Graduate Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education
- Degrees & Programs
- Download the program guide (includes course list and application requirements)
- Contact Marie Pavelchak, Senior Student Program Coordinator in the Office of Student and Academic Services
Program Overview
The twelve-credit online program is designed for those teaching or interested in teaching in formal and informal settings such as corporate, non-profit, community-based, and healthcare organizations who want to improve their skills and knowledge to better meet the needs of their adult learners.
After completing all of the required courses in the program, students will receive official documentation of their completion, endorsed by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Courses completed as part of this 12-credit program may also be counted toward a Rutgers Graduate School of Education 30-credit, fully online Master’s Degree in Adult and Continuing Education. Transfer credits are not accepted for this program and no program requirements may be completed at any other institution.
This program does not include coursework leading to a New Jersey school personnel license.
For more information about this program:
Program Details
Application Deadline
Aug 15 / Dec 15 / May 15
Entry Term(s)
Fall / Spring / Summer
Program Level
Non-degree
Program Type
Certificate
Format
100% Online
Credits
12
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What You'll Learn
Students enrolled in the Adult and Continuing Education graduate certificate program will begin their study with an introduction to the foundational philosophical, historical, and practical underpinnings of adult education practice and/or an introduction to theories and practices specific to the teaching of adults. In alignment with the GSE’s mission to Advance Excellence and Equity in Education, students will examine the nature and scope of adult education through exploration of the social contexts, including analyses related to race, class, and gender. Through a choice of courses on adult education and learning, students will have the opportunity to pursue specific interests in adult and continuing education in areas such as learning in global contexts, organizational learning, educational technology, higher education teaching, human resources development, adult ESL and literacy education, and other offerings in the Graduate School of Education.
For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.
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Program Requirements
12 Graduate Course Credits
- 3 Credits from the Following:
- 3 Credits – Introduction to Adult and Continuing Education
- 3 Credits – Understanding the Adult Learner
- 9 Credits from the Following:
- 3 Credits – Learning and Teaching with Digital Tolls
- 3 Credits – Introduction to Teaching with Digital Tools
- 3 Credits – Web-based Multimedia Design for Education
- 3 Credits – Developing a Digital eLearning Environment
- 3 Credits – Fundamentals of College Teaching
- 3 Credits – College Course Design for Adults
- 3 Credits – Foundations of Human Resource Development
- 3 Credits – Human Resources Development: Profession and Practice
- 3 Credits – Other electives as approved by program advisor
Students are expected to maintain a “B” or better average as a non-degree student. Accepted students will have 5 years to complete the program. After completing all of the required courses in the program, students should contact the Office of Academic Services at the GSE. Students will receive official documentation of their completion, endorsed by the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.
- 3 Credits from the Following:
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Careers and Outcomes
Earning a graduate certificate at the GSE allows candidates to advance their understanding of, and earn practical skills pertaining to, adult education which can be applied in a wide variety of adult learning environments and settings. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as earning a certificate can help students enter into a new specialization they’ve yet to explore, or advance or stay competitive in a space they already have knowledge in. The program offers a comprehensive look at the latest research and practice in the field and, in addition to leading to potential career benefits like advancement, role flexibility, or leadership responsibility, it can also serve as a pathway to a master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education.
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Admissions Requirements
- Personal Statement: approximately 1-page in length that describes why the program is relevant to the applicant’s interests for career goals
- 1 Letter of Recommendation: describing the applicant’s potential to be successful in the program
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts
- Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)
Applicants are responsible for reviewing and confirming that they meet all requirements before the application is submitted. Rutgers Graduate School of Education will not refund the application fee if an applicant is not accepted.
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How to Apply
Current Rutgers University Students:
All applicants who are currently enrolled in a program at Rutgers University and wish to begin the certificate program while continuing their current program should contact the GSE Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) at academic.services@gse.rutgers.edu.
Non-Rutgers University Students:
- Collect the materials required for admission
- Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
- Submit supporting materials online
- 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
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Tuition
Tuition:
Click here for the New Brunswick Graduate tuition rates.