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Classes Start January 13th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo Fall19)
EdD, Adult Education program highlights
Reduce your tuition by $10,000
Enroll in a qualified program, apply for a $10K scholarship, and meet
the eligibility requirements.
Apply
now »
Capstone with focus on real-world impact
A doctoral project provides the opportunity for you to apply action research to solve a real problem in your field.
Create effective learning processes
Evaluate information literacy and technology to provide the most effective teaching methods to meet adult students’ needs.
Engage adult learners
Foster a climate for change and innovation that empowers adults to embrace and actively participate in learning.
Inspire lifelong learning
Promote critical-thinking and reflective practice to engage adults in lifelong learning.
Promote higher education
Establish an organizational culture that embraces adult learning for a variety of settings, from universities to corporations.
Faculty & support
You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and
advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Faculty
Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields. They know what you need to know today.
Writing support
Sharpen your writing skills with our free tutoring services and other resources.
Disability services
Need help, accommodations, or accessible technology? These advocates will make it happen.
25 years of online doctoral experience
With over 25 years of experience in online doctoral education, we understand the unique needs of doctoral students, and have designed our programs to meet those needs. We've structured our programs to help you reach your goals and obtain critical skills—with our expert faculty, support teams, and online resources to help guide you every step of the way.
“Using Capella’s online platform as an adult learner, I was able to get a different perspective. It put me in the student’s seat, which is very valuable as we investigate ways to transform our district technologically.”
Jennifer Hernandez*
Doctor of Education
*Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you
need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way
around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however
you learn.
A more 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 term
$745 per credit,
64 total quarter credits,
0 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
Grants
There are a variety of need-based federal grants available to help pay for tuition and costs.
$10K toward your doctorate
Apply for the $10K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help you fund your doctoral degree.
Federal work study
Part-time jobs sponsored by the U.S. government are available to help you reduce loan debt.
EdD in Adult Education sample courses
Our EdD, Adult Education coursework focuses on the leadership and
management proficiencies that successful educational professionals
should demonstrate.
Foundational coursework
Core coursework will help lay the foundation for your entire program, with a focus on research, critical thinking, and setting you up for success as a doctoral student.
Capstone: doctoral project
The culminating project of the entire program, the capstone focuses on applied research to solve a specific organizational problem, improve outcomes, or resolve a gap in the field.
| EDD8500 |
Adult Learning Theory and Professional Practice
This course provides an overview of learning theories, models, and principles, and their application to instructional processes for adult learners. Learners examine the social contexts in which adults learn and develop as well as the influences of race, class, gender, and culture. The course addresses the nature of adult development; issues and trends in the field; theories of adult growth and development; changes in young, middle, and older adulthood; and implications for instruction and learning for adults informed by the historical and philosophical foundation of adult education. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDD8502 * |
Designing Adult Learning Experiences
In this course, learners develop a knowledge base of methods and materials for designing learning experiences and their assessments for adult students. Learners determine a learning need in their work environment and develop a learning experience and subsequent assessment to meet that need. Prerequisite(s): EDD8020, EDD8500. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| EDD8504 * |
Leading in Adult Learning Settings and Contexts
This course explores the concept of leadership in contemporary adult education settings, with specific focus on the connections between leadership and adult learning and development. Learners analyze theory and practices in effective leadership and administration in diverse and equitable adult education settings, both domestic and global. Learners examine managerial activities such as program planning and development, leadership, organizational change, and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030, EDD8502. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| EDD8506 * |
Adult Education Administration
Learners in this course analyze the theories, policies, and procedures involved in administering adult education environments. Learners distinguish between leadership and management and examine the knowledge and skills needed to address adult education administrative challenges. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040, EDD8504. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| EDD8508 * |
Program Planning and Evaluation for Adult Education
This course presents underlying theories, current practices, and techniques for designing and evaluating educational programs for learners in a variety of adult education settings. In this course, learners identify and assess needs; establish objectives; and design and evaluate a program in adult education. Learners examine their own practice to help develop an informed and insightful practice for effective adult program development and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050; completion or concurrent registration in EDD8506. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
The right education can change everything. Gain leadership skills that can help you inspire adults to embrace lifelong learning.
- Apply theory and research in adult learning and development to inform educational leadership and programming.
- Apply historical and philosophical foundations of adult education to inform current educational practices.
- Lead and manage organizational change in adult education organizations though evidence-based decision making.
- Analyze the uses of current and emerging technologies for student’s success, decision-making, program planning, and evaluation.
- Assess the policy landscape and its implications for the planning and implementation of adult education programs in domestic and global contexts.
- Apply practices that value and promote diversity, equity, and globalization in adult education programming.
- Apply critical thinking and reflective practice.
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the education profession.
Adult Education career insights
Doctor of Education: Exploring the Possibilities
Explore eight EdD possibilities that can help you transform your skills in education leadership.
Quick Guide to EdS, EdD, and PhD Degrees
Compare advanced degree options for K-12 educators, including Doctor of Education and Education Specialist degrees.
Capella EdD Graduate Turns Classroom Concepts into TEDx Talk
Once an avid TED talk viewer, Capella EdD graduate Jeffery Huston became a TEDx presenter, sharing his passion in systems thinking.
Adult Education professional paths
Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our
online doctoral degree in adult education.
Related job titles to explore*
- Dean
- Provost
- College president
- Manager of training and development
- Training specialist
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of education courses
- Full-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- Continuing education program
- Community college
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools
- Vocational school
- Military
- Adult education program
- Corporation
- Nonprofit educational organizations
- Governmental educational organizations
*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. 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.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
that suits your academic and professional goals.