What You'll Learn
Real-World Application
Our EdD program provides practical knowledge about adults, including program planning, evaluation, and research as you pursue your career goals of leadership in educational organizations, the academy, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector. Your degree expands your understanding of “how to read the word and the world” (Freire & Macedo, 1987).
By the time you graduate, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the latest research literature, trends, and ideas, empowering you to:
- Read and interpret research findings with confidence
- Develop research projects that drive meaningful changes in communities and/or organizations
- Apply evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges
Critical Skills for Careers in Adult and Community Education
With a doctorate in adult and community education from Ball State, you are prepared to become a leading expert in your chosen area of research, setting you up for a wide range of successful careers. Through this program, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various fields related to adult education and community practices, including research, teaching, and lifelong learning. You will develop expertise in designing and conducting research, program planning, leadership, continuing education, community organizing, organizational management, and evaluation, all while being guided by a social justice framework that prioritizes equity and fairness.
Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
January 6, 2025
- Delivery: 100% Online or blended
- Major Credits: 91
- No GRE Required
- Offered by Ball State's Teachers College which is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Contact: Dr. Michelle Glowacki-Dudka
You’ll be prepared to work in areas such as:
- Education
- Leadership
- Government
- Community Organization
- Business
- Industry
- Nonprofit Organization
The doctorate provides professional development for positions that manage educational programs for adults. Roles may include (but are limited to):
- Educator
- College professor or instructor
- Training program director/manager
- Workplace educator
- Volunteer coordinator
- Nonprofit director/coordinator
- Social services administrator
- Consultant
- Academic advisor
- Higher education administrator
Knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values regarding teaching, learning, evaluating, planning, program development, leadership, policy, and research are at the core of the doctorate.
Course work in this program shows you how power issues impact decisions and policies, particularly as they relate to race and diversity.
The EdD offers many electives and options for cognates that support your professional and personal goals. If you choose, you can bring in your Ball State Master’s Degree as your cognate, select an interdisciplinary cognate (Executive Development for Public Service), or select the cognate that coincides with your research interest.
Courses
For the EdD in Adult and Community Education, you will take a minimum of 91 graduate credits beyond your bachelor’s degree. If you already hold a master’s degree from another institution, some of your previous credits may be transferred to the doctoral program. This is determined by your doctoral committee.
At least 48 of the 91 credits must be completed at Ball State. This includes:
- at least half of the required research credits
- at least half of the required core credits
- at least half of the doctoral cognate courses
For a complete list of required courses and their descriptions, see the course catalog.
View Catalog