A master's in adult education program can prepare learners for careers ranging from instructional coordinator to community college professor.
This program typically takes about two years to complete, regardless of whether you go to graduate school online or on campus.
According to Education Data Initiative, a master's degree in education usually costs around $55,200.
Tuition for private schools typically costs more than tuition for public schools. In fact, the average cost of a master's degree at a public school is $54,500, and the average cost at a private school is $81,100.
Out-of-state tuition is usually higher than in-state tuition as well. However, some online schools charge lower rates to attract out-of-state students.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and (English as a second language) ESL teachers is $59,950, as of May 2024.
The BLS projects a 14% decline in the number of jobs for these professionals from 2024-2034. The projected decline is partly due to increased high school graduation rates and changes in government funding.
Popular Online Master's in Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Adult Education
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?
The qualities of a good teacher include strong speaking, writing, and listening skills; teamwork; patience; empathy; and a love of learning. These qualities also help learners excel in their master's in adult education programs. Working on your communication skills is one way to prepare for graduate school.
An online master's in adult education program generally requires the same courses and the same number of credits as an on-campus program. This program usually requires 30-36 credits and takes about two years to complete.
Students enrolled in a master's in adult education program learn about educational policy, the social and cultural foundations of education, and methods for teaching adult students. They also gain skills in organization and administration of higher education.
Some schools require a final master's project or thesis from students. This capstone project may be worth 1-6 college credits, and students may need approval from an advisor before beginning the project.
A master's in adult education can be a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), or master of education (MEd). An MA usually includes more humanities, while an MS focuses more on science. An MEd focuses solely on education.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?
Foundations of Adult Education
In this course, students learn the foundations of adult education, including popular learning theories that apply to adult students. They learn various characteristics of adult learners and engage in interactive activities related to adult education.
Theories and Principles of Adult Learning
Students examine learning principles, models, and theories and learn how they apply to adult students. They evaluate their ethics, dispositions, and personal philosophies and how they relate to adult education.
Multicultural Perspectives in Adult Education
In this course, students examine cultural diversity within adult education. They study strategies for handling diversity and theories on multicultural education.
Adult Education Program Development
Students learn how to use their knowledge of program planning, evaluation models, policies, and theoretical foundations to create education programs for adult learners. They learn to manage instructional environments and engage their students.
Faculty Leadership
In this course, students learn about the role of leadership in adult education and higher education settings. They learn how to lead ethically, build effective relationships, and evaluate leadership effectiveness based on self-reflection and theory.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?
Most graduate schools have the same admission requirements whether you plan to attend online or on campus. However, admission requirements vary from one school to another. All graduate schools require an application, and you'll have to prove you have a bachelor's degree. Depending on the school, your bachelor's degree may need to be in education.
Other requirements may include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, work experience, or an interview with the admissions team.
Application
Although undergraduate applicants can apply for several schools at a time using college application systems, such as the Common App, that is not the case for graduate schools. You must apply to each school separately. Most schools have an online application process, but you may also be able to request a paper app. Most graduate schools require an application fee.
Test Scores
Depending on the school, you may have to submit test scores from the GRE or another test. You'll want to take the time to prepare well before taking the GRE. Study beforehand to ensure that you do as well as possible on the test. If you score above the 75th percentile on all sections of the GRE, you should have a good chance of getting into most graduate programs.
Letters of Recommendation
If you have work experience, ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation. This person is familiar with your work, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. A human resources manager is another good choice. If you do not have any work experience, consider asking the professors you worked most closely with during your bachelor's program.
Resume and Work Experience
Some schools require that you submit a resume and a list of your work experience. You may be required to have teaching experience before you enroll in your master's in adult education program. Be sure to include every college you've attended on your resume, even if you did not earn a degree there.
Essays
Grad school essays come in many forms. Candidates may be asked for a personal statement, a statement of purpose, or a letter of intent. Although slightly different, each of these fulfills the same purpose. They demonstrate to the admissions team that you have a clear career path and that this degree will help you reach your ultimate career goals.
Official Transcripts
You'll need to request official transcripts for any college credits you've taken, and possibly for high school as well. Even if you didn't earn a degree, your new school will still want transcripts from every college you've attended. If you've taken graduate-level courses, some of those credits may transfer toward your master's in adult education.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Adult Education Degree?
Career Outlook
Although the job outlook for this career is declining, the BLS still projects about 5,600 job openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers from 2024-2034. Most of these jobs are expected to be the result of workers retiring or changing careers.
Payscale reports the annual average base salary for people with a master of education in adult education and training is $71,000, as of September 2025. Common job titles include training manager, human resources manager, instructional designer, learning and development consultant, and training director.
The average annual base salaries for these positions range from $71,781 for instructional designers to $97,808 per year for training directors, both as of September 2025. The median annual salary for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers, as reported by the BLS, is $59,950, as of May 2024.
See where a master's in adult education can take you. Learn more about teaching careers.
Career Paths
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create instructional materials for their companies' technical products. For example, they might design customer training courses that teach customers how to use the products. Instructional designers must understand the customers' needs as well as the correct way to use the company's products.
Median Annual Salary (as of Sep. 2025): $71,781
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators work with principals and teachers to create effective curriculums for the classroom. They evaluate curriculum standards, discuss them with staff members, and create procedures for implementing the curriculum. They train teachers and other staff members in using the new curriculum and any supplemental materials.
Median Annual Salary (as of May 2024): $74,720
Training Manager
Training managers identify the training needs within a department or sometimes within an entire company. They research the types of training that are available, coordinate the training schedule, and conduct the training. In some cases, team trainers conduct the training and the training manager oversees the trainers.
Median Annual Salary (as of Sep. 2025): $77,955
Learning and Development Consultant
Learning and development consultants provide leadership for an educational institution's learning initiatives. They talk to students and staff to determine the learning goals for the organization. Learning and development consultants define the scope of the learning program and help to implement it.
Median Annual Salary (as of Sep. 2025): $93,748
Training Director
Training directors determine the training needs of the organization and establish the goals for training programs. They gather data about the current training programs and work with subject matter experts to determine the strengths and weaknesses of those programs. Then they write a report stating what they think the goals of the program should be. These professionals also offer recommendations on how to improve the current program by building on its strengths and eliminating its weaknesses.
Median Annual Salary (as of Sep. 2025): $97,808
Continuing Education
Some master's in adult education graduates go on to earn a doctorate in education. They may also opt for a related degree, such as a doctorate in special education, a doctorate in educational administration, or a doctorate in higher education.
According to Payscale, people with a doctor of education degree earn an average annual base salary of $92,000, as of September 2025. Common job titles include assistant postsecondary professor, executive director, academic dean, postsecondary professor, and elementary school principal.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Adult Education Program?
Cost
Although the average cost of a master's in education is around $55,200, the cost can vary greatly from one school to another. In general, private schools cost more than public schools, and out-of-state tuition costs more than in-state tuition. However, there are exceptions. It pays to shop around.
Consider the true program cost, including housing and transportation costs, when determining which school is the cheapest. Sometimes online programs charge less than on-campus programs. However, that is not always the case.
Program Format
Consider whether the school offers full-time and part-time programs and whether the classes are synchronous or asynchronous. If you want to attend classes part time while you work, does the school allow that? Check to see if there are live online classes that you must attend. Or can you log in whenever it is convenient for you?
Location
If you're taking an online master's in adult education program, location may not seem important. However, check with the school to make sure there are no in-person requirements.
If you have to attend orientation or labs in person, you probably don't want to choose a school that's a thousand miles away. Whether you decide to go to college online or on campus, there may be in-person requirements that make location an issue.
Accreditation
Accreditation provides a way for a school to demonstrate that its curriculum meets certain minimum academic standards. If a school is not accredited, most other schools will refuse to accept its credits. A degree from an unaccredited school may not carry as much weight as one from an accredited school.
Student Support
Consider student support services when deciding on a school. Many schools offer services such as mentorships, academic advising, tutoring, career services, internships, and alumni networking events. Distance learners may be able to access student services online or over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Adult Education Programs
When deciding whether a master's in adult education is worth it, think about the qualitative and quantitative benefits. Qualitative benefits include your level of satisfaction with your career choice and your general level of happiness with your life. Consider what qualitative benefits you'll achieve by earning this degree.
The quantitative benefits include any boost in salary or benefits you might receive by earning this degree. Consider the difference between your current salary and the salary you expect to earn with the degree. Also, consider the cost of the degree and the number of years you have left until retirement. Figure out how much additional income you could earn with this degree. Then compare that to its cost. That will help you determine whether the degree is worth the cost.
