Growth of Adult Education

Adult education has been growing at such a rapid pace that it has been difficult to hire truly qualified adult educators. While understandable in the past, the time is approaching when real qualifications will be required for adult education professionals. The important thing when choosing a program is to understand yourself. Online programs work well for students who are able to work independently and be task-driven. If you find this difficult, you may wish to choose a program that combines some combination of classroom and online instruction. Often the classroom portion is located closer to you than you might think.

 

As some are beginning to learn, the trend is clearly toward increased credentials. This is especially true if you are hoping to break into adult education, where you are competing with teachers who have experience, but who may not have the academic credentials. Earning a degree can be the equalizing factor in your job search.

The number of education programs has grown steadily over the past eight years. Because of whom these programs tend to serve, most of them are master’s degree (M.S., M.A., M.Ed., etc.) programs. The good news is that most of these programs do not require that you have a bachelor’s degree in the field. The expectation is that your degree could be in any number of fields.

There are several important factors in determining the viability of an online program. These factors hold true for adult education programs as well.

All things being equal, you should probably be looking for an online program at the state university in your home state. Unfortunately, all things are rarely equal and such programs are not available in all states. If a local program is not available, you might consider choosing a program that offers student loans. Also, look for programs that charge the same for in state and out-of-state tuition. Typically, these are private universities, but not entirely.

Some programs will require you to show up at a location for part of your training. Others will be 100% online. There are advantages to both formats. The real issue is your preference

A record of accomplishment of success is a good thing. In addition, it helps to have a solid record of graduates from a program. The other side of the coin, though, is that newer programs can be more innovative.

 

Most students will realize that the cost of doing such a program is significantly less if they choose a non-U.S.-based program. Pursing a master’s degree at the University of South Africa will cost you less than even tuition in your own state’s university system. Whether a degree from an international school is acceptable in your work environment will need further research by you.

 Back to Articles...