A master’s degree in adult education is an advanced degree that qualifies you for a career in the field of adult education. Teaching, counseling, and administrative positions are among the many possibilities in this broad field. Obtaining a master’s degree in adult education can provide you with more job options and opportunities for advancement. This degree can be earned in a traditional university setting or through online or distance learning courses.
A master’s in education, as a graduate degree, necessitates some prior college-level study. A bachelor’s degree is usually required, though it does not have to be in a field related to education. A valid teaching certificate may or may not be required, depending on the program.
A master’s in adult education program focuses on preparing students to work with adults in the workplace. This unique perspective allows for training that is very different from teaching programs geared toward students interested in child or youth education. Adult education professionals may choose to specialize in corporate or industrial training, college or graduate professorships, serving as principles or deans of adult education institutions, or teaching continuing or professional education courses. Many master’s degree programs in adult education allow students to customize their coursework to their specific interests.
A master’s in adult education can be earned through a variety of programs. Traditional university programs last two to three years, while online programs and teaching certification programs can be completed in as little as two years. A master’s of teaching degree leads to a teaching certificate and may be a much shorter program than a master of arts (MA) or master of sciences (MS) in adult education. A master’s in teaching may be preferred by those who want to teach, while an MA or MS in adult education may be preferred by those who want to work in administration, public policy, educational research, or counseling.
For students with family responsibilities or full-time jobs, a distance learning or online program may be a good fit. These programs may lead to a master’s degree in adult education, but they offer more flexibility than a traditional university program. Distance and online programs may be less expensive than university courses, but they may also offer fewer scholarship and grant opportunities.