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Interested in our online graduate adult and community education programs? Our program faculty and student success staff will present an overview of the programs, the admission requirements and deadlines, and more, with time for you to ask questions. Just by registering, you can apply for free.

Businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations are always searching for talent capable of facilitating professional and community education to their employees. Earning your graduate certificate in adult/community education will help you develop your individual philosophies of adult education and teaching, as well as the skills to use that knowledge in effectively delivering community education programs.

The graduate certificate program is also a great option for those searching for professional development, job promotion, or skills development for a career change.

You can pursue the certificate program on campus, off campus at Ball State locations in Indianapolis or Fishers, Indiana, or a hybrid of on-campus and online courses. By taking the right courses, you can complete the program fully online.

Contact Us

Contact Sarah Jones, who can answer questions you have about our program.

  • You have the opportunity to participate in research studies, present at conferences, and submit journal articles.
  • An academic advisor is available to meet face to face, or via telephone, video conferencing, and email.
  • Project-based learning gives you the opportunity to connect theories and methodologies with real-world experiences.
  • You can transfer your certificate credits into Ball State’s M.A. degree in Adult and Community Education or the Ed.D. in Adult and Community Education
  • You’ll have access to textbook authors and internationally known leaders in the field via adult, continuing, and community education conferences as well as video conferences.
  • You will develop your individual philosophy of adult education and philosophy of teaching and develop skills to use that knowledge in effectively delivering community education programs.
  • Your professors are active members of the Commission of Professors of Adult Education of the American Association of Adult and Community Education.

Course Requirements

The certificate program consists of 15 credits. You may choose between two concentrations: Adult Education or Community Education. For complete program requirements and course listings, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

Core Courses (6 credits):
EDAC 631 Adult and Community Education
EDAC 655 Continuing Education for Professionals

Choose one of the following (3 credits):

EDAC 634 The Adult as a Learner
EDAC 635 Strategies for Teaching Adults

Choose two of the following (6 credits):
EDAC 629 Psychology of Adult Adjustment
EDAC 632 Org Ad and Comm Ed Progs
EDAC 638 Prog Planning in Comm Ad Ed
EDAC 644 Collaborative Learning
EDAC 646 Work Vol Comm Agncs
EDAC 648 The Community Educator
EDAC 681 Managing Community Education
EDAC 698 Seminar in Ad and Comm Ed
EDFO 660 Comparative Education
EDMU 660 Multcl Multieth Ed in Amer Sch
EDST 680 Staff Development to Strengthen Curriculum
EDST 697 The Grant Process and Research
EDTE 660 Instructional Design and Technology
EDTE 665 Visual and Digital Literacies
EDTE 675 Distance Education and Distrib Learning Tech

Or equivalent courses to be determined with Advisor.

Core Courses (6 credits):
EDAC 631 Adult and Community Education
EDAC 648 The Community Educator

Choose two of the following (6 credits):
EDAC 638 Prog Planning in Comm Ad Ed
EDAC 646 Work Vol Comm Agncs
EDAC 681 Managing Community Education

Choose one of the following (3 credits):
EDAC 629 Psychology of Adult Adjustment
EDAC 632 Org Ad and Comm Ed Progs
EDAC 681 Managing Community Education
EDAC 698 Seminar in Ad and Comm Ed
EDST 697 The Grant Process and Research

Or equivalent courses to be determined with Advisor.

Federal Employees Pay In-State Tuition

Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.

Ready to Apply? 

Are you interested in our program? Then it’s time to apply!

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Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.

Want to Learn More?

Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.

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