A Brief History of the Adult and Higher Education Major
Higher education is part of an important society’s economy and development. Graduates of an adult program can help teach in a variety of post-secondary settings. Their duty, ultimately, is to develop the pillars of a civil society. The structures of a society fall upon this elite group of individuals. An online degree in adult and higher education will assist students in all aspects of their future development both personal and professional.
Higher education professionals take on a major responsibility as the vanguards of education. This field of study teaches students the basics of adult learning, from psychology to plan lessons. Though traditional schools still dominate in the adult education learning sphere, a majority of the classes are now taking place online.
Distance learning programs are giving working students an opportunity to reach the goal of this dynamic field by offering them great flexibility. Obtaining an online degree allows you to gain insight into online teaching through your own experience as a student. Those planning to teach at the college level should expect to already have some kind of degree in a subject or an in-depth knowledge on the field they wish to teach to adult students before pursuing an additional degree program in adult education.
Delving Into the Adult and Higher Education Major
A vast majority of adult education and higher education programs require at least a bachelor’s degree for enrollment. They are usually programs that begin at the master’s level. What courses students will take in order to pursue this degree will vary based on program and concentration, though there are some standard courses most students can expect to take, regardless of institution. These courses will cover subjects like curriculum design, psychology, and adult learning and development.
Students may find the need to take more specialty courses if they wish to pursue a degree in online education or in a particular area of concentration. While most adult education degrees are at the master’s level, students will find some at the bachelor’s level as well. These programs will often not qualify candidates to teach in the college environment. Instead, they will prepare you for a career as a trainer or a vocational educator.
Online degree programs in higher education typically focus on training an individual in a range of disciplines from management and development to the psychological aspect. The coursework and reading materials will always focus on assisting others in achieving their academic and personal goals. After completing these programs the professionals become eligible for position in higher institution.
Degree Levels:
Associate
The associate degree serves as a foundation for a bachelor’s degree in adult and higher education or general studies degree completion program. This degree level helps students fulfill the general education requirement needed to advance to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The associate program’s general education requirements at many online institutions are typically compatible for transfer to a four-year college or university, where students can then pursue a bachelor’s program. In addition to basic arts and humanities, coursework at this degree level may include educational psychology, introductory psychology, adult learning, and fundamentals of training.
Bachelor’s
The bachelor’s program is ideal for students who may have already received credits for the basic liberal arts and introductory classes and would like to further their career. The purpose of the bachelor’s level is to build on the knowledge acquired in the first few years of education.
At this degree level, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach training programs at the adult and corporate levels. Graduates at this level gain employment in business, industry, government, and community agencies.
Master’s
The Master of Arts in Higher Education program is for teachers who want to impact society inside and outside the classroom. This degree level encourages students to learn instructional and curricular techniques relevant to the adult learn. Course work includes examining the social, political and cultural contexts of schools.
Aside from a wide range of teaching opportunities, students who graduate with a master’s are also well prepared to pursue employment positions in various departments of higher institutions, including administration, academic affairs, and admissions.
Doctorate
At the doctorate level, students are ready to dive into research-oriented writing. They investigate various education phenomena along with their collaborative partners. Doctoral candidates examine the theoretical and research foundations of language and literacy, as well as instructional strategies for students. Learning alongside other professionals offers insight and support to doctorate candidates that simulate a professional work environment.
This degree level will enhance your skills to work in training, education and organizational development. Many students who graduate with a doctorate degree in higher education go on to teach students at the highest level. Some publish books relevant to the education field.
Supplementing Your Adult and Higher Education Major
The adult and higher education major offers various areas of emphasis that supplement the educational degree and enhance the employment opportunities of degree holders. Those who choose to major in adult and higher education can zero in on a number of concentration areas, including: organization and human resource education, education instruction, education administration, language arts, guidance and counseling, and much more. Subfields like education administration and leadership in teaching prepare educators for leadership roles in higher education.
Those interested in helping cultivate a student’s use of language may specialize in language arts or modern language. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators (also known as curriculum specialists) may see an increase in hiring opportunities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential to the success of an education administrator, as this job involves working and collaborating with others. As such, educators may consider taking additional communication classes to enhance desirability in the job market.
Concentration will depend on the student’s interest and availability. Those who have already obtained their master’s in the field will find some Ph.D. programs as well, which can be advantageous in landing higher education teaching positions and advancing in your career. Upon graduation, educators will be adequately prepared and ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with working as professionals.
Learn More About the Adult and Higher Education Major
The Adult and Higher Education Major in the Job Market
Educators with graduate degrees enjoy higher wages and lower unemployment rates. There are a wide range of jobs that you can take on with a degree in adult education, and as such the potential for finding employment in each field may vary. Those hoping to pursue a career as an educator at the university level will need at least a master’s degree to be considered and very often a Ph.D. to find work at better colleges and universities.
The ability of students to get these jobs will depend largely on their expertise, training and recommendations. Other jobs like those in educational administration may be less competitive in the workforce but these positions will often still require a doctorate to truly stand a chance. For those who do not want to pursue additional education, working in the corporate environment often offers the largest range of job opportunities. Better still, these only require a bachelor’s degree at the entry level.
As the number of highly technical devices at corporations rise, the need for qualified trainers at these businesses will increase as well. Education salary can range from $57,000 to $105,000, according to Payscale. Actual pay will depend on experience, concentration, and institution.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
