The Ph.D. program is an advanced, scholarly degree that requires 60 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, as well as continued scholarly engagement and the completion of a doctoral dissertation study. The Doctoral dissertation consists of an original research study, a significant written manuscript, and oral examinations. 

The Ph.D. is designed to provide advanced scholarship experience, deep conceptual and philosophical understanding, and practical skills in the broad field of Adult Education. It is a mentor-based program, and students will work closely with program faculty to study specific areas of adult learning and to develop and produce scholarship that will serve both the field of practice and the academic discipline of Adult Education. 

This program is offered on campus only.

Degree Overview

Coursework - 90 hours

Our program is flexible enough to allow you to tailor your coursework to best meet your learning needs. In consultation with your advisor, you select 90 hours of coursework to complete the doctoral program. Most students distribute their coursework as follows:

  • Core Courses - 21 hours

  • Specialty Courses - 6 hours

  • Foundations Courses - 6 hours

  • Research Courses - 15 hours

  • Dissertation - 10 hours

  • Transfer Courses - 30 hours

    • Up to 30 credit hours can be transferred in to the program (usually from a Master’s degree).  Alternatively, you can take additional elective hours for this section with the approval of your advisor

View all course requirements

Application Deadline

March 15

Ready to join the Auburn Family?

Visit Auburn’s Graduate School homepage for checklists, resources, valuable graduate student information and to begin your application. Please contact department faculty listed above with program-specific questions.

Graduate School