Adult Learning And Leadership (Online)
The Adult Learning and Leadership (Online) program at Columbia University is designed for professionals who aim to lead educational change in adult learning environments across sectors. Rooted in both theory and practice, this flexible one-year part-time program enables learners to explore adult development, transformative learning, and organizational leadership through a research-based lens. Students engage with critical frameworks that support adult learning in complex workplaces, higher education settings, nonprofits, and community organizations. The curriculum highlights the intersection of adult education and leadership development, helping students design inclusive, impactful, and equity-centered learning experiences for adult populations.
Delivered entirely online, the program offers working professionals the opportunity to integrate their learning with their current careers. Students collaborate with faculty and peers across diverse industries and cultural backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment that mirrors the real-world challenges of adult education leadership. The program’s emphasis on reflective practice, applied research, and systemic thinking equips students to identify barriers to learning, implement institutional change, and cultivate adult learning communities that are innovative and adaptive. With access to Columbia's academic resources and expert faculty, participants grow both personally and professionally as leaders of learning in the digital age.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Adult Learning And Leadership (Online)
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Part-time, Online
- 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
- Principles of Adult Learning and Development
- Critical Perspectives in Leadership and Education
- Learning Design for Adult Populations
- Research Methods in Adult Education
Semester 2 – Transformative Practice and Organizational Impact
- Leadership for Learning and Organizational Change
- Technology and Innovation in Adult Education
- Reflective Practice and Leadership Capstone
- Elective: Equity, Inclusion, and Learning in Communities
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue leadership roles in higher education, corporate training and development, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on adult learning. Many become training directors, learning consultants, community education managers, or academic program coordinators who lead strategic initiatives for professional learning and continuing education. Others apply their expertise in human resources, instructional design, or coaching to transform the way adult learners engage with content and develop over time. With its emphasis on both educational theory and applied leadership, the program is especially suited for professionals who seek to influence policy, culture, and practice in adult learning ecosystems around the world.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing this program means investing in your ability to lead with purpose, educate with empathy, and shape impactful learning experiences for adult learners in a wide range of settings. The online structure offers both flexibility and depth, enabling professionals to balance work, study, and personal commitments without compromising academic rigor. Columbia's long-standing expertise in adult education, paired with its emphasis on inclusive leadership and critical thinking, ensures students graduate with the vision, tools, and confidence to navigate complex educational environments. Whether you aim to drive institutional change, develop transformative learning models, or champion adult learning as a path to social progress, this program positions you to lead with clarity and influence.
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
