Lifelong Education Administration and Policy

Adult Education

Thinking About a Doctoral Degree in Adult Education

What is Adult Education?

Any situation where adults are learning new information, skills, or ways of being in the world is adult education. Adults engage in educational activities both on their own (through their own reading, use of the media, etc.) and through the organizations and institutions in which they are employed or involved. Formal adult education activities take place in such settings as:

schools and colleges
business and industry
churches, hospitals or counseling facilities
social justice or political organizations

What do people with doctoral degrees in Adult Education do?

Alumni from the doctoral program responding to the 1996 survey indicated that they devoted almost 70% of their work time to adult education endeavors. Almost 40% mentioned administration work, nearly 30% were involved in teaching, and nearly 10% in both research and program development. Close to 5% had some counseling responsibilities.

How much do people with doctoral degrees earn?

Almost 82% of the respondents to our 1996 survey indicated they made more than $40,000 annually. Less than 4% reported earning less than $30,000, and 40% made more than $60,000.