A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Adult Education prepares students for a variety of roles in higher education, corporate training, human resources and human development. The online M.Ed. in Adult Education program from Eastern Washington University (EWU) delves into the fundamentals of classroom management and assessments for adult learners.
Students learn strategies, techniques and tools to teach adults, design curricula and oversee educational programs. Students can apply the skills and expertise they develop in a wide array of educational environments, be it in traditional adult education, professional development or online learning programs.
Discover the Diversity of Adult Education Environments
M.Ed. in Adult Education graduates work in various capacities as teachers, instructors, training managers, corporate trainers and more. Professionals take on these roles in a variety of settings and educational communities, not just in a school or university. Examples of these diverse settings include the following:
Corporate Training and Nonprofit Career Opportunities
Corporations and nonprofits need professionals to create, direct and implement training programs. These roles typically fall under human resources or organizational development, and completing an M.Ed. in adult education is one way to prepare for them.
Career opportunities include training program development, corporate training and human resources management. Some organizations may offer services to help employees gain insight into workplace collaboration, style, initiatives and culture.
Higher Education and Postsecondary Teaching Careers
Earning a master’s in adult education can open doors to teaching community college courses, vocational program classes, English as a second language, adult literacy courses and college prep. Undergraduate program positions typically require a doctorate, but a master’s degree may suffice for some positions.
Those who do not want to teach can explore jobs in administration. Roles include student adviser, program director, student affairs-related positions and career counselor.
Adult Basic Skills and GED Education Programs
Graduates with a master’s in adult education can support adult learners who want to improve literacy and other basic skills or obtain their GED. They may do the teaching or work in administration by managing programs and resources.
Government and Public Sector Adult Education Careers
Government organizations, agencies and departments hire trainers to teach personnel, program managers to oversee training-related programs, curriculum developers to design courses, and educators to provide cultural, health and basic adult education. Some roles fall within the local government’s welfare and social service departments. City governments may have environmental health and sustainability, parks and recreation, neighborhood services, and senior services that offer classes to educate the public on a multitude of topics.
M.Ed. in Adult Education Career Paths and Salary Outlook
Students who earn an M.Ed. in Adult Education could choose to pursue several rewarding careers. Job options include the following, with salary data drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook:
- Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers work with adults in different settings to help them develop basic skills and qualifications such as earning their high school equivalency credential or learning to read and write in English. The median salary for this profession was $59,950 per year as of 2024.
- Instructional coordinators manage teaching and curriculum standards, develop instructional materials, and implement and assess the effectiveness of curricula. The median 2024 salary for instructional coordinators was $74,720 per year.
- Postsecondary teachers provide instruction through post-high school level courses. Some may do research and publish scholarly works. The median salary for this position was $83,980 per year as of 2024.
- Human resources managers oversee administrative functions surrounding an organization’s workforce. Responsibilities include recruiting, hiring and strategic planning. The 2024 median salary for human resources managers was $140,030 per year.
- Training and development managers plan, coordinate and manage programs to increase employees’ knowledge and skills. These professionals made a median annual salary of $127,090 in 2024.
Advance Your Career with EWU’s Online M.Ed. in Adult Education
An M.Ed. in Adult Education program like EWU’s can help educators increase their career options and income potential. Although the courses in EWU’s program are 100% online, students complete a 120-hour internship in their area of interest with support from a mentor.
The internship helps cement students’ education by providing practice opportunities in real-world settings. This hands-on experience enables graduates to apply theoretical knowledge while building professional networks that can support their career advancement.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Education – Adult Education program.
