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Master of Education in
Lifelong Learning and Adult Education

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Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

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.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by April 1 to start May 13

30 Credits $1,017 per credit

Nationally Recognized

US News and World Report graduate education
Our graduate education programs are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Develop Skills to Provide Leadership in Adult Education

  • Master techniques to effectively teach adult learners.

  • Cultivate adult education curriculum and instructional design and development.

  • Enrich program planning and administration for adult learners.

  • Enhance curriculum and/or program evaluation within adult education programming.

The 30 credits required in this degree program can give you the knowledge and skills required to work with adult learners. Each course focuses on preparing you to help adult learners build on their existing knowledge and continue to learn in a purposeful way.

The Graduate School policy requires that out of the 30-credit curriculum, at least 6 credits must be taken at the 500 level, and at least 18 credits must be taken at the 500 or 800 level. A maximum of 10 credits from graduate course work completed at an external institution may be transferred into a degree program. The Graduate School also requires all students to graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher and within an eight-year time frame.

Elective credits can be taken at any time during your degree progression. You will need to obtain prior approval from your academic adviser before taking any 400- or 500-level graduate courses to fulfill your elective requirements. Any graduate-level course taken at Penn State may qualify as an elective requirement for this program with prior approval from your academic adviser. You may also be able to transfer credits into the program, in consultation with your academic adviser. Prerequisites as listed may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.

Collaborative Experience, Practical Applications

The adult education curriculum uses a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility without sacrificing professor and student interaction. Communication tools, including bulletin boards and email, are used to foster a collaborative environment, providing you with the opportunity to learn from one another about the unique industries and institutions you come from and your varied professional experiences.

The curriculum and course format will help you develop practical applications of the topics you study. Learn online when it is convenient for you, and immediately apply to your job what you've learned.

Required Courses (12 credits)

The core courses and culminating experience are required for all program options.

Core Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

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

  • 3
    credits

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

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

  • 3
    credits

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

Culminating Experience (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Review of research in adult education, current and past, with analysis of its directions, effects, methodology, quality, financing, and prospects. This is the capstone course — all other required courses must be taken prior to ADTED 588.

Option Courses (select 18 credits)

Students will select 18 credits from one of the available options:

General Master of Education Option (select 18 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Introduces family literacy concepts, models, and components supporting families: adult, child, and parent education; interactive literacy activities; and case management.

    • Prerequisite

      EDPSY 014 and either an associate degree or 60 undergraduate credits

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys adult basic and literacy research, theory, programming, and instruction; highlights learners' roles as parents, workers, and community members.

    • Prerequisite

      EDPSY 014 and either an associate degree or 60 undergraduate credits

  • 3
    credits

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

  • 3
    credits

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

    • Prerequisite

      Associate degree or 60 undergraduate credits

  • 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

    Examines the relationship between issues of language, identity, and culture for adult learners in an increasingly global context.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 508

  • 3
    credits

    Social and historical foundations of adult education in the United States and selected nations.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

    • Note

      Students must have completed at least 12 credits of related course work prior to taking this course.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will explore the historical and current developments of online and distance education in different regions of the world.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

  • 3
    credits

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

    • Prerequisite

      LLED 440 or teaching experience

  • 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

    In-depth coverage of social theory, especially as it intersects with research in adult education and lifelong learning.

Adult Basic Education and Literacy Option (18 credits)

Required Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

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

  • 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

    Examines the relationship between issues of language, identity, and culture for adult learners in an increasingly global context.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 508

  • 3
    credits

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

    • Prerequisite

      LLED 440 or teaching experience

Electives (select 6 credits)
  • 3
    credits

    Introduces family literacy concepts, models, and components supporting families: adult, child, and parent education; interactive literacy activities; and case management.

    • Prerequisite

      EDPSY 014 and either an associate degree or 60 undergraduate credits

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys adult basic and literacy research, theory, programming, and instruction; highlights learners' roles as parents, workers, and community members.

    • Prerequisite

      EDPSY 014 and either an associate degree or 60 undergraduate credits

  • 3
    credits

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

  • 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

    Social and historical foundations of adult education in the United States and selected nations.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

    • Note

      Students must have completed at least 12 credits of related course work prior to taking this course.

  • 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, LDT 415A

  • 3
    credits

    Students will explore the historical and current developments of online and distance education in different regions of the world.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

  • 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

    In-depth coverage of social theory, especially as it intersects with research in adult education and lifelong learning.

Global Online and Distance Education Option (18 credits)

Required Courses (12 credits)
  • 3
    credits

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

  • 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, LDT 415A

  • 3
    credits

    Study of previous, current, and needed research, and of strategies and issues concerning evaluation, in distance education.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will explore the historical and current developments of online and distance education in different regions of the world.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

Electives (select 6 credits)
  • 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

    Social and historical foundations of adult education in the United States and selected nations.

    • Prerequisite

      ADTED 460

    • Note

      Students must have completed at least 12 credits of related course work prior to taking this course.

  • 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

    In-depth coverage of social theory, especially as it intersects with research in adult education and lifelong learning.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines emerging web technologies and explores their application to learning and education.

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.

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

Adult educators are in high demand. 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.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor)
  • Education and Development Manager
  • GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor)
  • Learning and Development Director

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Training and Development Managers

7.5%
employment growth (10 years)
39,550
total employment

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

-6.2%
employment growth (10 years)
36,490
total employment

Additional Job Fields and Opportunities

  • Understand how to teach or train audiences with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. 
  • Effectively support corporate and organizational initiatives to develop essential training and professional development for employees.
  • Meet the increasing demand of health care centers, community centers, higher education institutions, and corporate training centers in need of qualified adult educational professionals.

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 

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by April 1 to start May 13. How to Apply

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

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.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,017 per credit
12 or more $12,203 per semester

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,027 per credit
12 or more $12,325 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.

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

In addition to the master’s degree, Penn State offers online postbaccalaureate certificates. All the credits you earn in these programs may be applied toward the requirements for the Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, upon your acceptance into that adult education program. 

The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:

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 four-course program.

Learn more  

Meet the rising demand for distance education professionals. This program — designed by the founding director of the American Center for the Study of Distance Education — focuses on adult education principles, distance learning course design, and research and evaluation in distance education.

Learn more  

Gain an understanding of issues related to family literacy, with a specific focus on a two-generation structure. This certificate program was created in partnership with the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy and the National Center for Families Learning.

Learn more  

Customize Your Degree

Align your degree studies with your career goals by choosing the general master's in education path or selecting a formal option, which will appear on your diploma.

Offers flexibility to register for more electives from several different areas, including Adult Basic Education (ABE), global online and distance education, qualitative research methods, and family literacy.

Focuses on teaching and research in ABE and literacy with electives in distance education, administration, and theory.

Emphasizes historical and current procedures, practices, and developments related to distance education both domestically and internationally. Electives include course topics such as theory, program planning, and emerging technologies.

Who Should Apply?

This online program is ideal for: 

  • entry-level professionals in a variety of administrative areas
  • those aspiring to become mid-level administrators of college and university offices
  • practitioners in a variety of administrative functions desiring further professional development and career enhancement

Act 48 Approved

Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education may count toward your professional development hours.

Adult student doing course work online while a child plays nearby

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State students wearing caps and gowns at their commencement ceremony

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

A new student holding a sign that reads, We Are Penn State and #PennStateBound

Apply by April 1 to start May 13

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 1 to start May 13

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 1 to start August 26

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 1, 2024, to start January 13, 2025

Steps to Apply

  1. 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.

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

     

  2. 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.

    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.

    References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Statement of Purpose — Please tell us why you would like to pursue graduate studies at Penn State. You may wish to tell us about questions or issues that drive you, experiences that have shaped your professional interests, your medium-term and long-term goals, and why you think that Penn State is well-suited to help you. Feel free to include any additional information that may assist faculty in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at Penn State.

    Writing Samples — Please attach a critical review of a research article or report from a recent educational journal in your area of proposed study. Identify the problem or issue, the author's analytical/empirical approach, and the nature of the evidence used in supporting any conclusions. Include a citation with the author's name, article title, journal name, volume, page numbers, and publication date. We’re looking for an essay of approximately 300 words.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. 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.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    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 degree program. 

    Applying as a Nondegree Graduate Student

    Apply as a "nondegree" graduate student to begin taking courses right away. If you are taking courses as a nondegree graduate student, you must apply to the master's degree to be considered for admission into the Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education. In the graduate school application:

    • Select "Nondegree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    The Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, please contact:

Susan Berzonsky
Administrative Support Assistant
Learning and Performance Systems
The Pennsylvania State University
301 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-0095
Email: [email protected]

William C. Diehl, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Coordinator of Online Graduate Programs in Adult Education
The Pennsylvania State University
303 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-867-0228
Email: [email protected]

Offered by Penn State's College of Education, this degree program is renowned for preparing and supporting education professionals. Delivered online through Penn State World Campus, this program is taught by the same nationally recognized faculty who teach our rigorous, high-quality residential program.

Faculty

  • Craig A. Campbell

    • Ed.D., Adult and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University
    • M.S., Ed. Teaching and Learning, Northern Illinois University
    • B.S., Mathematical Sciences, Northern Illinois University

    Dr. Craig A. Campbell's doctoral degree focused on adult and higher education. He teaches courses on adult education foundations, program planning, qualitative research, and participatory action research. His research interests include nonformal and informal learning, qualitative research methodologies, and Indigenous knowledge systems.

  • José Cossa, Ph.D.

    Ph.D., Cultural and Educational Policy Studies, Loyola University Chicago

    Dr. José Cossa is a Mozambican scholar, writer/author, researcher, poet, blogger, “twitterer,” podcaster, entrepreneur, and associate professor in the College of Education at Penn State. Cossa holds a Ph.D. in cultural and educational policy studies with a depth area in comparative and international education from Loyola University Chicago. He is the author of the book Power, Politics, and Higher Education in Southern Africa: International Regimes, Local Governments, and Educational Autonomy; the recipient of the 2012 Joyce Cain Award for Distinguished Research on People of African Descent; a co-founder of AI4Afrika; and a member of the MacArthur Foundation 100&Change Panel of Judges for two consecutive years (2018 Inaugural Challenge and 2019). Cossa’s research focuses on adult online and distance education, education in Africa, African Renaissance, and power dynamics in negotiation over educational policy; unveiling issues inherent in the promise of modernity and working toward de-colonializing, de-bordering, de-peripherizing, and de-centering the world; higher education policy and administration; system transfer; international development; global and social justice; and related topics. Cossa is engaged in a new (exterior to modernity) theorizing, which he coined as Cosmo-uBuntu. Cossa has taught in South Africa, Egypt, and the United States.

  • William C. Diehl

    • Ph.D., Adult Education, Penn State
    • 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.

  • John D. Holst

    • Ed.D., Adult and Continuing Education, Northern Illinois University
    • M.S., Adult and Continuing Education, Northern Illinois University

    John D. Holst is an Associate Professor of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education. He teaches graduate courses on social theory, adult learning theory, globalization, and Paulo Freire. He is the author of the book Social Movements, Civil Society, and Radical Adult Education (2002), co-author along with Stephen Brookfield of the book Radicalizing Learning: Adult Education for a Just World (2011), and co-editor along with Nico Pizzolato of the book, Antonio Gramsci: A Pedagogy to Change the World (2017).  His research focuses on theory development for and case studies of the social justice tradition in adult education.

  • Rebecca Tarlau

    • Ph.D., Education, University of California, Berkeley
    • M.A., Education, University of California, Berkeley
    • 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. 

Fellows are showing sitting in seats in an auditorium
The Nittany Lion Shrine is seen
Wendy Menendez with Will Diehl on a stage

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by April 1 to start May 13. How to Apply