Troy University's MS in adult education offers an online format for enrollees to learn about educational evaluation, instructional technologies, and organizational behavior. The one-year program offers nine-week sessions five times throughout the year. Each enrollee must choose a concentration in curriculum design and instructional technologies or leadership in workforce development.
The school offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks for both concentrations, with the latter pathway requiring a capstone project.
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Did You Know...
8.9% of Americans over age 25 do not hold a high school diploma or its equivalent?
Source: US Census Bureau
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Adult Education
Aspiring educators learn to address the unique needs of adult learners in corporate, educational, and community settings. This 36-credit degree includes coursework in identifying learner needs, developing training materials, sharpening instructional skills, and improving analytical efficiencies.
An online master's in adult education takes between 18 months and two years to complete. Part-time learners may need longer, but students with transfer credits may be able to shave off some time to graduation.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students pay an average of $8,156 in annual tuition for an online master's degree in education. This cost covers coursework, internships, and research projects.
Graduates may qualify for careers as instructional coordinators, corporate trainers, or HR managers; or they may pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D.
Popular Courses
Each school determines its own curriculum, so every degree is unique. However, the following courses are a cross-section of common classes in adult education graduate programs.
The Adult Learner
Students explore important theories and research related to andragogy (the practice of teaching adult learners). The course emphasizes critical analysis, practical application, and historical influences on the discipline. Topics include schools of thought, fields of practice, and emerging issues and challenges.
Research in Adult & Higher Education
Students develop analytical skills to determine whether or not particular research findings are trustworthy and relevant to professional practice. The course explores action research in terms of basic concepts, methods, purposes, paradigms, and data.
Assessment & Evaluation in Adult & Higher Education
Students learn to evaluate instructional programs and assess adult learners. This course covers the theoretical perspectives of evaluating adult learners and how to apply the results of an analysis to an improvement plan.
Online Course Design
This course covers the theories, research, and principles underlying effective online course design, including building online learning communities. Topics include how to use technology tools to build learning communities, creating engaging activities, and promoting peer collaboration.
Instructional Strategies in Adult Learning
Students explore the instructional strategies proven to enhance adult learning. This course covers effective strategies for adult learning in various settings, ways to apply adult learning theory, and techniques for equipping adult learners to improve their critical thinking.
Degree and Specialization Options
Your master's in adult education could be a master of arts (MA), a master of science (MS), or a master of education (M.Ed.). The MA and the MS generally combine content courses with instructional practice. An M.Ed. usually emphasizes teaching theory, educational leadership, or digital learning.
Some master's programs require you to choose a concentration or specialization. Common adult education specialization tracks include adult ESL and literacy education, educational technology, and human resources development.
Adult ESL and Literacy Education
This specialization prepares you to work in adult education settings, such as ESL classrooms or high school equivalency programs. You may also prepare for a career as a literacy instructor or an educational program manager.
Educational Technology
In this specialization, you study how cutting-edge technology overlaps with human learning theory. This may be the ideal concentration for you if you aspire to be an instructional designer, technology specialist, or training and development manager.
Human Resources Development
Human resource development students learn about talent recruitment, effective onboarding techniques, staff retention, and training. If you want to compete for a position as a human resources specialist or corporate trainer, this may be the best specialization for you.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, you must finish your coursework, earn at least the minimum grade point average, and usually, complete an internship, thesis, final exam, or capstone project.
- Internship: A structured work experience performed in a professional setting under a qualified supervisor
- Thesis: A research-based scholarly project performed under an academic supervisor; similar to a doctoral dissertation but shorter and more focused
- Final Exam: A final comprehensive exam covers general knowledge in adult education along with an assessment in critical thinking.
- Capstone Project: Usually a practice-oriented piece of research, a capstone project demonstrates knowledge and competence in a component of adult education.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Adult Education?
An online master's in adult education can prepare you to teach adult basic education courses in a public school, community college, or correctional institution.
This degree can also prepare you for jobs in corporate training, technical education, or human resource management. Using your master's in adult education, you can pursue an instructional role in almost any setting.
For some adult education careers, you may need state licensure or certification with a private organization. For others, a master's degree may provide all the background you need.
Human Resources Managers
Working in almost all industries, human resource managers address talent-related issues in their organization. They communicate between management and employees, oversee employee benefit programs, recruit new staff, and participate in hiring and termination events. These professionals may focus on payroll, recruitment, or labor relations.
- Required Education/Licensure: Bachelor's Degree; The Society for Human Resource Management Certification (optional)
- Median Annual Salary: $130,000
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +5%
Career and Technical Education Teachers
Career and technical education teachers help students learn the skills, tools, and techniques they need to acquire for a marketable trade. These professionals prepare lesson plans, deliver educational content, and assess student growth and progress. They may work in K-12 schools, trade schools, or two-year colleges.
Training and Development Managers
Training and development managers may serve in any industry by planning, coordinating, and assessing instructional programs for staff members. These professionals can manage other training and development staff, create training budgets, update training programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of corporate educational development initiatives. They may also work with software developers to design mobile learning apps.
Training and Development Specialists
Training and development specialists carry out corporate education programs. They may assess training needs, create manuals, and deliver training using a variety of instructional strategies. Some specialists might also evaluate a training's effectiveness. Growth is expected in this field due to retirements and transfers into other careers.
Instructional Coordinators
Working in schools, corporations, or public agencies, instructional coordinators develop or select educational materials. They may also train teachers in how to present the material and assess its effectiveness. Instructional coordinators who work in public or private schools often need to hold state licensure in addition to a graduate degree.
Professional Organizations for Adult Education Degree Graduates
Joining a professional organization can give adult educators access to top-billed professional conferences, journals, awards, and even insurance policies. Members can also take advantage of job boards and peers' career connections. Each organization sets its own standards for admission.
- American Association for Adult and Continuing Education: AAACE provides adult educators with opportunities to do research, stay abreast of the latest theories, promote social policies, and sharpen their professional skills.
- American Society for Talent Development: With members in more than 100 countries, ATD provides access to books, journals, magazines, conferences, and a jobs board. The society also offers education programs, including the certified professional in talent development and the associate professional in talent development.
- International Council for Adult Education: Operating in more than 75 countries, ICAE advocates for adult education as a human right. Members can advocate with the UN and other global bodies and participate in grassroots activities.
Choosing the Right Online Master's Program in Adult Education
When selecting a master's program in adult education, you want to consider the two most obvious questions: Do you qualify for admission? Can you afford the program?
But you'll also want to factor other criteria into your decision, like the issues below:
- Accreditation: Institutionally accredited schools offer access to financial aid packages, and their degrees retain value in the marketplace. Schools that also hold Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation may have invested heavily in their education programs. Check your prospective school's accreditation status before applying.
- Location: Consider a nearby school for your degree. While online education is location independent, area employers may have connections to local universities.
- Available Concentrations: Look for schools that offer a concentration or specialization in your area of interest. Some schools may allow you to tailor your electives to meet your career goals.
- Alumni Network: A robust alumni network can mean more people in your corner when you start searching for jobs. Ask about both university alumni groups and alumni from the school of education.
- Future Education Opportunities: Does your prospective school offer graduates a seamless transition into an Ed.D. or Ph.D. program?
How to Pay for a Master's Degree in Adult Education
Federal, state, and private funds can help you pay for your master's degree in adult education. Search online databases for scholarships and grants or approach your employer about reimbursing the cost of your tuition.
The U.S. government provides grants, subsidizes student loans, and offers educational funding for veterans and active-duty military personnel. PELL grants are only for undergraduate students, but many other federal financial aid options apply to graduate students as well. Complete the FAFSA to apply for almost all forms of federal funds.
Supported by public funds, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides tuition assistance in exchange for obligatory service obligations. TEACH Grant recipients who do not complete their service obligation have their grant converted into an interest-bearing loan. Complete the FAFSA to apply for this grant.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) provides about $80,000 annually in scholarship funds for non-traditional students pursuing accredited degrees. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of one of ASIST's 34 U.S.-based chapters.
Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students from a large pool of applicants. Applicants must be U.S. citizens of Hispanic heritage who hold a GPA of 2.5 or better if applying for a master's degree. HSF only awards scholarships to full-time students. Awards are in the $500 - $5,000 range.
An annual award of $2,000 - $20,000, this grant helps support women with a bachelor's degree who are planning to reenter the workforce. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who plan to pursue careers in education, healthcare, medicine, social science, or STEM.
Questions About Getting an Online Master's in Adult Education
Which master's degree is most in-demand in education?
Most master's degrees in education are either a master of arts in teaching (MAT) or a master of education (M.Ed.). Some MAT programs serve students with a bachelor's degree in another field, but some M. Ed. programs serve learners with other majors, too. An M.Ed. is often for currently certified teachers. Education degrees in math, science, and special education may be particularly valuable in the job search.
Is an online master's in adult education worth it?
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a person with an M.Ed. in adult education and training was $71,000 in August 2023. The NCES found that students paid an average of $8,156 per year in tuition for an online master's degree in education. Using those averages, you can determine if the pay increase is worth the investment to you.
Of course, higher education also offers non-financial rewards, such as professional growth, sharper skills, and increased confidence. Be sure to consider these intangible benefits when calculating your return on investment.
Are adult education graduates in demand?
Your adult education degree is as in demand as the career you choose. Certain adult education graduates, including training managers, postsecondary educators, and postsecondary administrators, are all in demand. However, the BLS projects that adult basic education, career education, and English as a second language teachers will all decline or remain static over the next decade.
How much money can I make with a master's in adult education?
In August 2023, Payscale found that the average annual salary of an M.Ed. in adult education and training stood at $71,000. However, experienced instructional designers, training managers, and learning and development consultants can earn more.
Do I have to be certified or licensed to work in adult education?
You must be licensed in your state to teach adult basic education courses in schools, correctional institutions, or other public education settings. However, corporate trainers, educational consultants, postsecondary teachers, and college administrators do not need licensure.
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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed March 25, 2024.