Adult education is a rapidly growing field. Often it has been growing at such a rapid pace that it has been difficult to hire truly qualified adult educators. While understandable in the past, the time is approaching when real qualifications will be required for adult education professionals.
Once upon a time, not that long ago, when I taught in an adult school, I would regularly run into adult educators, specifically those teaching English as a Second Language, who had degrees in such ESL-related fields as home economics, psychology, and construction management. While I’m sure they were dedicated to the program, the learning curve to become proficient as a teacher was quite steep. There were few programs available at that time, the early 1990s, that served working adults. Fast-forward just a very few years and there are programs available online to help with that curve.
The number of programs has grown steadily over the past eight years. Because of whom these programs tend to serve, most of them are master’s degree (M.S., M.A., M.Ed., etc.) programs. The good news is that most of these programs do not require that you have a bachelor’s degree in the field. The expectation is that your degree could be in any number of fields. Yes, even construction management.
What should you look for in a program? There are several important factors in determining the viability of an online program. These factors hold true for adult education programs as well. How old is the program? A track record of success is a good thing. Also, it helps to have a solid record of graduates from a program. The other side of the coin, though, is that newer programs can be more innovative.
Are residencies required? Some programs will require you to show up at a location for part of your training. Others will be 100% online. There are advantages to both formats. The real issue is your preference.
How expensive is the program? All things being equal, you should probably be looking for an online program at the state university in your home state. Unfortunately, all things are rarely equal and such programs are not available in all states. If a local program is not available, you might consider choosing a program that offers student loans. Also, look for programs that charge the same for in-state and out-of-state tuition. Typically, these are private universities, but not entirely.
Most students will realize that the cost of doing such a program is significantly less if they choose a non-U.S.-based program. Pursing a master’s degree at the University of South Africa will cost you less than even tuition in your own state’s university system. Whether a degree from an international school is acceptable in your work (or proposed work) environment will need further research by you. Most likely, however, it will be acceptable.
Adult Education Online
Once upon a time, not that long ago, when I taught in an adult school, I would regularly run into adult educators, specifically those teaching English as a Second Language, who had degrees in such ESL-related fields as home economics, psychology, and construction management. While I’m sure they were dedicated to the program, the learning curve to become proficient as a teacher was quite steep. There were few programs available at that time, the early 1990s, that served working adults. Fast-forward just a very few years and there are programs available online to help with that curve.
The number of programs has grown steadily over the past eight years. Because of whom these programs tend to serve, most of them are master’s degree (M.S., M.A., M.Ed., etc.) programs. The good news is that most of these programs do not require that you have a bachelor’s degree in the field. The expectation is that your degree could be in any number of fields. Yes, even construction management.
What should you look for in a program? There are several important factors in determining the viability of an online program. These factors hold true for adult education programs as well. How old is the program? A track record of success is a good thing. Also, it helps to have a solid record of graduates from a program. The other side of the coin, though, is that newer programs can be more innovative.
Are residencies required? Some programs will require you to show up at a location for part of your training. Others will be 100% online. There are advantages to both formats. The real issue is your preference.
How expensive is the program? All things being equal, you should probably be looking for an online program at the state university in your home state. Unfortunately, all things are rarely equal and such programs are not available in all states. If a local program is not available, you might consider choosing a program that offers student loans. Also, look for programs that charge the same for in-state and out-of-state tuition. Typically, these are private universities, but not entirely.
Most students will realize that the cost of doing such a program is significantly less if they choose a non-U.S.-based program. Pursing a master’s degree at the University of South Africa will cost you less than even tuition in your own state’s university system. Whether a degree from an international school is acceptable in your work (or proposed work) environment will need further research by you. Most likely, however, it will be acceptable.
Adult Education Online
