Doctorate of Education in Adult Education (Ed.D.)

National Louis University's Doctorate of Education in Adult Education program is offered within the College of Arts and Sciences, and provides a forum for critical reflection on adult education practice. The future of our economy, and of democracy itself, rests on an informed and critical populace. This program enables educators of adults — teachers, organizers, trainers and "grass-roots" activists — to contribute to the emergence of a productive society grounded in equity and justice.

Consider getting your Doctorate of Education in Adult Education at National Louis University (NLU) if you:

• Have a master's degree in Adult Education or a related field
• Possess the desire and determination to complete your degree in three years
• Are currently involved in the practice of adult education

Why NLU for Adult Education

Adult education is central to the overall philosophy and purpose of National Louis University, known for its tradition of social responsiveness and its emphasis on preparing practitioners to contribute to the educational health of society. This responsiveness is at the core of adult education as fields and, in particular, at the core of graduate programs offered by the Department of Adult Education.

Unique NLU Features

The Doctorate of Education in Adult Education program offers these unique features, which have made it attractive to those whose professional and career commitments make participation in a traditional doctoral program impossible.

• The entire program — class work and dissertation — is designed to be completed in three years. This is accomplished by interweaving course work with each student's doctoral research.
• The sessions are held on weekends (Friday through Sunday) once a month, and during a two week Summer Institute at Lake Geneva. This allows many students to commute from a distance — some as far away as Alaska, Jamaica, and Nova Scotia.
• The curriculum is centered on adult education as a means of fostering informed decision-making and building democracy, whether in the work place, university, or community. This is accomplished, in part, through student governance — a process by which students help shape the curriculum and program.
• The Internet is used to maintain the momentum of class-time discussions and share written work with the entire group during the time between residential sessions.
• Classes are team-taught with up to three faculty present at all sessions, permitting faculty to model critical discourse and emphasize differing understandings in the social construction of knowledge. Classes use collegial, critical conversation and peer as well as faculty led discussion as a prime teaching method.

What You Will Learn and Develop

• How to apply theory and evaluate teaching practices
• Political and social vision
• The practice of adult education as a means for building democracy
• The practice of research as a vehicle for social and personal change
• Knowledge-making and teaching in a constructivist paradigm
• Critically reflective practice

Career Outlook

Graduates of NLU's Adult in Education program can pursue careers as:

• University and college professors
• Community organizers/educators
• Health care and community health educators
• Literacy and adult basic education practitioners
• Administrators of programs for adults
• Human resource developers and workplace educators
• Directors and teachers in alternative schools for adults
• Media producers and managers

Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at www.nl.edu/applyonline