Ph.D./Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Leadership

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Adult Learning and Leadership prepares scholars for careers or advancement as college or university faculty members or in other educational or corporate settings where the application of adult learning principles and theories and the development of new knowledge, theory, and research are important.

Challenging and insightful coursework along with opportunities to develop personal relationships with students and faculty provide future success in the adult education field.

Program features

• Most courses meet one night a week for 8 to 10 weeks
• Full-time faculty/advisors with experience as practitioners
• Opportunity to specialize in area related to career
• Can start coursework in fall, spring, or summer
• Competitive, flat-rate tuition and fees
• Scholarship opportunities

Ph.D. Curriculum (90 credit hours)

Master's degree:

• 30 credits typically recognized from Master's degree

Required core:

• 18 credits (waived if equivalent courses have been completed through Master's degree or at the graduate level)
  
  These credits do not count as part of the 90 required credits for the degree. 
  • Introduction to Adult Learning and Leadership
  • Characteristics of Adult Learners
  • Critical and Social Issues in Adult Learning
  • Program Planning in Adult Leadership
  • Adult Learning and Motivation
  • Research Methods

900-Level Coursework: (12 hrs minimum)

• Foundations of Adult Learning and Leadership
• Adult Development Theory
• Organization and Administration of Adult Learning and Leadership
• Significant Literature in Adult Learning 
• Seminar: Scholarly Writing
• Seminar: Dissertation

Research Core: (15 hrs minimum)

• Statistics
• Qualitative Research Design
• Experimental Design
• Advanced Data Analysis

Electives: 

• Select electives appropriate to the area of emphasis that satisfy the minimum 90 credit hours of the program. 

Prelim Exam:

• After completion of coursework, students will submit a research proposal for their dissertation.

Dissertation:

• 12 credit hrs

Ed.D. Curriculum (94 credit hours)

Master's degree:

• 30 credits typically recognized from Master's degree

Required core:

• 18 credits (waived if equivalent courses have been completed through Master's degree or at the graduate level)
  
  These credits do not count as part of the 90 required credits for the degree. 
  • Introduction to Adult Learning and Leadership
  • Characteristics of Adult Learners
  • Critical and Social Issues in Adult Learning
  • Program Planning in Adult Leadership
  • Adult Learning and Motivation
  • Research Methods

900-Level Coursework: (12 hrs minimum)

• Foundations of Adult Learning and Leadership
• Adult Development Theory
• Organization and Administration of Adult Learning and Leadership
• Significant Literature in Adult Learning 
• Seminar: Scholarly Writing
• Seminar: Dissertation

Research Core: (15 hrs minimum)

• Statistics
• Qualitative Research Design
• Experimental Design
• Advanced Data Analysis

Clinical experience: (12 hrs minimum)

• EDACE 991 — Internship in Adult Education, or equivalent course  

Electives: 

• Select electives appropriate to the area of emphasis that satisfy the minimum 90 credit hours of the program. 

Prelim Exam:

• After completion of coursework, students will submit a research proposal for their dissertation.

Dissertation:

• 12 credit hrs minimum