Adult Learning and Leadership
The Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Leadership is a one year full time program designed for students aiming to gain advanced knowledge in adult education, leadership strategies, and organizational learning. The curriculum integrates adult learning theories, instructional design, leadership development, and applied research to provide a comprehensive understanding of how adults learn in professional, community, and organizational contexts. Through this program, students develop leadership skills, adult education expertise, instructional design competencies, and analytical research abilities, preparing them to design, implement, and evaluate learning initiatives for diverse adult populations.
This on campus program offers an interactive, practice oriented environment where lectures, workshops, seminars, and applied projects allow students to apply leadership and educational theories in real world settings. Students refine curriculum development, learning assessment strategies, organizational leadership techniques, and program evaluation skills through collaborative projects, research assignments, and case studies. Graduates are prepared to work in corporate training, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, equipping them to lead educational programs, enhance workforce development, and support continuous learning and professional growth initiatives
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Adult Learning and Leadership
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Adult Education
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Adult Learning and Leadership
• Theories of Adult Learning
• Leadership in Educational Contexts
• Instructional Design and Curriculum Development
• Research Methods in Adult Education
Semester 2 – Advanced Applications and Leadership Practice
• Program Evaluation and Assessment
• Organizational Learning Strategies
• Seminar in Adult Leadership
• Applied Project in Learning and Development
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in corporate training, leadership development, adult education programs, nonprofit education initiatives, and government workforce development. Career paths include adult education specialist, corporate trainer, leadership development consultant, program evaluator, and organizational learning advisor. Graduates are equipped to design and implement adult learning programs, assess educational effectiveness, lead professional development initiatives, and contribute to organizational capacity building. The program also prepares learners for leadership and advisory roles in training and education teams, enabling them to drive workforce development, enhance organizational performance, and foster lifelong learning in diverse professional contexts.
Why Choose This Program
Students choose this program because it combines adult learning theory, leadership development, applied research, and program evaluation skills within a one year intensive framework. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, analytical thinking, and leadership competencies, allowing learners to acquire the skills necessary to design, implement, and assess adult education initiatives effectively. Graduates gain the knowledge, confidence, and abilities to pursue careers in corporate training, adult education, nonprofit leadership, and workforce development while contributing meaningfully to organizational learning, professional growth, and lifelong education initiatives.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
