Overview

The Certificate in Adult Education focuses on: understanding adult education learning theory and philosophies; becoming aware of the diverse needs of adult learners; and, learning and applying the methodologies and strategies needed to teach adults.

The CAE consists of 9 courses (36 semester hours). Three (six semester hour) courses are offered by Holland College, and six (three semester hour) courses are offered by UPEI. Holland College and UPEI offer the required courses on a yearly basis and the electives over a two-year period.

All courses are offered either fully online, or face-to-face in one-week summer institute formats or in the late afternoon, early evening or weekend hours, to try to accommodate working professionals. Most face-to-face courses have some blended delivery, or online component. Courses are offered in each of the three academic terms.

For more information, refer to Holland College's Certificate in Adult Education page.

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Course Structure

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


The required courses are:

  • ED 3110 Methods and Strategies in Adult Education I (6 semester hours) Holland College
  • ED 4220 Methods and Strategies: Instructional Design for Online Learning (6 semester hours) Holland College 
  • ED 3010 Practicum in Adult Education (6 semester hours) Holland College
  • ED 3630 Understanding the Adult Learner (3 semester hours) UPEI
  • ED 3620 Communication Practices (3 semester hours) UPEI
  • ED 3640 Assessment of Adult Learning (3 semester hours) UPEI

In addition, students will select 3 additional courses from the following Adult Education electives:

  • ED 3680 Curriculum
  • ED 3080 Activity-Based Learning
  • ED 3660 Technology
  • ED 3730 Special Needs 

Note: Post-degree certificates must be completed within four years of the first registration in a required course.

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Certificate in Adult Education