Adult Education PhD Programs

Penn State University

• The Penn State University (PSU) College of Education offers two doctorate options in adult education. There's a PhD, which is primarily a research degree; also offered is a Doctor's of Eductation, which is a practitioner degree. Both adult education doctorate degree programs include coursework in educational theory, adult education teaching strategies, student advocacy, curriculum development and capacity building.

  The 42-credit PhD program has four concentrations of study: adult learning and teaching, distance education, learning in the workplace and in the community, and literacy for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Doctoral students work with faculty through research, outreach and internship programs. Students also have the opportunity to co-author books, journal articles and conference papers with faculty.

  Penn State University
  Adult Education Program
  314 Keller Building
  University Park, PA 16802
  814-863-3781
  ed.psu.edu

University of Minnesota

• The PhD program in adult education at the University of Minnesota is offered through a partnership with the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Work and Human Resource Education. The doctorate program focuses on the learning and development of adults, and includes 60 course credits and 24 thesis credits. Course credits include general adult education classes, specialized classes focused on one area of study and research. Students work with faculty in developing a customized PhD program that includes coursework, field study and research. In addition to local adult education internships, the University of Minnesota offers international field studies for its PhD students. The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development was ranked as a best education program by U.S. News and World Report in 2010.

  University of Minnesota
  College of Education and Human Development
  Work and Human Resource Education
  330 Wulling Hall
  86 Pleasant Street SE
  Minneapolis, MN 55455
  612-624-1221
  cehd.umn.edu

University of Tennessee

• The College of Education, Health and Human Services at the University of Tennessee (UT) offers a PhD in Adult Education in partnership with the Educational Psychology & Counseling Department. Focused on the education and needs of adult learners, the adult education PhD program includes 56 hours or coursework and 24 dissertation hours. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects and partner with community agencies to study adult learning environments.

  University of Tennessee
  Educational Psychology and Counseling Department
  525 Jane & David Bailey Education Complex
  1122 Volunteer Boulevard
  Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3452
  865-974-8145
  web.utk.edu