Degree Programs
Degree and Certificate Programs
The Adult Education Program at Penn State offers three graduate degrees and three graduate certificates:
Graduate Degrees
M.Ed. is available via the World Campus
D.Ed. is available at both University Park and Harrisburg
Ph.D. is available at University Park, only
Graduate Certificates
Certificate in Distance Education (University Park and World Campus)
Certificate in Family Literacy (World Campus)
The Adult Education Program emphasizes interdisciplinary education and practice. Students are encouraged to seek out learning beyond courses in the program, from fields of study at the university that support their specialized interests. Entering students are expected to have an idea of their major area(s) of interest, which is then further developed through selected course work.
The program accommodates both part-time and full-time students at University Park; part-time students at Harrisburg; and distance students through the World Campus. About 70% of our students are part-time and 30% are full-time. International students make up 25% of the student body: they may enroll full-time at University Park; alternatively, they may enroll part-time or full-time through the World Campus. International students cannot be admitted at the Harrisburg Campus.
The program design takes into account differences in students’ life experiences, including education, work, family situation, and plans for future employment. Full-time study is required for Ph.D. students, and is recommended for D.Ed. students as well. However, so far as possible, scheduling is arranged to accommodate the employed student — this is particularly true of the Harrisburg Campus, where most students are employed part-time or full-time, and are enrolled part-time in the D.Ed. program there.
All in-residence courses within adult education are offered in the late afternoons, evenings or weekends. World Campus courses are offered asynchronously, and totally online. Course work, reading assignments, projects, internships, informal discussions, and the dissertation all provide opportunities for in-depth and challenging learning experiences.
To learn more about our certificate programs or specific degrees of interest, click the appropriate item in the subheads to the left. There, you can also see the list of adult education courses that are offered regularly, as well as find more information on financial aid.
