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EdD in Adult Education
Doctor of Education
With our online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult Education degree, you’ll gain skills to create new learning programs in colleges, universities, corporations, nonprofits, and governmental organizations. Prepare to pursue a career as a dean, director of training and development, curriculum director, or full-time, adjunct, or part-time faculty.
The curriculum focuses on current industry knowledge and standards, with coursework that helps strengthen your inquiry, analysis, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills to address critical, real-world problems.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 6 Doctoral project courses
- 0 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore adult education courses
- This program requires a total of 64 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, five specialization courses and six doctoral project courses
Our online EdD, Adult Education equips you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to teach and lead in various learning environments.
Show all descriptions
EDD8500
Adult Learning Theory and Professional Practice
4 quarter credits
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 learning of various populations. 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
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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 of effective leadership and administration in a variety of adult education settings. Learners examine managerial activities such as program planning and development, leadership, organizational change, and evaluation. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030, EDD8502. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8506
Adult Education Administration
4 quarter credits
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
4 quarter credits
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): Completion or concurrent registration in EDD8506. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
This specialization prepares you for leadership roles in contemporary adult education settings. With a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, you’ll develop the ability to analyze best practices, implement high-quality programs, and deliver better learning outcomes for students.
On the successful completion of your degree program, you will have gained the following skills and knowledge:
- 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 students’ success, decision-making, program planning, and evaluation.
- Assess the policy landscape and its implications for planning and implementing adult education programs.
- Apply practices that value and promote adult education programming.
How much does the Doctor of Education (EdD) cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
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; 1–2 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
$790 per credit, 64 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 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?$32,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 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.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- School/work/life balance
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food 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.
Cost scenarios
| Estimated cost of completion, assuming continuous enrollment |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $790/credit 14 quarters |
$50,650.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$50,650.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,650.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$32,000.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 14 quarters |
$34,450.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through July 7, 2025.
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 doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the EdD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’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 master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a EdD in Adult Education degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to explore with a Doctor of Education, Adult Education.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adult basic education instructor
- Director of adult education
- Director of community education
- Distinguished visiting professor
- Instructional coach
- Literacy coach
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Executive offices
- General government support
*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.