Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

Compare the top online master's in adult education programs by cost and convenience. Learn where a master's in adult education can take you.
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Updated on February 14, 2024
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Best Online Master's Degree Programs in Adult Education

A master's in adult education program can prepare learners for careers ranging from instructional coordinator to community college professor.

This program typically takes about two years to complete, regardless of whether you go to graduate school online or on campus.

According to Education Data Initiative, a master's degree in education usually costs around $55,200.

Tuition for private schools typically costs more than tuition for public schools. In fact, the average cost of a master's degree at a public school is $54,500, and the average cost at a private school is $81,100.

Out-of-state tuition is usually higher than in-state tuition as well. However, some online schools charge lower rates to attract out-of-state students.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and (English as a second language) ESL teachers is $55,350, as of May 2020.

The BLS projects a 5% decline in the number of jobs for these professionals from 2020-2030. The projected decline is partly due to increased high school graduation rates and changes in government funding.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?

The qualities of a good teacher include strong speaking, writing, and listening skills; teamwork; patience; empathy; and a love of learning. These qualities also help learners excel in their master's in adult education programs. Working on your communication skills is one way to prepare for graduate school.

An online master's in adult education program generally requires the same courses and the same number of credits as an on-campus program. This program usually requires 30-36 credits and takes about two years to complete.

Students enrolled in a master's in adult education program learn about educational policy, the social and cultural foundations of education, and methods for teaching adult students. They also gain skills in organization and administration of higher education.

Some schools require a final master's project or thesis from students. This capstone project may be worth 1-6 college credits, and students may need approval from an advisor before beginning the project.

A master's in adult education can be a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), or master of education (MEd). An MA usually includes more humanities, while an MS focuses more on science. An MEd focuses solely on education.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Popular Online Master's in Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?

Foundations of Adult Education

In this course, students learn the foundations of adult education, including popular learning theories that apply to adult students. They learn various characteristics of adult learners and engage in interactive activities related to adult education.

Theories and Principles of Adult Learning

Students examine learning principles, models, and theories and learn how they apply to adult students. They evaluate their ethics, dispositions, and personal philosophies and how they relate to adult education.

Multicultural Perspectives in Adult Education

In this course, students examine cultural diversity within adult education. They study strategies for handling diversity and theories on multicultural education.

Adult Education Program Development

Students learn how to use their knowledge of program planning, evaluation models, policies, and theoretical foundations to create education programs for adult learners. They learn to manage instructional environments and engage their students.

Faculty Leadership

In this course, students learn about the role of leadership in adult education and higher education settings. They learn how to lead ethically, build effective relationships, and evaluate leadership effectiveness based on self-reflection and theory.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?

Most graduate schools have the same admission requirements whether you plan to attend online or on campus. However, admission requirements vary from one school to another. All graduate schools require an application, and you'll have to prove you have a bachelor's degree. Depending on the school, your bachelor's degree may need to be in education.

Other requirements may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, work experience, or an interview with the admissions team.

Application

Although undergraduate applicants can apply for several schools at a time using college application systems, such as the Common App, that is not the case for graduate schools. You must apply to each school separately. Most schools have an online application process, but you may also be able to request a paper app. Most graduate schools require an application fee.

Test Scores

Depending on the school, you may have to submit test scores from the GRE or another test. You'll want to take the time to prepare well before taking the GRE. Study beforehand to ensure that you do as well as possible on the test. If you score above the 75th percentile on all sections of the GRE, you should have a good chance of getting into most graduate programs.

Letters of Recommendation

If you have work experience, ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation. This person is familiar with your work, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. A human resources manager is another good choice. If you do not have any work experience, consider asking the professors you worked most closely with during your bachelor's program.

Resume and Work Experience

Some schools require that you submit a resume and a list of your work experience. You may be required to have teaching experience before you enroll in your master's in adult education program. Be sure to include every college you've attended on your resume, even if you did not earn a degree there.

Essays

Grad school essays come in many forms. Candidates may be asked for a personal statement, a statement of purpose, or a letter of intent. Although slightly different, each of these fulfills the same purpose. They demonstrate to the admissions team that you have a clear career path and that this degree will help you reach your ultimate career goals.

Official Transcripts

You'll need to request official transcripts for any college credits you've taken, and possibly for high school as well. Even if you didn't earn a degree, your new school will still want transcripts from every college you've attended. If you've taken graduate-level courses, some of those credits may transfer toward your master's in adult education.

What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Adult Education Degree?

Career Outlook

Although the job outlook for this career is declining, the BLS still projects about 5,100 job openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers from 2020-2030. Most of these jobs are expected to be the result of workers retiring or changing careers.

Payscale reports the annual average base salary for people with a master of education in adult education and training is $68,000, as of January 2022. Common job titles include training manager, human resources manager, instructional designer, learning and development consultant, and training director.

The average annual base salaries for these positions range from $64,800 for instructional designers to $89,370 per year for training directors, both as of January 2022. The median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers, as reported by the BLS, is $55,350, as of May 2020.

See where a master's in adult education can take you. Learn more about teaching careers.

Career Paths

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create instructional materials for their companies' technical products. For example, they might design customer training courses that teach customers how to use the products. Instructional designers must understand the customers' needs as well as the correct way to use the company's products.

Median Annual Salary (as of January 2022): $64,800

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators work with principals and teachers to create effective curriculums for the classroom. They evaluate curriculum standards, discuss them with staff members, and create procedures for implementing the curriculum. They train teachers and other staff members in using the new curriculum and any supplemental materials.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $66,970

Training Manager

Training managers identify the training needs within a department or sometimes within an entire company. They research the types of training that are available, coordinate the training schedule, and conduct the training. In some cases, team trainers conduct the training and the training manager oversees the trainers.

Median Annual Salary (as of January 2022): $69,890

Learning and Development Consultant

Learning and development consultants provide leadership for an educational institution's learning initiatives. They talk to students and staff to determine the learning goals for the organization. Learning and development consultants define the scope of the learning program and help to implement it.

Median Annual Salary (as of January 2022): $80,000

Training Director

Training directors determine the training needs of the organization and establish the goals for training programs. They gather data about the current training programs and work with subject matter experts to determine the strengths and weaknesses of those programs. Then they write a report stating what they think the goals of the program should be. These professionals also offer recommendations on how to improve the current program by building on its strengths and eliminating its weaknesses.

Median Annual Salary (as of January 2022): $89,370

Adult Education Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

Some master's in adult education graduates go on to earn a doctorate in education. They may also opt for a related degree, such as a doctorate in special education, a doctorate in educational administration, or a doctorate in higher education.

According to Payscale, people with a doctor of education degree earn an average annual base salary of $80,000, as of January 2022. Common job titles include assistant postsecondary professor, executive director, academic dean, postsecondary professor, and elementary school principal.

How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?

Cost

Although the average cost of a master's in education is around $55,200, the cost can vary greatly from one school to another. In general, private schools cost more than public schools, and out-of-state tuition costs more than in-state tuition. However, there are exceptions. It pays to shop around.

Consider the true program cost, including housing and transportation costs, when determining which school is the cheapest. Sometimes online programs charge less than on-campus programs. However, that is not always the case.

Program Format

Consider whether the school offers full-time and part-time programs and whether the classes are synchronous or asynchronous. If you want to attend classes part time while you work, does the school allow that? Check to see if there are live online classes that you must attend. Or can you log in whenever it is convenient for you?

Location

If you're taking an online master's in adult education program, location may not seem important. However, check with the school to make sure there are no in-person requirements.

If you have to attend orientation or labs in person, you probably don't want to choose a school that's a thousand miles away. Whether you decide to go to college online or on campus, there may be in-person requirements that make location an issue.

Accreditation

Accreditation provides a way for a school to demonstrate that its curriculum meets certain minimum academic standards. If a school is not accredited, most other schools will refuse to accept its credits. A degree from an unaccredited school may not carry as much weight as one from an accredited school.

Student Support

Consider student support services when deciding on a school. Many schools offer services such as mentorships, academic advising, tutoring, career services, internships, and alumni networking events. Distance learners may be able to access student services online or over the phone.

Online Master's in Adult Education Rankings Summary

Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
$7,754 $26,990 81%
#2 Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
$10,294 $23,018 96%
#3 City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA
$11,812 $11,812 Not provided
#4 University of Georgia
Athens, GA
$8,878 $25,186 40%
#5 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
$7,875 $21,420 83%
#6 Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
$9,909 $31,932 85%
#7 Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
$18,180 $30,900 68%
#8 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana, PA
$9,288 $13,932 94%
#9 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
$10,834 $26,564 90%
#10 Ball State University
Muncie, IN
$9,482 $25,938 68%

Best Online Master's in Adult Education

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

University of Idaho

  • Moscow, ID
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $415
Out-of-State | $415

Credits to Graduate: 30-39

The University of Idaho's adult, organizational learning, and leadership graduate program helps students learn organizational theories, strategic thinking processes, and leadership abilities. Graduates can use their skills at educational institutions, private businesses, or the public sector. 

Enrollees can choose between a non-thesis or thesis track, which requires 30 and 39 credit hours respectively. Non-thesis students must complete a 25-page paper about how they'll use what they learned in the program in a professional role.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,182
Out-of-state
$25,418
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,754
Out-of-state
$26,990
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
11,303
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

Kansas State University

  • Manhattan, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $536
Out-of-State | $536

Credits to Graduate: 33

Kansas State University's master's in adult learning and leadership helps attendees build the necessary skills to design curriculums, integrate technology in classes, and keep the attention of older learners. The program consists of 15 required course credits and 18 elective credits. Enrollees must submit an electronic portfolio during the final semester. 

Applicants need a 3.0 or higher GPA from the last two years of their bachelor's program. Beyond that, you'll need to submit an online application, $65 application fee, resume, and statement of objectives. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,489
Out-of-state
$25,560
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,294
Out-of-state
$23,018
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
20,229
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs Best Value

City University of Seattle

  • Seattle, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $575
Out-of-State | $575

Credits to Graduate: 36

City University of Seattle's masters of education in adult education and instructional design is for people who wish to focus on the design and development of creative learning experiences. Enrollees study how to integrate technology in courses, increase participation via gamification, and connect theory to practice. 

The school designed the program for working professionals, with 24/7 availability of online textbooks and resources. Students must complete 30 credits of coursework and 6 capstone project credits. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,658
Out-of-state
$13,658
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,812
Out-of-state
$11,812
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,996
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs Best Value

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $629
Out-of-State | $629

Credits to Graduate: 33

The University of Georgia's master of learning, leadership, and organizational development teaches interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. The program aims to help attendees develop the skills to optimize classroom settings at the personal and team levels across different industries. 

This degree program is for working professionals with 3-5 years of experience. The curriculum includes learning, organizational development, and design courses. Attendees must also complete a project, portfolio, and final oral exam. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,878
Out-of-state
$25,186
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
40,118
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

University of Arkansas

  • Fayetteville, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $438
Out-of-State | $438

Credits to Graduate: 33

The University of Arkansas's master's in adult and lifelong learning focuses on teaching you how to advance the education of adult learners in schools, the military, corporations, and other settings. Graduates can understand the needs of adult learners, create curriculums, and evaluate student outcomes. 

The program's curriculum consists of research, learning, and core courses. The research course can either focus on statistics or research methods in education. Enrollees must complete an applied project, which requires instructor approval. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,666
Out-of-state
$24,482
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,875
Out-of-state
$21,420
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
29,068
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs Best Value

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's adult education graduate degree provides information on the history of adult education, important adult education theorists, and modern theories. The curriculum includes 21 core course credits and 15 elective credits. Classes can be taken entirely online, except for the mandatory three-day participation training course. 

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.7 GPA. Applications consist of an online form, transcripts, personal statements, and two letters or recommendation. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,913
Out-of-state
$36,932
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,909
Out-of-state
$31,932
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
45,328
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs Best Value

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 Brunswic's master's in adult and continuing education program is 100% online. The program focuses on designing curriculums for adult learners. Enrollees can choose among four concentrations, including adult ESL, educational technology, higher education teaching, and human resources development. The program states these four concentrations represent the popular career paths for this major. 

Attendees have a preset course list, consisting of foundational, application, and specialization courses. Learners must complete a capstone project that demonstrates teaching proficiency in their chosen concentration. The capstone project is split among the final two courses. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,536
Out-of-state
$29,737
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,180
Out-of-state
$30,900
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
50,804
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

  • Indiana, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $516
Out-of-State | $516

Credits to Graduate: 30

IUP offers an MA in education, training, and instructional technology that teaches instructional design theories and popular adult education methods. Attendees will learn about interactive learning environments, technologies for distance teaching, and evaluation plans. 

Enrollees can choose between the thesis or non-thesis program path. Both options require the same amount of credits. Non-thesis students must complete an internship or up to six elective credits approved by an advisor. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,570
Out-of-state
$13,890
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,288
Out-of-state
$13,932
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
9,298
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

  • Fort Collins, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $674
Out-of-State | $674

Credits to Graduate: 30

CSU Online offers a master's in adult education and training that provides in-depth knowledge of learning technologies, methods of instruction, and program assessment. The curriculum includes 22 core course credits and 8 elective credits that can be completed in approximately five semesters. Potential elective choices include a study abroad program in Thailand, distance-learning workshop, and an experiential learning seminar. 

Enrollees with an interest in organizational learning, performance, and change (OLPC) can choose up to nine credits of electives from the OLPC program. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,709
Out-of-state
$28,991
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,834
Out-of-state
$26,564
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
32,586
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Programs

Ball State University

  • Muncie, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $488
Out-of-State | $714

Credits to Graduate: 30

Ball State's MA in adult and community education focuses on training enrollees how to develop collaborative and student-led classrooms. The program offers hands-on projects rather than tests to cater towards future instructors. Enrollees can also participate in research studies, conferences, and press releases. 

Attendees can choose to write a thesis, worth three credits, or take an education research course. Students can double major in executive development for public service by adding one course to the existing curriculum. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,628
Out-of-state
$26,862
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,482
Out-of-state
$25,938
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
20,319
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

Chevron Down

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Adult Education Programs

Is a master's in adult education worth it?

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When deciding whether a master's in adult education is worth it, think about the qualitative and quantitative benefits. Qualitative benefits include your level of satisfaction with your career choice and your general level of happiness with your life. Consider what qualitative benefits you'll achieve by earning this degree.

The quantitative benefits include any boost in salary or benefits you might receive by earning this degree. Consider the difference between your current salary and the salary you expect to earn with the degree. Also, consider the cost of the degree and the number of years you have left until retirement. Figure out how much additional income you could earn with this degree. Then compare that to its cost. That will help you determine whether the degree is worth the cost.

What can I do with a master's in adult education?

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People with a master's in adult education work as adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers. However, even though this career sounds like a perfect match for the degree, it usually only requires a bachelor's degree. Other career options include vocational instructor, remedial education teacher, and community college professor.

Many people with a master's degree in adult education work as instructional designers, instructional coordinators, training managers, learning and development consultants, and training directors.

Are adult education graduates in demand?

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While the demand for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is declining, the BLS projects that the number of jobs for instructional coordinators will grow 10% from 2020-2030. That's an increase of about 18,400 jobs in 10 years. Some people with a master's in adult education work as human resources managers. The BLS projects that jobs in this career will grow by 9% from 2020-2030.

There have been job openings listed recently on websites for "instructional coordinator" and "adult education." It is possible that coronavirus could be partially responsible for the surge in job postings in late 2021. Bloomberg reports that over 3 million U.S. workers retired early due to COVID-19, which created a huge number of job openings.

How much money can I make with a master's in adult education?

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Payscale reports that the average base salary for someone with a master of education in adult education and training is $68,000 per year, as of January 2022. However, the actual amount of your salary will depend on your level of experience, gender, and the area of the country where you live.

You can expect to earn more if you live in an area with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York City. However, your expenses will likely be higher as well.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in adult education?

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Training directors earn an average annual salary of $89,370. These individuals decide what an organization needs to do to create the appropriate training programs. They evaluate the company's current training programs and design a new program that takes advantage of the current program's strengths while improving upon its weaknesses.

Another high-paying job for someone with a master's in adult education is learning and development consultant, with an average annual salary of $80,000. These consultants provide leadership in the area of learning and training. They usually work for educational institutions such as colleges or universities. They set learning goals for the organization.

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