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Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree with a Concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning
Online Master's Degree in Adult Education and E-Learning
AIU’s Master of Education degree with a concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning is designed to help candidates design, implement, and evaluate adult education and training programs using innovative educational technology. Learning can be different for adults than for children, and educational solutions are not universal. Adults have varying learning needs and unique circumstances, which influence how instruction should be administered and evaluated.
This master's in adult learning explores the adult student as a whole person, taking into account physiological, emotional, and intellectual differences, as well as complex lifestyles and innovative educational research. The curriculum focuses on the electronic delivery of online adult education courses. This flexible program is designed for working adults and features 100% online coursework.
Next start date
Program Credits
45
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Classes start on Nov 12, 2025
Online Master's Degree in Adult Education and E-Learning Program Overview
This Master of Education with a concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning is designed for candidates who wish to prepare for leadership and curriculum design roles in the fields of corporate training, career and professional development, higher education, and K-12 administration.
Degree candidates in this online adult education and e-learning concentration have the opportunity to study the practical applications of theoretical practices. This one-year master’s degree program in adult learning focuses on helping candidates prepare to utilize industry-authentic tools and assessments to develop relevant skills in preparation for the next steps in their career path. The concentration explores how to collaborate in a community of learners, professionally apply these skills, and develop e-learning solutions for various learning environments and purposes, including corporate training.
American InterContinental University’s Master of Education degree is not designed to meet state educator licensing or advancement requirements; however, it may assist candidates in gaining these approvals in their state of residence depending on those requirements. Contact the state board of education in the applicable state(s) for details.
Online Master's Degree in Adult Education and E-Learning Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
Program Core
|
Learning Theory Foundations
MED501
This course provides an introduction to the various schools of thought on how people learn. The course will emphasize the practical implications of cognitive science. Learners will explore learning theories, such as cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism. Candidates will also develop a concept of professional behavior and performance appropriate to professional educators through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.
This course provides an introduction to the various schools of thought on how people learn. The course will emphasize the practical implications of cognitive science. Learners will explore learning theories, such as cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism. Candidates will also develop a concept of professional behavior and performance appropriate to professional educators through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.
|
MED501 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Integrative Design and Effective Curricula
MED503
This course examines the development of curricula for education and workplace learning and development. Comparison of evaluation design, curriculum design, and instructional design is provided to assist candidates in aligning curriculum and instruction with foundational learning theories. Candidates will have the opportunity to focus on creating learning objectives, assessing curriculum, designing instructional solutions, and integrating instructional technology. Program evaluation techniques will be introduced.
This course examines the development of curricula for education and workplace learning and development. Comparison of evaluation design, curriculum design, and instructional design is provided to assist candidates in aligning curriculum and instruction with foundational learning theories. Candidates will have the opportunity to focus on creating learning objectives, assessing curriculum, designing instructional solutions, and integrating instructional technology. Program evaluation techniques will be introduced.
|
MED503 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Analysis, Assessment, and Evaluation
MED505
This course provides the foundations of analysis, assessment, and evaluation methodologies used in curriculum decision-making and the field of education. Learners will incorporate educational research and data analysis in context with comparisons between formative and summative assessment and formative and summative evaluation. Foundational curriculum and development applications are covered with a focus on analyzing underlying assumptions and applying data-supported curriculum best practices. This course examines the development of comprehensive educational curricula and selection of various teaching and curriculum design practices based on data analysis.
This course provides the foundations of analysis, assessment, and evaluation methodologies used in curriculum decision-making and the field of education. Learners will incorporate educational research and data analysis in context with comparisons between formative and summative assessment and formative and summative evaluation. Foundational curriculum and development applications are covered with a focus on analyzing underlying assumptions and applying data-supported curriculum best practices. This course examines the development of comprehensive educational curricula and selection of various teaching and curriculum design practices based on data analysis.
|
MED505 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Educational Research Qualitative (Legal and Ethical Focus)
MED511
This course provides the foundations of research methodologies used in the field of education. Learners are introduced to applied qualitative educational research methods in context of the practitioner's educational environment related to legal and regulatory guidelines. Candidates will create a data-informed educational training module.
This course provides the foundations of research methodologies used in the field of education. Learners are introduced to applied qualitative educational research methods in context of the practitioner's educational environment related to legal and regulatory guidelines. Candidates will create a data-informed educational training module.
|
MED511 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Educational Research Quantitative (Curriculum Focus)
MED513
This course provides the foundations of research methodologies used in the field of education. Learners are introduced to applied quantitative educational research methods in context of the practitioner's educational environment related to curriculum. Candidates will create a data-informed curriculum action plan.
This course provides the foundations of research methodologies used in the field of education. Learners are introduced to applied quantitative educational research methods in context of the practitioner's educational environment related to curriculum. Candidates will create a data-informed curriculum action plan.
|
MED513 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Data Applications for Education Technology
MED515
This course will examine ways and means to augment learning and teaching in the classroom through effective use of education and instructional technologies. Candidates will have the opportunity to collect, examine, analyze, interpret, and apply data to inform instruction, administration, policy, and other decisions and practice. The course explores the data and research behind engagement in the online learning environment and its impact on changing cognitive processes, memory functions, and learner attention. This course will examine ways and means to augment learning and teaching in the classroom through effective use of education and instructional technologies. Candidates will have the opportunity to collect, examine, analyze, interpret, and apply data to inform instruction, administration, policy, and other decisions and practice. The course explores the data and research behind engagement in the online learning environment and its impact on changing cognitive processes, memory functions, and learner attention. |
MED515 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Capstone
MED590
The student will summarize studies in the education profession and demonstrate competency in the chosen concentration requirements. This capstone course will allow the learner to demonstrate mastery of all the concepts and skills presented in the core courses and concentration courses in the candidate's field of study. The emphasis will be on designing and producing a real world quality deliverable in the concentration studied to be used as a highlight in a professional portfolio.
The student will summarize studies in the education profession and demonstrate competency in the chosen concentration requirements. This capstone course will allow the learner to demonstrate mastery of all the concepts and skills presented in the core courses and concentration courses in the candidate's field of study. The emphasis will be on designing and producing a real world quality deliverable in the concentration studied to be used as a highlight in a professional portfolio.
|
MED590 | 4.5 | ||||
| 31.5 Total Credit Hours | 31.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Adult Education and eLearning
|
Adult Learner Characteristics and Facilitation
MED541
This course content includes theories of adult learning, including andragogy, adult developmental stage theories, and action learning along with focus on assessment of learning needs and evaluation of education and training outcomes among adult populations.
This course content includes theories of adult learning, including andragogy, adult developmental stage theories, and action learning along with focus on assessment of learning needs and evaluation of education and training outcomes among adult populations.
|
MED541 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Designing Instruction for eLearning for Adults
MED543
In this course, candidates will learn instructional design for various venues, groupings, and situations common to adult learning environments, such as vocational classrooms, field training, individual and group learning. Topics ranging from technical skills to management training and education will be included.
In this course, candidates will learn instructional design for various venues, groupings, and situations common to adult learning environments, such as vocational classrooms, field training, individual and group learning. Topics ranging from technical skills to management training and education will be included.
|
MED543 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Assessing and Evaluating Adult Learning
MED545
In this course, candidates consider the delivery of education and training, and conduct a lesson based on adult learning theory and topics. Course includes coverage of tools for engaging adult learners, conducting classes in unfamiliar circumstances, and classroom management appropriate to adult audiences.
In this course, candidates consider the delivery of education and training, and conduct a lesson based on adult learning theory and topics. Course includes coverage of tools for engaging adult learners, conducting classes in unfamiliar circumstances, and classroom management appropriate to adult audiences.
|
MED545 | 4.5 | ||||
| 13.5 Total Credit Hours | 13.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Design educational content and programming that is appropriate to support learning for diverse audiences, contexts, global perspectives, and cultural responsiveness.
- Justify educational decision-making using educational theories, financial management, and scholarly research practices.
- Adapt advanced, discipline-appropriate professional and research communication skills for personal growth and stakeholder engagement.
- Employ professional dispositions appropriate for educational practice and leadership.
- Implement instructional strategies and technologies to support learning (i.e., eLearning, distance learning, online learning, traditional learning, and hybrid learning).
- Analyze the impact of instructional design methodology and learning theories/sciences (social, emotional, and academic) on stakeholders for effectiveness of interventions and/or educational systems.
- Integrate continuous improvement, learner assessment, technology, eLearning, and evaluation plans based on data analysis.
Classes Overview
-
Adult Learner Characteristics and Facilitation
This course delves into adult learning theories, including andragogy, adult developmental stage theories and action learning. There is an additional focus on assessing learning needs and evaluating education and training outcomes among adult populations.
-
Designing Instruction for E-Learning for Adults
In this course, candidates can study instructional design for various venues, groupings and situations common to adult learning environments, including vocational classrooms, field training, and individual and group learning. Topics ranging from technical skills to management training and education are covered.
-
Assessing and Evaluating Adult Learning
In this course,candidates consider the delivery of education and training and conduct a lesson based on adult learning theory and topics. This includes coverage of tools for engaging adult learners, conducting classes in unfamiliar circumstances, and classroom management appropriate to adult audiences.
-
Learning Theory Foundations
This course introduces the various schools of thought on how people learn, emphasizing the practical implications of cognitive science. This course explores learning theories, including cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism. Candidates will also have an opportunity to develop a concept of professional behavior and performance through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.
-
Integrative Design and Effective Curricula
This course examines the development of curricula for education and workplace learning and development. The comparison of evaluation design, curriculum design and instructional design assists candidates in aligning curriculum and instruction with foundational learning theories. Candidates will focus on creating learning objectives, assessing curriculum, designing instructional solutions, and integrating instructional technology. Program evaluation techniques are also introduced.
-
Data Applications for Education Technology
This course examines the methods to augment learning and teaching resources in the classroom by effectively using monetary and non-monetary resources. This course is designed to provide the foundations of analysis and assessment methodologies used in the field of education. Candidates are also introduced to applied quantitative and qualitative educational research methods in the context of the practitioner's educational environment. Comparisons of formative and summative assessment and formative evaluation are addressed.
Course content subject to change.
Faculty
Locations
Ways To Save
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Accreditation
FAQ
An online Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning is a graduate program that is designed to help professionals prepare to design, deliver, and evaluate training for adult learners using instructional technology tools and virtual teaching strategies. Coursework typically explores adult learning theory, curriculum development, e-learning design, assessment, and program management, enabling graduates to lead corporate training, workforce development, or continuing education initiatives in both public and private settings. Pursuing this degree online could provide students the flexibility to complete all requirements remotely while applying new techniques directly to their current workplace.
Yes, you can earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning entirely online. AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our online adult education master’s program is designed for flexibility, enabling working professionals to balance advanced coursework with their personal and professional commitments.
Some potential career paths for a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning may be*:
- Adult Basic and Secondary Education / ESL Teacher – Teaches adults literacy, English, and high school equivalency skills, adapting instruction with online and flexible learning methods.
- Postsecondary Education Administrator – EManages admissions, student services, or online programs in higher ed, ensuring smooth operations and regulatory compliance.
- Postsecondary Teacher – Instructs adult and nontraditional learners through online, hybrid, or continuing education courses, designing curriculum for diverse needs.
Explore edcucation-related job positions and descriptions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
*AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
To start on your path to pursuing a master’s degree in adult education and e-learning at AIU, follow these steps:
- Explore AIU’s accredited program to review core courses in learning theory foundations, adult learner characteristics and facilitation, assessing and evaluating adult learning, and more—and see how each aligns with your educational goals.
- Review the admission requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent—AIU does not require SAT or ACT scores for enrollment.
- Evaluate tuition and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants*, or payment plans that may help make your education more accessible.
- Submit your application before the next term begins once enrolled, familiarize yourself with AIU’s online learning platform to prepare for your courses and begin working toward your M.Ed. in adult education and e-learning.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
AIU’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Adult Education and E-Learning is structured as a 12-month program when students enroll full-time and follow the recommended sequence of five-week courses. Your actual completion time can be shorter or longer based on factors such as accepted transfer credits, the number of courses you take each session, and any scheduled breaks.
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Classes start November 12, 2025
