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Adult Education, Graduate Certificate

Learn to work effectively with adult learners with the IU Online Graduate Certificate in Adult Education. This flexible, 15 credit hour program prepares you to work in a variety of fields by providing a basic background in adult learning and program planning.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 15

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $490.60

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $588.66

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

As a student in the IU Online Graduate Certificate in Adult Education, you’ll develop an understanding of diverse philosophical, theoretical, and historical contexts of adult education in the United States. This program is especially attractive for people who teach or develop programs for adults, yet do not have a graduate degree.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University certificate respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their credential.

Aid Note: This program is ineligible for financial aid.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  2. 2.7 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states.

To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume 
  • TOEFL score (minimum 79) or IELTS score (minimum 6.5) - international students only 

Your IU Online Graduate Certificate in Adult Education prepares you for such careers as:

  • Human resource training specialist
  • Human resource manager 
  • Corporate trainer 
  • Job training specialist 
  • Community college administrator 
  • Adult literacy and remedial education teacher 
  • E-learning specialist Community organization administrator 

To earn the Graduate Certificate in Adult Education, you must complete 15 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Adult education core courses (12 credit hours) 
  • Adult education elective courses (3 credit hours) 

NOTE: If you choose to pursue the IU Online MSEd in Adult Education, these certificate courses may apply to your degree requirements. Completion of the certificate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.

Core Classes for the Graduate Certificate in Adult Education
Course Number Course Name Credits
EDUC-D 500 Introduction to Adult Education Theorty 3 Credits
EDUC-D 505 Adult Learning through the Lifespan 3 Credits
EDUC-D 506 Adult Education Planning and Development 3 Credits
EDUC-D 512  Forms and Forces in Adult Education 3 Credits
Elective Classes for the Graduate Certificate in Adult Education
Course Number Course Name Credits
EDUC-D 523 Small Group Theory in Adult Education 3 Credits
EDUC-D 525 Introduction to Distance Education Systems in Adult Education 3 Credits
EDUC-D 600 The Teaching Learning Transaction in Adult Education 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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