Online EdD in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning (Qualitative)
What Is an EdD in Adult Education?
GCU's Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning (Qualitative Research) is a doctoral program focused on adult learning theory, teaching and qualitative research. Offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, the program is designed for learners who want to examine how adults learn in postsecondary, professional and other educational settings.
Students study adult learning theory, teaching and learning, coaching and mentoring, research design and qualitative data collection and analysis. The program also includes two in-person residencies and a multi-course dissertation sequence that allows students to develop and conduct original qualitative research.
Up to 9 doctoral credits
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
What To Expect in the EdD Adult Education Program
GCU's EdD in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning program combines doctoral study in adult learning with research and dissertation development. Students evaluate adult learning theories, examine coaching, mentoring and collaboration and consider how worldview can inform teaching and learning practice.
The qualitative research track emphasizes the study of experiences, perceptions and themes using non-numerical data. Students develop qualitative research skills through research design, data collection and data analysis coursework and apply those methods to their dissertation.
Online and Evening Study Options
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Tracks
What Will You Study in an EdD in Adult Education Program?
The curriculum combines adult learning theory, teaching and learning, qualitative research and dissertation development. Students examine how adults learn, how learning environments can support adult learners and how qualitative research can be used to investigate questions in education and professional learning settings.
Core areas of study include:
Apply Qualitative Research Skills in Your Dissertation
Students begin developing a researchable topic early in the program and continue refining their research through dedicated design, residency and dissertation courses. The qualitative track includes coursework in qualitative study design, data collection, data management and analysis.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Adult Education?
An EdD focused on adult learning may be relevant for professionals working in postsecondary education, professional learning, training or other settings where adults learn. Career options depend on a graduate's prior experience, employer requirements and the type of role pursued.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of postsecondary teachers to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035.(See disclaimer 2) BLS projects an increase of approximately 98,200 postsecondary teaching jobs over that period.
Potential education and training settings may include:(See disclaimer 3,4)
Junior and community colleges
Public or private colleges and universities
Professional schools
Technical and workforce training programs
Corporate learning and development programs
Projected job growth of postsecondary teachers from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 2)
Estimated number of new jobs for postsecondary teachers from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 2)
Earn Your Doctorate From an Accredited University
Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about GCU's EdD in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning (Qualitative Research), including dissertation requirements, research methods and study formats.
Does the EdD in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning require a dissertation?
What is the difference between the qualitative and quantitative EdD adult learning tracks?
Can I complete the EdD in adult education online?
What settings may be relevant for graduates of an adult learning doctoral program?
Qualitative Dissertation Process
The dissertation process is integrated into the program’s research coursework. Students begin by identifying a researchable topic and reviewing scholarly literature, then develop a qualitative research design, complete residency milestones and continue through dedicated dissertation courses.
Most students will also need one or more research continuation courses to complete the dissertation. For additional information about doctoral milestones and time to completion, visit GCU’s doctoral programs page.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Continuation Courses
Empower adult learners to navigate their return to education and achieve their goals.
(See disclaimer §) MOU-Alumni 10451: The Alumni $5,000 Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for GCU alumni who enroll in a doctoral program. If you enroll in a doctoral program through any of our online offerings, GCU will provide you a $5,000 tuition scholarship. This tuition scholarship will be applied on a per-course basis over your first and second academic year (as defined in the University Policy Handbook) and at the same time your tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships/awards. This credit will be applied toward your tuition only and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
- Data shown is effective September 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved September 2026.
- CollegeGrad. (2024). Postsecondary Teachers. Retrieved September 2024.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on Oct. 20, 2026.