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Adult Education
Master of Science in Higher 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 Higher 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. The curriculum is designed to enhance your qualifications in adult education, give you the tools needed to improve adult achievement and help you understand the learning styles of adults from diverse backgrounds.
*This degree program does not satisfy licensure requirements for K–12 public school teachers or administrators.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 4 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- Capstone
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore adult education courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, seven specialization courses and one capstone
| ED5317 |
Foundations of Adult Education
In this course, learners study the foundations of adult education including the past and 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. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5340 * |
Theories and Principles of Adult Learning
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. Prerequisite(s): ED5012. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED5342 |
Multicultural Perspectives in Adult Education
Learners acquire knowledge of cultural diversity in adult education settings by analyzing topics such as cultural self-awareness, demographic changes and projections, problems and issues in intercultural educational settings, theoretical perspectives on multicultural adult education, and strategies for handling diversity in a variety of adult education 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. 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 emphasizes reflective practice within adult education settings and integration of 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. Graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue careers as educators in community college, distance education, college, university, corporate or other adult education settings.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Advance the practice of learning and teaching within the field of adult education
- Adapt strategies and methods to address the characteristics of adult learners
- Influence the vision and direction of adult education
- Apply reflective strategies that lead to improved personal and professional practice
- Integrate effective communication and ethical practices that support professional adult learning principles and expectations
- Evaluate how globalization and diversity influence educational outcomes
- Apply adult education principles and theories to instruction, program development and enhancement of learning
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the MS in Higher 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
$16,920
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$22,560
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, 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 Higher Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the Master of Science in Higher Education focused on Adult Education program 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
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- 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 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 Higher Education Adult Education degree?
Your education can help you reach 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 a Master of Science in Higher Education, Adult Education specialization.
Job titles to explore
- Instructor
- Adult education teacher
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- Adult education program
- Continuing education program
- Community based organization
- Community or technical college
- Land-based or online college or university
*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.