If you have a thirst for knowledge and a compassionate soul, consider studying adult education and learning – you'll make a difference for millions of older learners.
As an educator of adult learners, you can work with students who are earning their GED, or those who are enrolled in higher education. You may find yourself working in a school, at a university, within a community center, or even at a correctional facility. With a growing population of adult learners in the United States, the demand for compassionate, highly skilled instructors is also skyrocketing. The best way to earn one of these jobs? Consider an online degree in Adult Education and Learning.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of adult education degree should you get?
While many organizations will hire an adult educator with only a bachelor's degree, the highest-paid – and best quality – careers often require a graduate degree. Luckily, many programs in this field are now available online, making them a convenient and affordable option for practically any candidate.
Online degrees allow students to juggle their work, school, and personal commitments without having to sacrifice their sanity.
Can't decide which type of degree is the best choice for you? If you're exploring career options in addition to adult education and learning, you should take a look at our ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities. This list will give you a good idea of other universities and programs that might help you meet your professional goals.
How much money do people make with an adult education degree?
Salaries vary widely for professionals in this field. The highest paid individuals are those that obtain teaching licensure, as well as those who work in postsecondary educational settings. The private sector also tends to positively influence a candidate's salary.On average, adult educators earn around $52,100 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While the growth for this career is expected to decline slightly within the next few years, candidates who have graduate degrees are well-positioned to apply for any available position. Over 68,000 new jobs will be created by 2026, making this major a smart choice for graduate study.
What can you do with a degree in adult education?
Your opportunities are endless if you earn a degree in adult education. While many professionals work to provide the training and knowledge needed for the GED, others work at community colleges or within some aspect of training and development. You could work in a variety of community and educational settings, both within the private and public sector.
Ultimately, your goal as an adult educator will be to facilitate the training and learning of older learners. While your professional specialty might vary – and many universities offer programs with different concentrations to suit this diversity – you can expect to make a difference in the lives of adult learners every single day as a professional in this field.
What are the requirements for a degree in adult education?
While some degree programs may require work experience, most don't, and instead provide students with that hands-on experience while they are enrolled in their graduate studies. Admission generally requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, as well as a positive attitude toward students and a drive to make a difference in the local community.
While enrolled, you will take a variety of classes in education and training. In addition, you may specialize in certain areas of adult education and learning, such as technology, sociology, curriculum design, or organizational leadership. Depending on your area of interest, you may also take electives that allow you to gain further specialty in topics such as social justice, human resources, or pedagogy.
What are the most affordable adult education degrees?
The best online degrees are those that combine a rigorous training program with intensive hands-on experience. Distance learning programs are ideal, allowing students to fit education into their hectic lives without having to sacrifice the things that are the most important to them.
When we compiled our rankings, we looked at the overall value and affordability of each school. To do that, we evaluated the tuition and available scholarships and financial aid for every program. We then compared each university's cost to the rigor of the program, taking into consideration the dedication of the faculty, student services and satisfaction, and career outcomes.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
