Adult and Lifelong Learning

The mission of the Adult and Lifelong Learning Program is to prepare scholar/practitioners for instructional and leadership positions that positively impact the learning experience of adults across the developmental spectrum. ADLL coursework focuses on the assessment, design, implementation, administration and evaluation of educational programs for specialized groups of adults that include: adult learners pursuing secondary and postsecondary education, adults in educational programs offered by community and nonprofit agencies, participants in professional education programs, and executive education.

A Master of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning and a Doctor of Education — the latter with cohorts in Adult Education Leadership and Community College Leadership — are offered.

The Ed.D. program offers a unique preregistered dissertation format, which removes traditional barriers to doctoral degrees for working professionals while maintaining academic rigor.

The Standards for Graduate programs in Adult Education, which were developed by the Commission of Professors of Adult Education (a commission of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education), provide a framework for the curriculum which develops innovative scholar/practitioners with the capacity to influence positive change within individuals, groups and organizations.

This program is part of the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods.