Online EdD in Teaching and Adult Learning Degree
Online EdD in Teaching and Adult Learning Degree
journey today.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning degree at Grand Canyon University is designed for those who wish to teach and lead all students, in particular, collegiate and adult learners. This doctorate instructs you on how to prepare for and practice research-based strategies that can improve education.
Graduates with an EdD in teaching and learning can strive to become leaders at the college and university level, working to bring positive experiences to postsecondary and adult learners. With exposure to coursework in teaching adult learning, you will have opportunities to examine industry trends, as well as to implement new strategies based on the research you’ve personally conducted.
The College of Doctoral Studies at GCU offers a welcoming and supportive learning community while also challenging you to achieve new academic heights.
The college has identified learning goals within education that each learner is expected to achieve:
The doctorate in teaching and learning program allows you to engage in your own research, which may make a positive contribution to the overall body of knowledge in your field. You will conduct qualitative research in adult learning with the intent to generate new research and improve methods of learning.
GCU strives to make higher education as accessible as possible. With our interactive learning platform, you can complete coursework from almost anywhere. Access your course materials online and work virtually with your dissertation advisor as you develop the shape and structure of your original research. Much of the EdD in adult education program can be completed online.1 However, to provide the benefit of in-person interactions and hands-on work, you will also complete two in-person residencies on or near our campus.
Qualitative research is an exploratory research method that focuses on finding meaning and motivation through observation and analysis that is independent of numerical data.2 Throughout the qualitative EdD program, you will have the opportunity to employ qualitative research methodology to conduct your dissertation.
In contrast, quantitative research is conducted through the collection and analysis of numerical data. These empirical data can be examined to identify trends and consider the validity of hypotheses.2 The quantitative research program may be ideal for students who wish to conduct research with numerical data.
Leadership and research in adult education are the main focus of this doctoral degree. This research is conducted with the purpose of uncovering new strategies and theories about adult learning. You will then have the opportunity to apply these new ideas with adult learners to create positive educational outcomes, such as mentorship, coaching and collaboration.
Apply Research Skills in Your Dissertation
You’ll have the support and guidance of your dissertation advisor as you select a research topic and develop your research methodologies. Research topics can come from anywhere in the adult learning degree coursework.
For example, you might develop your dissertation research topic as you:
When you graduate with a doctoral degree in teaching and learning, you may be ready to pursue a position as an educator who has the ability to make an impact on the lives of learners.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for postsecondary teachers to increase by about 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average, indicating the addition of about 111,400 new jobs at higher education institutions during this time period.3
With a firm foundation in adult education competencies, you may look for career opportunities at:4,5
Junior colleges
Public or private colleges or universities
Professional schools
Technical programs
Corporate training programs
111,400
Estimated number of new jobs at higher education institutions from 2023 to 20333
The quality of one’s education is important, so before choosing a doctorate in adult education program, you should carefully consider the quality and reputation of the university. GCU is proud to have institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. We strive to graduate practice-ready professionals who are prepared to make a positive impact on their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earning a doctoral degree in any field requires a considerable investment of time and resources. Before you make the decision to enroll in this terminal degree, you should take the time to research your options. Use the following FAQs and answers to get started.
An EdD degree is a type of terminal degree. Although each university establishes its own graduation requirements, it is customary for doctoral learners to complete a dissertation to earn their degree.
At GCU, EdD in adult education students will complete a dissertation project that consists of original research in the field, followed by a dissertation defense. You will have in-person residencies, which provide opportunities to receive in-depth guidance on the development of your dissertation. Furthermore, the College of Doctoral Studies integrates the dissertation process directly into the coursework, which means you can get started on preparing your research right away.
An adult learning degree may be best suited for someone who wishes to work in the education field. With competencies in teaching adult learners, you might pursue potential positions at a university or a two-year community college.6 Other options may include teaching at state or private professional schools.6 Some graduates might go on to pursue positions at technical training programs or they may work on training and development programs for corporations.4 You may alternatively choose to stay in K-12 education and use your graduate education to position yourself for possible leadership opportunities after checking your state department of education for licensure requirements.
At GCU, we understand that many of you choose to continue working while advancing toward your doctorate. Therefore, the EdD degree is available through convenient online1 courses or a hybrid option, which combines online and in-person evening classes. You will also attend in-person residencies, offering you the opportunity to build your professional network by connecting with your peers and instructors.
Pursue a Career in Adult Education
Empower adult learners to navigate their return to education and achieve their goals.
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.
1 Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
2 Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023, Dec. 18). Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Methods & Data Analysis. Simply Psychology. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2024.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved on Sept. 16, 2024.
4 CollegeGrad. (2024). Postsecondary Teachers. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2024.
5 Online EdD Programs. (2024, March 27). Online EdD Programs in Adult Education, Career Education and Lifelong Learning. Online EdD Programs. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2024.
6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 16, 2024.