Online and Distance Learning

Online adult education PhD programs can lead to interesting careers in education and training.  This page provides information on what is studied and where you can find suitable programs.

What is special about online adult education PhD programs?

As the name suggests, online adult education PhD programs prepare you to work with adult learners. The programs are based on adult learning philosophy, known as andragogy.  In andragogy, learners are assumed to be self-motivated, self-directed, and have accumulated life experiences that need to be accounted for in course design and delivery. 

This same learning philosophy applies to adult education in higher educationas applies to other adult learning settings, and you can usually tailor your doctoral studies to match your setting. You can take an online Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in higher education (Walden University) or in postsecondary and adult education (Capella University).  Or you can combine higher education and adult learning in a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) at Walden University.   It is also possible to take related specializations in a Ph.D. in Education, for example, if your interest is in moving into leadership, it is possible to take adult education leadership at Walden University or leadership for higher education at Capella University. 

Finding the schools and programs you want

If you want to browse areas available and the schools offering online adult education PhD or higher education PhD programs, use the search form or the list of schools below.

• Walden University
  • Ph.D. in Education
    • Adult Education Leadership
    • Higher Education
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D) - Higher Education and Adult Learning

• Capella University
  • PhD in Education
    • Professional Studies in Education
    • Leadership for Higher Education
    • Postsecondary and Adult Education

What does the program cover?

Graduate education in adult education enables you to design, deliver and manage the effective learning of adults in a variety of settings.  Most programs will allow you to concentrate on your chosen setting, including online education, workforce development, continuing education, higher education, and military education. 

A typical doctoral program in adult education might include: approaches to adult learning and distance education; critical analysis and research skills; and, application of theory and research to develop effective learning environments for individuals from a variety of backgrounds.  The doctoral program will probably include one or more residential periods.

What jobs does an adult education PhD prepare you for?

The qualifications you need to be an adult educator depend on the type and level of educational program. In order to teach university adult education, you a need a relevant adult education PhD or EdD (such as the Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Adult Learning from Walden University).  

As well as teaching in the government education sector, graduates also find employment in: corporate training; teaching in the private sector; community services; educational administration, and management in vocational, technical, college/university, and continuing education.  Online adult education PhD programs also provide a base for further training in counseling and careers work. Graduates also find work in development jobs and other non-profit organizations.

What are the earnings of graduates?

The United States Department of Labor reports a median annual income of about $40,000 for adult literacy and remedial education teachers.  In a US university, as an Assistant Professor you would earn about US$54,000, as a Associate Professor about US$67,000, and as a full Professor you would earn about US$85,000 - but the competition is tough.

For more information

If you don't find what you want here or want to make a comment, you can always discuss it in the Forum under the adult education PhD programs topic.

Also checkout the online education in adult education and adult education masters pages.