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Postbaccalaureate Certificate in
Adult Basic Education

Program summary

Earn a certificate in educating and supporting adults and out-of-school youths who struggle with literacy and number-related concepts. Learn to provide high-quality, research-based instruction in adult basic education (ABE) through this three-course program.

Application deadline

Apply by August 1 to start August 21

Credits and costs

12 Credits $1,007 per credit

Online Adult Basic Education (ABE) Postbaccalaureate Certificate

If you currently work, or if you wish to work, with adults or out-of-school youth who struggle with reading, writing, numeracy, and/or English language proficiency, this online postbaccalaureate certificate program could be ideal for you. It is designed to enhance your ability to provide high-quality, research-based instruction in adult basic education (ABE), especially literacy and numeracy. 

The 12-credit certificate includes three required courses and one elective, which allows you to tailor the program to your specific interest, such as ESL, program planning and administration, distance education, educational technology, or adult learning.

The Penn State Difference

This online program is offered in partnership with the Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy in the College of Education at Penn State; you can learn from faculty with academic and professional expertise in adult basic education — the same renowned faculty who teach on campus — ensuring that you will receive a high-quality education. All courses offered for this certificate have been developed using Penn State Quality Assurance standards established by the University.

Adult Basic Education Curriculum: Adult Literacy and Numeracy

The focus of the ABE curriculum is to deepen your knowledge so you can more effectively teach adult literacy and numeracy and expand and strengthen adults' proficiency in literacy and numeracy, to enhance your ability to apply these strategies in your professional practice, and to advance the overall quality of instruction for students enrolled in adult basic education.

Act 48–Approved

Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Adult Basic Education may count toward professional development hours.

Scholarship Available

The Hart Van Horn Adult Education Scholarship is available to individuals in the field of adult basic education and literacy. Recipients will receive $1,200 off tuition that can be used within the academic year. The student must be enrolled in one or more of the Goodling Institute’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) or the Family Literacy (FL) Certificate courses. However, preference will be given to an individual enrolled in the ABE Certificate program. 

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions. 

Courses

  • 3
    credits

    History, methods, agencies, program areas, and problems of adult education in the United States.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines issues of learning math as an adult and explores effective strategies for teaching math and numeracy to adults.

  • 3
    credits

    Reading literacy for adults, including college reading, Adult Basic Education (ABE), and General Educational Development (GED) programs.

Elective Courses (select 3 credits)

In addition to the required courses, choose one course from the following list of electives.

  • 3
    credits

    An introduction to the history, philosophy, organizations, learning theories, and instructional procedures used in American and foreign distance education.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of direct and indirect teaching; contracts, application of current technology, andragogy, motivation, evaluation; knowledge of research.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

  • 3
    credits

    Intensive study of theoretical foundations, policies, evaluation models, methods, and materials in program planning in adult education.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460, ADTED 505

  • 3
    credits

    Guided discussion and reading in selected research and evaluation methods and trends as applied in adult education settings.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

  • 3
    credits

    In-depth study of the practices of designing courses taught by print, broadcast, and telecommunications media to adult distance learners.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 470, INSYS 415

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to adult education learning theory, principles, and models of adult learning by adults alone, in groups, and in communities.

  • 3
    credits

    Organization of a program of adult education; legal status, finances, selection of teachers, learning personnel, housing; other administrative problems.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 506 or EDLDR 480

  • 3
    credits

    Preparation in the use of a nine-step model for systematically analyzing instructional problems and developing validated, practical solutions.

Apply Earned Credits toward a Master's Degree

After completing the certificate, you would only need to take an additional seven courses to obtain the online Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, if you apply and are granted admission into the master's program.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,007 per credit
12 or more $12,082 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your certificate application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by August 1 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by December 1 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by May 1, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.

Admission Requirements 

For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

GPA and Test Scores — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.

GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required.

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Statement of Purpose — Explain your reasons for applying to the Adult Basic Education certificate.  Please limit your statement to one page.

Start Your Application

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

Begin the Graduate School application

  • Choose "Certificate Admission" as the enrollment type
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "Adult Basic Education" as the certificate

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 1 to start August 21. How to Apply

Excel within Your Field

A group of educators collaborating as they review documents at a table

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Program Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:

Develop the skills needed to serve adult learners as a teacher, trainer, or leader. This online master's program can prepare you with practical methods to effectively engage and lead in adult education.

Learn more about the Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Adult Basic Education, offered in partnership with Penn State's College of Education, please contact:

Beth McLean, Ph.D.
405 Keller Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 717-432-3498
Email: [email protected]

Faculty

  • Craig A. Campbell

    • Degree
      Ed.D., Adult and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University
    • Degree
      M.A., Cross-Cultural Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks (in progress)
    • Degree
      M.S., Ed. Teaching and Learning, Northern Illinois University
    • Degree
      B.S., Mathematical Sciences, Northern Illinois University
    • Degree
      A.S., Applied Science, Highland Community College

    Dr. Craig A. Campbell's doctoral degree focused on community development and international and popular education. Currently, he is working on a capstone project toward acquiring a second master's degree in cross-cultural studies with emphasis on indigenous knowledge systems. His research interests include nonformal and informal learning, international adult education, folk schools, popular education, University and Cooperative Extension, distance education, qualitative research methodologies, the Tribal College movement, and indigenous knowledge systems. The commonalities among these seemingly disparate areas are rural place–based knowledges and access to education.

  • William C. Diehl

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Adult Education, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Elementary Education, Penn State

    Dr. William C. Diehl is an assistant associate professor of education in the lifelong learning and adult education program. He is also the coordinator of online graduate programs and lead faculty. Dr. Diehl is the director of The American Center for the Study of Distance Education and associate editor of The American Journal of Distance Education. His research includes foundations of distance and adult education, online teaching competencies, emerging technologies, and intercultural communication. He serves as an adviser to the graduate assistant group and Lifelong Learning and Adult Education GSA group.

  • Adnan Qayyum

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Educational Technology, Concordia University (Montreal)
    • Degree
      M.A., Adult Education, University of British Columbia
    • Degree
      B.A., Intellectual History, Queen's University

    Dr. Adnan Qayyum is an assistant professor of lifelong learning and adult education. He specializes in comparative and international online and distance education, digital technologies and adult learning, health literacy, and quantitative research design.

  • Rebecca Tarlau

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Education, University of California, Berkeley
    • Degree
      M.A., Education, University of California, Berkeley
    • Degree
      B.A., Anthropology and Latin American Studies, University of Michigan

    Dr. Rebecca Tarlau is an assistant professor of education and labor and employment. Her ethnographic research agenda has three broad areas of focus: theories of the state and state-society relations; social movements, critical pedagogy, and learning; and Latin American education and development. 


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 1 to start August 21. How to Apply