Lead change in education, training, and workforce development with a doctorate designed for professionals ready to impact adult learners on a greater scale.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Have questions about the Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development? Connect with Christy Hornsby to learn more about the program, curriculum, admissions requirements, and opportunities to advance your professional goals.
Christy Hornsby
Coordinator Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN ADULT LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Advance your ability to lead, teach, and inspire adult learners with NSU’s Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development. Build the knowledge and leadership skills needed to understand how adults learn, develop effective educational practices, and create meaningful learning opportunities across diverse settings. The program prepares graduates for professional opportunities in higher education, workforce development, organizational leadership, adult education, and more.
What constitutes a strong letter of intent?
We encourage a statement describing career goals or rationales for pursuing a doctorate degree in Adult Learning and Development. Compelling letters also demonstrate a substantial commitment to graduate study, including specific research interests.
Who is a good candidate to write my letters of recommendation?
Anyone who has supervised you in an academic or similar setting. These recommenders provide the most useful insight into your writing abilities, academic and professional habits, and commitment to graduate study.
Dr. Christy Hornsby is the advisor for all doctoral students. You can contact her at hornsbyc@nsula.edu.
WHY CHOOSE A DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN ADULT LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT AT NSU
Expand your ability to shape the future of adult education and lifelong learning. Northwestern State University’s Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development prepares students to advance their careers in higher education, workforce development, organizational leadership, and adult education through coursework focused on adult learning theories, instructional strategies, leadership, and professional development.
Flexible Online Doctoral Program
Designed with working professionals in mind, the Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Development offers several features to support students throughout their doctoral journey:
- 100% Online: Complete your doctoral coursework in a flexible online format.
- Cohort Model: Learn and collaborate with a consistent group of fellow doctoral students.
- Practice-Based Dissertation: Apply your research to real-world challenges in adult learning and professional practice.
- No Out-of-State Tuition: Students can pursue their doctorate without additional out-of-state tuition costs.
- Financial Aid Available: Eligible students may qualify for financial assistance to support their education.
Concentrations
This concentration prepares working professionals for senior-level careers in community college leadership. Designed for adult learners, the program combines practical coursework and research to help students address the most critical issues facing community colleges today and apply their knowledge to real-world leadership challenges.
This concentration prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in adult education and professional learning, including roles as administrators, faculty members, consultants, staff development specialists, training directors, program coordinators, and human resources development professionals. Graduates can apply their expertise in any organization or field where adult learning, workforce development, and professional training are essential.
I am a first-generation college graduate who always knew he would one day earn his doctorate. That vision became reality through the Adult Learning & Workforce Development doctoral program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and leader across higher education, ed tech, K-12, and nonprofit sectors, I used the program to sharpen my leadership skills, deepen my research methods, and focus my inquiry on key areas such as community colleges, faculty development, and college presidencies.
As a higher education professional with over 15 years of experience in the Louisiana Community Technical College System, pursuing my Ed.D. was a transformative step in my career. The program provided a rigorous academic foundation and a practical framework for addressing real-world challenges in postsecondary leadership.
When I enrolled in the Doctor of Education program at Northwestern State University, majoring in Adult Education and Development, I sought more than academic achievement. I wanted a framework to transform knowledge into action. This program, which nurtured my orientation toward action research, gave me exactly that.
Program Highlights
NSU's Adult Learning and Development program offers unique opportunities and resources to help you succeed. From hands-on learning to personalized guidance, these highlights set our program apart.
Hands on Learning
Apply advanced leadership and instructional strategies directly in educational or workforce environments.
Expert Faculty
Learn from nationally recognized scholars and professionals in adult education and development.
Career Preparation
Graduate equipped to lead organizations, influence policy, and transform adult learning systems.
Degree Resources
Access essential resources and information at your fingertips. These links make it easy to explore degree programs, plan your educational journey, and stay connected with campus opportunities and student life.
