Training Others to Help Themselves - the Adult Education Degree for Working Professionals
Learn what it takes to teach adults. Consider pursuing a degree in adult education.
An adult education degree suits working professionals who desire to train while actively working in the field. Many individuals who end up seeking an adult education degree already hold degrees in other academic disciplines. This degree program is ideal for those who have a love of teaching, are people-oriented, and who interact well with members of diverse populations.
Coursework in adult education programs typically teach students about the process of educating adults. Students get hands-on opportunities to practice classroom theories covering skills and techniques that are crucial to adult learning. Classes cover the basics of adult psychology, the growth and development processes of adults, and curriculum development relevant to adult education.
Typically, degrees at all levels are awarded to graduates in adult education. An Associate’s degree teaches the basics, such as introductory behavior and psychology. Individuals who complete the Associate’s degree find employment as teachers of vocational programs where specific skills are taught to older students with the goal of getting better jobs.
A Bachelor’s degree in adult education benefits those who desire to teach in a corporate environment. Coursework in the Bachelor’s program includes interdisciplinary work in communications. Students learn of the theories governing adult learning.
Graduates programs in adult education provide students with the best opportunities for job advancement. Doctoral courses cover curriculum design and program planning for adult learning. Students in these courses receive real world experiences by participating in project seminars that demonstrate design principles in an actual adult classroom environment. Master’s level students are required to complete internships before graduation. Students who complete Master’s degree in adult education typically find work as post-secondary teachers.
Enrollees of a doctoral program in adult education receive educational emphasis on leadership and administration. The objectives with such programs emphasize research. Individuals completing the doctoral program go on to serve as managers and administrators of adult education programs. Others obtain positions as deans of academic departments or seek professorships. Corporations reward doctoral graduates with high-paying and high-level positions in training departments.
Adult education degree graduates may run adult literacy programs, work in post-secondary institutions and vocational programs. More recently, corporations are increasingly turning to adult education graduates for their training needs. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, corporate trainers are one of the fastest growing segments in the job market and one of the hottest jobs available. The U.S. Department of Labor reports median wages in the range of $33,000 to over $71,000 annually.
Corporations seek experienced human resource trainers to educate the work force. Such programs have provided employees with opportunities to expand their knowledge, apply new skills to increase productivity, and generally improve overall job performance. Educating employees improves morale and value, and it takes a trainer with the keen knowledge and foresight into the world of the adult mind to successfully communicate these goals to employees.
Communicate and get the point across with the right tools and methods by achieving an adult education degree.
