Best Online Master’s in Adult Education Degree Programs of 2025

Students who complete a master’s degree in adult education can effectively teach adult learners to improve their career outlooks and fulfill lifelong interests. This degree can qualify you for jobs such as adult literacy and GED diploma teacher, vocational instructor, remedial education teacher, community college professor, training and development manager, and more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for adult education teachers is $60,560. The National Center for Education Statistics lists the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program as $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private institutions. Typically, it takes two years of full-time study to complete this degree.

Choose your area of study

This degree may be offered as a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). Furthermore, many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as corporate training or English as a second language. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

If you’re interested in a teaching career, you should also look for programs that have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.

Also, consider the following factors:

• What is the tuition? Although students may receive scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of their adult education degree, they’ll still likely have to shoulder some of the cost themselves. Have a general idea of what you can afford, and then focus on the programs that make sense for you from a financial standpoint.
• Where is the school located? It may seem that the school’s location isn’t important for an online program, but it may be. Programs are often offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to study online and on campus. This may be an attractive option for students who want more opportunities to get to know their instructors and fellow students. Additionally, there may be special events, career days, or student clubs and organizations you’d like to participate in, and proximity to the school will allow you to do so.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Application requirements vary by school and program.

Most universities require that applicants have a bachelor’s degree, although it doesn’t necessarily have to be in a specific discipline. Transcripts will likely be needed, and a minimum 3.0 GPA is expected. Not all schools require GRE scores, so check each university’s website and speak with an admissions counselor about this. There may be alternate paths for applicants who do not meet all the academic requirements. Since this is a graduate program, you’ll likely be required to provide letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Carefully consider all the features of the programs you’ve researched. Note the pros and cons of each, determine where you’re willing to compromise and where you’re not, and compile a list of all the programs you will apply for. List them in order of preference, then submit applications to all of them.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Check to see if you qualify for scholarships from the university or other institutions. Look into financial aid that is available via federal and state loans and grants, and be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Work-study programs are also available, and if you have room in your schedule, you can get a part-time job to help pay for your degree. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers a tuition reimbursement program as well.

Also, you should speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.