Doctor of Education in
Adult and Lifelong Learning
Become a Leader in Lifelong Learning
The Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning degree prepares students for employment in programs that provide adult literacy and education, lifelong learning, community and nonprofit organizations, military education, postsecondary education, and continuing professional education. Coursework focuses on the assessment, design, and implementation of educational programs for adult learners at all stages of development.
The program uses a blended, cohort-based delivery system. Students progress through the program as a group, taking approximately 6 hours (two courses) together each semester. Program requirements include up to 6 on-campus meetings each year, during spring and fall semesters. This Ed.D. program offeres a unique preregistered dissertation format, which removes traditional barriers to doctoral degrees for working professionals while maintaining academic rigor.
75%
Online
Six Face-to-face Campus
Sessions Per Year
60
Credit Hours
2.5 YRS
Estimated Time
to Complete
No GRE
Required
Two Concentrations
Applications are accepted approximately four months prior to the beginning of each fall cohort cycle. Cohort cycles begin approximately every two years.
Adult Education Leadership
The Adult Education Leadership concentration prepares students for employment in programs that provide initiatives across a broad range of organizations that include adult literacy programs, lifelong learning, community and nonprofit centers, military and criminal justice training centers, postsecondary institutions, continuing professional education providers, and private sector enterprises. The Adult Education concentration begins in the fall of years that end in even numbers (2024, 2026, etc.)
Community College Leadership
The Community College Leadership concentration offers a specialized curriculum designed for faculty, staff or administrators with an interest in developing their leadership skills within community college systems. Preference will be given to candidates who are working in a community college and seeking advancement. The Community College concentration begins in the fall of years that end in odd numbers (2025, 2027, etc.)
| Tuition / credit hour | $459.68 |
| Fee / credit hour | |
|---|---|
| Library | $4.98 |
| Network & Data Systems | $16 |
| Off-campus | $30 |
| Online Facilities | $2 |
Tuition and fees per credit hour reflect fall 2025 rates for students studying completely online. Students in online programs who take an on-campus course will pay on-campus fees, mandatory and college fees, for only the on-campus course.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
Graduates of the Adult and Lifelong Learning program will be able to:
- Assess the educational needs of adult learners in a myriad of adult and lifelong learning environments.
- Develop and implement procedures to assess learning needs for adult learners.
- Create and design instructional programs aimed at meeting the needs of adult learners.
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills applicable to the organization and administration of adult and lifelong learning programs.
- Apply problem solving skills in order to research and evaluate the impact of adult and lifelong learning programs on participants.
Randy Scaggs receives his framed diploma from Kevin Roessger, an associate professor in the program, on the Razorbug Diploma Tour.
By offering targeted training programs in partnership with businesses and industry, these institutions ensure a skilled workforce that meets market needs. This support helps local businesses expand and can attract new industries to the area, creating broader economic benefits."
Becky WarrenBatesville, AR
I love being an educator, and I did not want to stop being one, so I chose a program that fit my life. I'm very happy with my job and my geographic location, but I wanted a doctorate, also. For someone like that, this is the program for me."
Jessica CulverOzark, AR
The things that I would study and learn I would be able to put immediately into practice. And it kept me on the cutting edge of the current literature as far as research goes. I was able to apply that immediately day in and day out in my job."
Randy ScaggsNorfork, AR
Job Market Outlook
The Pathways career data reflect career information associated with degree programs, and that data may include some jobs that require additional credentials and experience BEYOND the academic degree, including but not limited to professional licensure and certification, additional coursework, and specific training.