Adult and Higher Education
Prospective students often ask us what kind of careers our graduates have or what type of work uses adult learning theory and practice. The careers are diverse, just as our students are and include work in the community, higher education administration, and the not-for-profit sector. Below are real stories of our adult education master’s degree alumni, the type of work they do and what led them to the master’s program.
Higher Education
Within the field of higher education, graduates hold positions as directors, deans, academic advisors, student life directors, career counselors, and other leadership positions in academic affairs and student affairs. In the non-profit sector, graduates serve as executive directors, assistant directors, program directors, project managers, and educational specialists.
Academic Advising
Courses that are foundational to the work of Academic Advisors include Program Development, Training and Development, Life Span Development and Counseling Skills. For example, the counseling skills of listening and asking probing questions to help others expand their thinking.
Adult Education
Directors of Adult Education programs hire and train new employees as well as provide evaluations and opportunities for professional development to current employees. They also oversee program tasks such as their annual program budget, write federal and state grants, meet state and local reporting deadlines and manage data collection.
Nonprofit & Community Education
Within the area of public education, graduates are employed as adult education directors, teachers, and curriculum and staff developers. In the area of community education, graduates hold positions as program directors, project managers, and community educators.
Healthcare & Municipalities
In the government and healthcare arena, graduates serve as directors, department heads, staff trainers, and educators.
Companies, Consulting, & Staff Development
In the corporate sector, graduates work as managers of corporate training, human resource management, assistant vice-presidents, and workplace educators.