Doctor of Education

Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning

The Adult and Lifelong Learning Doctor of Education degree is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners for instructional and leadership roles. Coursework focuses on the assessment, design and implementation of educational programs for adult learners at all stages of development. ADLL scholar-practitioners work with defined groups of adults including those with less than a secondary (high school equivalent) education, adult learners in postsecondary education, participants in educational programs offered by community and nonprofit agencies, and participants in professional education programs.

Graduates of the ADLL Ed.D. program are employed as instructors, coordinators and directors of adult education and lifelong learning programs conducted in the fields of adult literacy and general education development, leisure learning, community and nonprofit organizations, Extension education, military education, postsecondary education, and continuing professional education programs.

ADLL graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Assess the educational needs of adult learners in a myriad of learning environments
• Design, implement, evaluate and manage programming for adult learners
• Demonstrate leadership capacity to enhance the organization and administration of adult and lifelong learning initiatives
• Research and evaluate diverse theories, concepts, and practices to enhance individual and professional development

The ADLL Ed.D. is a 60 credit-hour program that offers two cohort concentrations to prepare students for leadership roles in adult education, learning and development, and community education.

On odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023) the program admits a Community College Leadership cohort. On even-numbered years (e.g., 2024) the program admits an Adult Education Leadership cohort. All students must have earned a master's degree from an accredited university prior to beginning the program.