Overview

The Adult Learning and Leadership M.A. at Columbia University provides a comprehensive intellectual framework for understanding how adults learn within groups, communities, and modern organisations. This programme prepares students to design and deliver effective learning interventions that support individual growth and institutional success in a rapidly changing global society.

Students engage with a curriculum that bridges the gap between theoretical adult development and practical leadership applications. By examining how informal and formal learning occurs across the lifespan, the programme equips graduates to assist various social units in leveraging the benefits of lifelong education.

Why Adult Learning and Leadership at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution offers access to a specialised curriculum that integrates management and leadership issues with educational theory. The programme is distinguished by its focus on transformative learning and its ability to prepare professionals for roles both inside and outside the traditional classroom. Students benefit from a diverse academic environment that emphasises social transformation, cultural intelligence, and strategic thinking.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 19179 per semester
National fee: USD 19179 per semester
Local fee: USD 19179 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 36 credits, including foundational courses, research methods, and a culminating project. Modules may include:

Adult and Continuing Education
Facilitating Adult Learning
Adult Development
Leadership for Adult Development
Fostering Transformative Learning
Global and Strategic Human Resource Development
Online Teaching and Learning
Coaching
Social Entrepreneurship & Leadership

Careers with Adult Learning and Leadership

Graduates are prepared for professional roles that involve facilitating learning and development within various sectors. The programme supports career paths in human resource development, organisational consultancy, and community leadership. By mastering the ability to lead change and foster critical thinking, alumni are well-positioned to manage adult education programmes and drive strategic learning initiatives in corporate, non-profit, and governmental organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Adult Development

Facilitating Adult Learning

Fostering Transformative Learning

Leadership

Research on Organizational Learning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Adult Education Educational Leadership Leadership View 815 other Masters in Leadership in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed Application: Must be submitted online.

Transcripts.

Three Letters of Recommendation: Online submission of letters of recommendation is required. Recommenders should be academic or professional contacts who can speak to your creative ability and potential; personal/friend references are not permitted.

Creative Materials Required for Application: Please click below for a list of creative materials that are required for each program.

Application Fee: The $110 application fee is required upon submission of your application.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year
Out-of-State

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Adult Learning and Leadership.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying Business & Management

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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