A Master of Science in Education degree with a Concentration in Adult Education is ideal for those who want to work with adult learners, whether in an academic, corporate or nonprofit environment. This advanced degree, for which you need no teaching license or experience to apply, will prepare you to create, support, and lead learning experiences for adults with a variety of learning interests.
The curriculum for this degree includes courses which will equip you with the skills necessary to engage adult students, foster creativity and innovation, and meet their educational and training needs in schools and the workplace.
Here are some of the jobs available to those with an MSEd in Adult Education. The job descriptions include PayScale salary data from December 2019.
Adult Education Teacher
Adult education instructors are hired by community colleges and social services organizations to serve in a variety of capacities, including any or all of the following:
- Teaching literacy and math skills
- Organizing, leading and teaching GED preparation programs
- Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Providing remedial education classes for adult learners
Responsibilities in each of these roles include preparing lesson plans, delivering instruction and evaluating student achievement.
The average salary for adult education teachers is $44,229 per year, with figures reaching $76,000 for the top tenth percentile. Factors affecting salary include degree level, years of experience, and location.
Corporate Training
Corporate trainers have a variety of duties and responsibilities. In general, they provide professional development opportunities, teaching skills and knowledge to foster increased employee engagement and productivity. Corporate trainers often work on a contract basis in short-term projects or as full-time employees to provide ongoing training services.
The average salary for a corporate trainer in the U.S. is about $55,000 per year, with top earners making $80,000.
Instructional Designer/Trainer
Instructional designers are responsible for developing curriculum and learning materials on industry-specific topics. Duties in this position involve:
- Evaluating learning materials
- Updating existing educational programs
- Researching innovations in the industry
- Designing new and up-to-date programs and classes
- Training others to provide instruction
The average salary for instructional designers is a little over $62,000 per year, with top earners making $85,000.
Training Manager
Training managers have a broader set of responsibilities than other corporate education specialists. They may assess productivity, identify training needs, and design and implement training programs. Training managers identify and develop the skills of other trainers who will be working with employees. They are also involved in employee recruitment and budgets and often oversee the implementation of all specific job skill training, workshops, e-learning, professional development, and job transition training.
Training managers draw a $66,994 average annual salary, with top earners making $100,000 per year.
Training and Development Specialist
Typically employed in corporate setups, training and development specialists are responsible for planning and administering training programs for employees with the goal of improving knowledge and skills.
The average yearly salary for training and development specialists is $57,6570, with top tenth percentile earners making $81,000.
Earning More With a Master of Science in Education
Salaries vary widely across the United States. Teachers with master’s degrees, however, generally earn about $7,000 more per year than teachers who do not. In addition, all compensation plans depend on multiple factors, so actual salary differences can be higher or lower.
Southern Oregon University offers a 100% online program for professionals who want to earn a Master of Science in Education degree with a concentration in adult education. This program consists of 45 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 16 months.
Learn more about Southern Oregon University’s Master of Science in Education with a Concentration in Adult Education online program.
Sources:
Chron: Jobs That Require a Master’s Degree in Adult Education
PayScale: MEd in Adult Education
PayScale: Adult Education Teacher
