Adult Learning and Leadership Graduate Programs

Advance learning. Strengthen leadership. Create meaningful change.

In today’s rapidly changing workplaces and communities, organizations need professionals who know how adults learn and how to lead them effectively. The Adult Learning and Leadership graduate programs at Kansas State University prepare educators, trainers, facilitators, advisors, managers and leaders to design learning that works and to lead people with purpose.

Whether you are looking to advance in your current role, pivot into a learning-focused career or deepen your expertise through a graduate certificate or doctoral study, our programs are built for working adults who want practical, research-informed preparation they can apply immediately.

Why Adult Learning and Leadership at K-State?

Designed for working professionals

All Adult Learning and Leadership programs are offered fully online in eight-week courses, giving you the flexibility to learn when and where it fits your life. Take two courses each semester.

Students consistently value the ability to balance:

• Full-time work and career advancement
• Family and personal commitments
• Military service or frequent relocation

This flexible design increases access — and completion — for adult learners.

Learning that Applies Across Industries

Training and leading adults requires more than subject-matter expertise. Our curriculum focuses on the human dimension of learning and leadership, helping you understand how adults learn, what motivates them and how learning connects to performance.

Across our programs, you will:

• Explore adult learning theories and principles
• Design and evaluate programs and curricula
• Develop leadership and change-management skills
• Integrate technology and best practices
• Apply learning immediately in real-world settings

The result is a versatile skill set that translates across professional contexts.

“It seems like every course I take, I am going through that very situation in my professional career… At the time when I needed program development, I happened to enroll in the program development course. At the time when I needed to understand those foundational concepts, that was the class that I was taking. When there came a major change in my life, I happened to be in Change Management. It has fed into my professional career and even bled over into my personal life.”

– Jennifer Holbrook, Master of Adult Learning and Leadership graduate

 

Graduate Degree Options

Master of Science in Adult Learning and Leadership

The 33-credit-hour master’s degree prepares professionals from a wide range of fields to become more effective educators, trainers, program planners, managers and leaders.

Students gain a strong foundation in adult learning and leadership while tailoring coursework to their professional goals. The program is ideal for those seeking career advancement, leadership responsibility or a transition into learning-focused roles.

 

Doctoral Programs in Adult Learning and Leadership

For those seeking advanced scholarship or senior leadership roles, K-State offers two doctoral pathways:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Prepares graduates for careers as faculty members, researchers or administrators and for roles in organizations where research and theory application are critical.
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Designed for practitioners and leaders focused on applying theory to practice in higher education, corporate or community settings.

Both doctoral programs emphasize rigorous inquiry, leadership and impact.

 

Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates offer a focused way to build new expertise, strengthen credentials or prepare for a career shift — often in 12–18 months.

Adult Learning (Online)

Ideal for professionals who teach, train or facilitate adult learning. Coursework emphasizes instructional methods, curriculum design, program evaluation and adult learning theory.

Leadership Dynamics for Adult Learners (Online)

Designed for professionals who lead — or aspire to lead — others. This certificate focuses on the human aspects of leadership, helping you motivate, engage and build effective teams.

Learn With and From Your Peers

Students in Adult Learning and Leadership programs come from a variety of industries and experience levels, including:

• Corporate training and talent development
• Military and government
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Healthcare and human services
• Higher education and extension

Learners from different industries enrich discussion, broaden perspectives and create meaningful professional connections that extend beyond the classroom.

“I looked at a lot of programs and kept coming back to the K-State program because it felt comprehensive. It wasn't just corporate and it wasn't just higher education, which a lot of programs are. I saw that they had students who were in the military, students who were working for nonprofit or medical organizations and that was really interesting to me to get that sort of diversity of thought on the topic of adult learning and leadership.”

– Kevin Bishop, Master of Adult Learning and Leadership graduate

 

Faculty Expertise and Personalized Support

Our faculty bring decades of experience designing programs, leading organizations and teaching adult learners. They are scholars and practitioners who understand the realities of professional practice.

Students are also supported by a faculty advisor and mentor, who helps learners navigate the program and grow professionally.

“I love to build that connection through feedback. Even though we teach the asynchronous classes, I feel like there needs to be a connection. I strive to make those connections as much as I can.”

– Dr. Farhan Sadique, Adult Learning & Leadership faculty

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Adult Learning and Leadership programs hold leadership roles across sectors, including:

• Corporate training and learning design
• Human resources and talent development
• Nonprofit and community leadership
• Higher education and extension
• Healthcare and public service
• Military and government

The broad, human-centered focus of the curriculum ensures relevance across careers and life roles, including as professionals, leaders, educators, parents and community members.

"The MS in Adult Learning and Leadership program enhanced my teaching skills and ability to engage students. I was impressed with the practical application of adult education theory and the responsive support from faculty and advisors."

– Scott Craig, Master of Adult Learning and Leadership graduate

 

Start When You’re Ready

The Adult Learning and Leadership programs at K-State are designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.

Explore your options and take the next step in learning and leadership.