Earning an online Ed.D. in Adult Education and learning may sound like an odd career path, but it is, in fact, a vital degree for those who are interested in helping adults and professions continue to grow and develop in their own careers. With the rise of professional degrees and certificates, it's becoming a necessity to provide adult students with educators who understand their particular needs. This is where an online terminal degree comes into play, especially for education professionals.
Online programs are actually one of the best options for professionals in this field as it provides students with the opportunity to earn their degree in the way that, once they graduate, their own students will. Because online education is prevalent, and indeed a preferred way to engage in professional education, professors who earn their degree in this way will be able to better predict any issues that may arise with their own students. It is also why this ranking has been created.
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10 Most Affordable Online Doctorates in Adult Education & Learning in 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Doctorate in Adult Education and Learning?
The adult education and learning field is a broad community of educators, and career options are more varied than one might think, especially if little research has been done into the field. While it is absolutely possible, and even popular, to earn the degree in order to become an educator, there are a wide variety of job opportunities in different sectors that are available as well.
Adult educators can also work in the business sector, either for professional organizations or private companies. They can be professional development educators hired by a human resource team to teach a department soft or hard skills, can work as an educator for a continuing education program required by a specific set of educators, or even work to develop leadership workshops and retreats for major corporations.
These professionals are also found in the public and government sector, working in libraries, museums, government agencies, social services, the military, non-profit organizations, charities, and foundations. They can be administrators, leaders, or educators in any one of these professional settings, most often working to deliver a specific educational concept to a particular demographic.
Last but not least, adult educators can be found working in the community, either through community centers or social services. These are professionals who work to serve their local area of residence, providing professional development courses to struggling citizens who cannot afford a traditional education. They often work in delivering conferences and workshops on soft skills, can advise clients on their resume and viable work opportunities, and more.
Additionally, it is possible for adult educators to work as freelancers or writers, delivering their own experience and understanding of the field in a way that is easy for everyone to digest. They may create their own blogs, write nonfiction books, build a consulting firm, or even work as a freelance writer in the education field.
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The salaries for professionals in the adult education and learning field vary both by sector and by actual position. Differences can also be spotted for the same position in different parts of the country, so students are advised to keep that in mind when reading the following information.
Adult educators make, on average, around $49,000 a year. This includes community college educators, online professors, ESL teachers, and more. The salary can also vary depending on where the demand for these teachers is highest; cost-of-living also plays a role in the differences between salaries.
Adult educators who find work in a leadership or administrative role in the public or government sector can expect to earn between $65,000 to $90,000 a year, depending on the company they work for or if they are federal employees. These positions generally also include benefits, such as health insurance, sick days, and yearly bonuses.
Community service educators can make anywhere between $35,000 to $50,000; again, the exact salary depends on the position's responsibilities and the region of America where the position is held. Charities and nonprofit organizations pay a little more with slightly more benefits, but these positions may also be international and require the professional move to another country for a set amount of time.
Can You Earn a Teaching Licensure with an Online Degree in Adult Education and Learning?
The short and simple answer is yes, a student can earn licensure with an online degree should they choose to pursue an educator position after they graduate. This comes with some caveats, however, and students should be aware of them prior to enrolling in a doctoral degree.
First, a student should consider whether or not they want to become educators in an academic setting. This is not the only career option open to these professionals, and indeed some may never teach in a classroom setting. Knowing the end goal will help students figure out if a teaching licensure is critical for them.
Second, should a student choose to pursue a leadership or administrative role, a teaching license may not be a requirement for them. Many large corporations and private businesses will require that a professional has the licensure as part of the application process, but it is not vital for every role. It is best for a student to do research on the matter before applying for a degree.
Third, while online degrees do offer a pathway towards licensure, many doctoral programs will require a student to already be licensed to teach in their home state prior to accepting the student to the program. Not all schools require this, but students should be aware that it could be a possible hindrance to entering the program if they have not already been licensed.
Finally, online programs can offer a pathway to licensure, but completing the degree does not guarantee licensure. Many programs are barred from offering the pathway in different states; students should check to see if their state will accept the doctoral degree as a prerequisite for a teaching license. Additionally, students will be expected to sit for licensure and keep up to date with the requirements to have a license in good standing.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Degrees?
Accreditation absolutely matters, especially for a degree in education. Any professional who chooses to pursue a degree in education that does not go to a regionally and specially accredited university is doing themselves a disservice. They also make it harder for themselves to earn licensure and credentials in their area of focus.
Online programs do carry accreditation, usually at the regional level. Some online-only schools have national accreditation. In any case, a student is advised against attending a school that has not been accredited at least on the national or regional level.
Some cheap online adult education Ed.D. programs offer specialty accreditations, such as recognition from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It is a prestigious recognition, one that many schools will be very proud of and display on their program websites. While not all online doctoral programs hold this distinction, some do, so students are encouraged to research those schools.
But why is accreditation important? For adult educators, a teaching licensure is part of the requirement of earning a position after graduation. Most states will not license a student who has come from an online program that is not accredited. This means that a student searching for licensure who attends a non-accredited school will have to either take professional development courses after graduation at an extra cost or go to work in a non-academic environment.
As more professionals continue to go back to school, whether to keep up with credential requirements or for their own goals, the need for more adult educators will continue to grow. From offering students a stable and secure environment to study in to guide professionals through their journey to advance in their careers, these educators are a necessary part of the working world. That's why the GSH staff built this ranking, offering ambitious students the chance to narrow down their school of choice by graduate tuition rates, and work placement opportunities. The search is now easier for the best online EdD in Adult Education & Learning.
