Overview

The Adult Learning and Leadership programme at Columbia University provides a comprehensive intellectual framework for professionals dedicated to fostering growth across the lifespan. This advanced curriculum examines the vital relationship between adult learning, management, and leadership within modern organisations. Students develop the expertise required to oversee complex educational interventions and facilitate learning in both formal and informal settings.

Why Adult Learning and Leadership at Columbia University?

This programme is uniquely positioned within a world-renowned graduate school of education, health, and psychology. It offers a sophisticated blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on how rapid societal changes necessitate continuous development. Students benefit from a flexible learning environment that includes in-person, hybrid, and online formats, reflecting the digital nature of contemporary work and life. The curriculum is designed for those who wish to build their capabilities as leaders of learning, emphasizing strategic whole-system change and social transformation.

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 is structured around core foundations, research requirements, and specialised electives. Modules may include:

Adult and Continuing Education
Facilitating Adult Learning
Adult Learning & Education: Theory & Practice
Leadership for Adult Development
Fostering Transformative Learning
Developing and Managing Adult Learning Programs
Global and Strategic Human Resource Development
Learning and Technology in Organizations
The Learning Organization

Careers with Adult Learning and Leadership

Graduates are prepared for senior roles as facilitators, managers, and leaders of adult learning programmes. The programme equips professionals to work in diverse sectors, including corporate human resources, community organisations, and educational institutions. By focusing on strategic learning and organisational capability, the degree supports careers in staff development, training, and social entrepreneurship. Alumni often lead initiatives in whole-system change, helping various social units benefit from the lifelong learning of their members.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Adult learning & education: Theory & practice

Developmental psychology: Adult learning and the lifespan

Coaching From an Adult Learning Perspective

Developing and managing adult learning programs

Leadership and self-development

Learning and technology in organizations

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 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

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Adult Education Educational Leadership Leadership View 624 other Masters in Educational 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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