Ed.M. in Adult and Continuing Education

Graduates of the Ed.M. in Adult and Continuing Education program will exit the program with a deep understanding of the learning needs and characteristics of diverse adult learners, and the knowledge of the historical, theoretical, and social contexts of the field. Students will develop the ability to plan, design, implement, and evaluate learning opportunities that are appropriate for adult learners, and earn the leadership skills needed to build and sustain a learning organization. Through completion of the program, graduates will learn to use data to inform organizational planning and change initiatives, and how to effectively guide organizational change efforts. 

For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes:

• 30 Graduate Course Credits
  • 9 Credits – Foundational Courses
  • 12 Credits – Application Courses
  •  9 Credits – Specialization or Elective Courses
    • For Students in the Hybrid Program: a minimum of (3) specialization or elective course credits must be earned by completing an in-person course
    • Students who take all three electives in the same specialization area will earn a certificate in addition to the Ed.M. degree
• Capstone Project
  • The capstone project is completed as part of the final 2 courses of the program
  • The capstone project will require students to demonstrate the ability to plan, design, and evaluate a significant adult learning opportunity specific to their area of specialty

Accepted students have 5 years to complete the program.

Earning an Ed.M. in Adult and Continuing Education offers graduates the flexibility to pursue a number of career opportunities across various industries and settings. Students may go on to pursue careers in a wide range of corporate, non-profit, and higher education settings. Roles include trainer, instructional designer, coach, organizer, and human resources developer.  Our graduates also run their own businesses and engage in consulting work. The skills gained equip graduates to work in a wide range of settings and positions that support the growth and development of adults in formal, non-formal, and informal learning settings.

• Personal Statement 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts
  • Students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit evidence of the potential to successfully complete the program (e.g. GRE scores)
• Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)
• Resume (optional; preferred)

1. Collect the materials required for admission
2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
3. Submit supporting materials online
4. Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us

Tuition: 

For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.

Financial Aid:

While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.