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Adult Education
Master of Science in Education
A career in adult education offers you an opportunity to help others redefine what’s possible in their lives. In the online MS in Education, Adult Education* program from Capella University, you’ll focus on current theory and research for teaching adults and college students, including instructional models, assessment strategies, collaborative learning and program development.
Enhance your qualifications in adult education with a curriculum designed to give you the tools you need to improve adult achievement and understand diverse learning styles.
*This degree program is not designed to meet the requirements for professional license or certification.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 1 Capstone course
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore adult education courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and one capstone
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5317 Foundations of Adult Education | In this course, learners study the foundations of adult education including the past as well as present understandings. Learners identify the aspects of the foundation of adult education, the diversity in characteristics of adult learners, the various contexts of adult education, and prominent learning theories as they apply to teaching adults. Learners engage in interactive activities and assignments as they examine the various topics related to adult education. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in ED5340 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5340 Theories and Principles of Adult Learning | This course focuses on learning theories, models, and principles and their application to instructional processes for adult learners. Learners analyze the instructor's role in enhancing adult learning and evaluate their personal philosophy, dispositions, and ethics relative to teaching adult learners. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5343 Multicultural and Inclusive Education | Learners evaluate multicultural theories by analyzing topics, such as cultural identity, cultural awareness, cultural competence, and apply these concepts to educational settings. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED5348 Adult Education Program Development | Learners cultivate and utilize their knowledge of theoretical foundations, policies, evaluation models, and methods and materials for program planning to develop educational programs for adults in a variety of postsecondary settings. Learners also evaluate instructional approaches, engagement strategies, and management of instructional environments. Pre-requisite(s): ED5012 | 4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll study
This program is designed to enhance your qualifications in adult education and college teaching. The curriculum integrates current theory with best practices in adult learning and teaching. You will focus on the learning styles of individuals from various backgrounds, collaborative learning and program development for the adult learner.
These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the education profession.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Advance the practice of learning and teaching within the field of adult education
- Apply adult education principles and theories to instruction, program development and enhancement of learning
- Adapt strategies and methods to address the characteristics of adult learners
- Evaluate how globalization and diversity influence educational outcomes
- Integrate effective communication and ethical practices that support professional adult learning principles and expectations
- Apply reflective strategies that lead to improved personal and professional practice
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$21,620
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
This program is currently not approved for federal financial aid by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Master of Science in Education, Adult Education must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attended an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education, Adult Education degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Education, Adult Education degree.
Job titles to explore*
- Adult basic education instructor
- Adult educator
- Director of adult education
- ESOL instructor
- GED instructor
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Individual and family services
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- All other miscellaneous schools and instruction
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program.