Doctor of Education Adult Education courses
Adult Education coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 64
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Adult education course requirements
- Core 5 courses
- Specialization 5 courses
- Doctoral Project 6 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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EDD8010
Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
In this course, students gain understanding of the EdD program and insights into how cycles of inquiry and systems thinking are utilized to address problems of practice. Additionally, students engage in critical thinking and communication while reflecting on their own personal learning and growth. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8500
Specialization Course 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 students. Students 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
EDD8020
Core The Dynamics of Organizational Improvement
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to fundamental systems principles and skills of leadership in organizations with a focus on continuous organizational learning and improvement processes. Students use basic principles of systems thinking, systems mapping, and approaches to inquiry cycles in relation to leadership processes and organizational change. In addition, students apply disciplines of learning organizations and a change model to a problem of practice to real-world leadership challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8030
Core Investigating Problems of Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, students examine continuous improvement models, engage in an inquiry cycle, develop skills of data and information literacy, and collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs and dynamics. Students identify an organizational issue, collect and analyze relevant data, and develop valid inferences. Students document the process utilized to tell the story of their research as a way to effectively share with stakeholders. This course requires obtaining an organizational site and completing site-based-related assignments. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8010, EDD8020.
4 quarter credits
EDD8502
Specialization Course Designing Adult Learning Experiences
4 quarter credits
In this course, students develop a knowledge base of methods and materials for designing learning experiences and their assessments for adult students. Students determine a learning need in their work environment and develop a learning experience and subsequent assessment to meet that need. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8020, EDD8500.
4 quarter credits
EDD8040
Core Research Design for Practitioners
4 quarter credits
In this course, students are introduced to research approaches, designs, and methods with a focus on the needs of educational leaders. Students assess conceptual and theoretical foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and action research designs and analyze a variety of research literature and journal articles through the lens of a practitioner. Students acquire the knowledge necessary to assess the applicability of research and theoretical literature to practice and become critical consumers of research. Students apply course concepts to the design of an action research study relevant to the student's organization. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030.
4 quarter credits
EDD8504
Specialization Course 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. Students analyze theory and practices of effective leadership and administration in a variety of adult education settings. Students examine managerial activities such as program planning and development, leadership, organizational change, and evaluation. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030, EDD8502.
4 quarter credits
EDD8506
Specialization Course Adult Education Administration
4 quarter credits
Students in this course analyze the theories, policies, and procedures involved in administering adult education environments. Students distinguish between leadership and management and examine the knowledge and skills needed to address adult education administrative challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040, EDD8504.
4 quarter credits
EDD8508
Specialization Course 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 students in a variety of adult education settings. In this course, students identify and assess needs; establish objectives; and design and evaluate a program in adult education. Students examine their own practice to help develop an informed and insightful practice for effective adult program development and evaluation. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion or concurrent registration in EDD8506.
4 quarter credits
EDD8050
Core Data Literacy for Leaders
4 quarter credits
In this course, students apply the data literacy skills required by leaders for effective organizational planning, decision making, and communication with stakeholders. Students examine skills such as data interpretation, data aggregation and disaggregation, transformation of data, use of multiple data sources, analysis, statistical techniques, and selection of appropriate metrics for the intended purpose. Students also utilize technology to process data and present and communicate results. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040.
4 quarter credits
EDD9951
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 1
4 quarter credits
In this course, students collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project sites to collect evidence and share relevant literature to identify and frame a chosen problem of practice. Students demonstrate inquiry, analysis, communication, and leadership skills as well as the ability to evaluate and interpret organizational data to determine performance gaps and root causes. Students increase knowledge and understanding of a problem and the factors that impact it in order to develop a problem statement for their doctoral project. Students also secure the commitment of their project site to conduct their applied improvement project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050; ED7675 or EDD8508 or EDD8518 or EDD8528 or EDD8538 or EDD8548.
4 quarter credits
EDD9952
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 2
4 quarter credits
In this course, students collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to begin to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice. Students develop an in-depth literature review that synthesizes relevant theory and best practices pertaining to the problem and the proposed solution and begin to develop an implementation plan to address a problem of practice. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9951.
4 quarter credits
EDD9953
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 3
4 quarter credits
In this course, students continue to collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice and develop a detailed implementation plan. Students complete and submit IRB applications for approval. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9952.
4 quarter credits
EDD9954
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 4
4 quarter credits
In this course, students collect and evaluate doctoral project data, applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. Students make valid inferences from the data in relation to the goals of the intervention and the implementation process. Students incorporate written and visual formats to effectively communicate their results in preparation for developing their written report in EDD9955. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9953.
4 quarter credits
EDD9955
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 5
4 quarter credits
In this course, students synthesize their findings, key learnings, and next steps in relation to their doctoral project in a written report that includes student reflections on the applied improvement project experience, and provides the basis for the doctoral project presentation students develop in EDD9956. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9954.
4 quarter credits
EDD9956
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 6
4 quarter credits
In this course, students complete their doctoral project by developing a presentation on the problem, intervention, results, and sharing with stakeholders. In addition, students submit a portfolio of their signature assignments related to their doctoral project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9955.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 64 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each delivery model.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
EDD8030
Core Investigating Problems of Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, students examine continuous improvement models, engage in an inquiry cycle, develop skills of data and information literacy, and collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs and dynamics. Students identify an organizational issue, collect and analyze relevant data, and develop valid inferences. Students document the process utilized to tell the story of their research as a way to effectively share with stakeholders. This course requires obtaining an organizational site and completing site-based-related assignments. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8010, EDD8020.
4 quarter credits
EDD8040
Core Research Design for Practitioners
4 quarter credits
In this course, students are introduced to research approaches, designs, and methods with a focus on the needs of educational leaders. Students assess conceptual and theoretical foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and action research designs and analyze a variety of research literature and journal articles through the lens of a practitioner. Students acquire the knowledge necessary to assess the applicability of research and theoretical literature to practice and become critical consumers of research. Students apply course concepts to the design of an action research study relevant to the student's organization. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030.
4 quarter credits
EDD8050
Core Data Literacy for Leaders
4 quarter credits
In this course, students apply the data literacy skills required by leaders for effective organizational planning, decision making, and communication with stakeholders. Students examine skills such as data interpretation, data aggregation and disaggregation, transformation of data, use of multiple data sources, analysis, statistical techniques, and selection of appropriate metrics for the intended purpose. Students also utilize technology to process data and present and communicate results. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040.
4 quarter credits
EDD8010
Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
In this course, students gain understanding of the EdD program and insights into how cycles of inquiry and systems thinking are utilized to address problems of practice. Additionally, students engage in critical thinking and communication while reflecting on their own personal learning and growth. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8020
Core The Dynamics of Organizational Improvement
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to fundamental systems principles and skills of leadership in organizations with a focus on continuous organizational learning and improvement processes. Students use basic principles of systems thinking, systems mapping, and approaches to inquiry cycles in relation to leadership processes and organizational change. In addition, students apply disciplines of learning organizations and a change model to a problem of practice to real-world leadership challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 64 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each delivery model.
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
EDD8500
Specialization Course 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 students. Students 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
EDD8506
Specialization Course Adult Education Administration
4 quarter credits
Students in this course analyze the theories, policies, and procedures involved in administering adult education environments. Students distinguish between leadership and management and examine the knowledge and skills needed to address adult education administrative challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040, EDD8504.
4 quarter credits
EDD8502
Specialization Course Designing Adult Learning Experiences
4 quarter credits
In this course, students develop a knowledge base of methods and materials for designing learning experiences and their assessments for adult students. Students determine a learning need in their work environment and develop a learning experience and subsequent assessment to meet that need. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8020, EDD8500.
4 quarter credits
EDD8504
Specialization Course 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. Students analyze theory and practices of effective leadership and administration in a variety of adult education settings. Students examine managerial activities such as program planning and development, leadership, organizational change, and evaluation. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030, EDD8502.
4 quarter credits
EDD8508
Specialization Course 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 students in a variety of adult education settings. In this course, students identify and assess needs; establish objectives; and design and evaluate a program in adult education. Students examine their own practice to help develop an informed and insightful practice for effective adult program development and evaluation. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion or concurrent registration in EDD8506.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 64 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each delivery model.
Doctoral Project course requirements
Upon completion of all required core and specialization coursework, complete at least 24 credits from the courses shown.
Show all descriptions
EDD9951
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 1
4 quarter credits
In this course, students collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project sites to collect evidence and share relevant literature to identify and frame a chosen problem of practice. Students demonstrate inquiry, analysis, communication, and leadership skills as well as the ability to evaluate and interpret organizational data to determine performance gaps and root causes. Students increase knowledge and understanding of a problem and the factors that impact it in order to develop a problem statement for their doctoral project. Students also secure the commitment of their project site to conduct their applied improvement project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050; ED7675 or EDD8508 or EDD8518 or EDD8528 or EDD8538 or EDD8548.
4 quarter credits
EDD9952
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 2
4 quarter credits
In this course, students collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to begin to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice. Students develop an in-depth literature review that synthesizes relevant theory and best practices pertaining to the problem and the proposed solution and begin to develop an implementation plan to address a problem of practice. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9951.
4 quarter credits
EDD9953
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 3
4 quarter credits
In this course, students continue to collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice and develop a detailed implementation plan. Students complete and submit IRB applications for approval. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9952.
4 quarter credits
EDD9954
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 4
4 quarter credits
In this course, students collect and evaluate doctoral project data, applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. Students make valid inferences from the data in relation to the goals of the intervention and the implementation process. Students incorporate written and visual formats to effectively communicate their results in preparation for developing their written report in EDD9955. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9953.
4 quarter credits
EDD9955
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 5
4 quarter credits
In this course, students synthesize their findings, key learnings, and next steps in relation to their doctoral project in a written report that includes student reflections on the applied improvement project experience, and provides the basis for the doctoral project presentation students develop in EDD9956. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9954.
4 quarter credits
EDD9956
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 6
4 quarter credits
In this course, students complete their doctoral project by developing a presentation on the problem, intervention, results, and sharing with stakeholders. In addition, students submit a portfolio of their signature assignments related to their doctoral project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): EDD9955.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 64 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each delivery model.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.