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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.
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
Show all descriptions
ED5317
Foundations of Adult Education
4 quarter credits
Learners study the foundations of adult education including past as well as present understandings. Learners identify the aspects of the foundation of adult education, 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
4 quarter credits
Learners assess 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
Education in a Contemporary Society
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite(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 globalization and various influences on 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
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.
- 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
- $485 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 46 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$22,310
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 24 months
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $485/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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.