Format
5 required courses (100 hours)
Delivery
Online | Learn more
Duration
Complete in 4 months, or up to 3 years
The Adult Education and Learning Development Extension Certificate helps you advance your career as an educator, trainer, or program leader by building the skills needed to design and deliver meaningful adult learning experiences.
In this program, you will learn to apply the key principles and theories of adult education, assess learner and organizational needs and design effective curricula that align with program goals using evidence-based strategies. You will explore how to plan engaging and interactive learning experiences, create inclusive materials using Universal Design for Learning and equity, diversity, and inclusion frameworks and implement assessment methods that support learner growth and success.
Taught by experienced instructors, this program combines theory with practical application to help you develop the confidence and tools needed to excel in adult education and learning development.
You can complete the entire certificate or take individual courses for professional development to strengthen your teaching, facilitation and program design skills.
Highlights and benefits
Earn a digital badge | For each course completed, earn a digital badge through MyCreds™ to verify your demonstrated knowledge and skills
Become career-ready | Prepare for a career in adult education and learning development
Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects
Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals
Online delivery | Enjoy the flexibility of online learning, and complete this program from anywhere
Career opportunities
- Adult education instructor
- Coach
- Continuing education program specialist
- Facilitator
- K-12 teachers transitioning to adult education
- Learning and development specialist
- Program planner
- Training specialist
- Workshop facilitator
Course schedule
Course schedule by semester
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations for Adult Learning | ON | ON | ON |
| Needs Analysis and Design | ON | ON | ON |
| Assessment and Evaluation | ON | ON | ON |
| Facilitation | ON | ON | ON |
| Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | ON | ON | ON |
Legend
BL: Blended (Online & Classroom)
CL: Classroom
FT: Fast Track
ON: Online
IDS: Independent Study
P: Practicum
Check the “Courses and fees” tab for more information.
The schedule above is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration available in June. Winter schedule and registration available in November. Spring/Summer schedule and registration available in March
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program intended for?
This program is for academic and business professionals who work, or want to work, in the field of adult education, training and development.
What type of career options are available if I complete this certificate?
There is not one specific career option for people who complete this certificate. It can be used as a great addition to your resume to help you obtain a position in many different work environments, including, but not limited to:
- Educators and instructors working in post-secondary institutions
- Corporate Trainers and Facilitators responsible for delivering training in organizational settings
- Instructional Designers and Learning & Development Specialists
- Program Coordinators or Leaders overseeing adult education or training initiatives
- Professionals transitioning into adult education or training roles
Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
No, each course is designed to stand alone, but we suggest starting with XAED 10100 Foundations for Adult Learning.
Are there any opportunities for a digital badge?
Yes, students who complete the courses are eligible to receive a digital badge.
How will I be graded in each course?
Each course has several graded assignments. These assignments vary per course; however, they are all designed to assess the outcomes of each course. These assessments include, but are not limited to, group projects, discussion board posts, short answers and quizzes.
How many hours am I expected to work on each course?
You should plan to access your D2L course site at least 3 times per week. Depending on the course, you can expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week reading material, completing learning activities or assignments, and attending Google Meet sessions. Larger projects may require more time.
Is attendance required for Google Meet sessions?
No, these sessions are not mandatory, but they are recommended. Attending Google Meet sessions allows you to get to know your instructor and classmates and provides you with the opportunity to ask questions about content, assignments or due dates.
How many courses can I take at a time?
You can take as many courses as your schedule will allow. There are no restrictions on the number of courses you can take at one time.
Will I get a job once I'm done the certificate?
While having a professional certificate will certainly put you in a favourable position when looking for employment, there are many factors to consider for each individual that it would be impossible to pre-determine your employment success. Our graduate statistics have shown that a significant percentage of past students have experienced a measurable increase in salary, responsibility, and/or activity after completing our programs.
Will Mount Royal help me locate career opportunities?
No, Mount Royal does not have a system in place to assist students with career opportunities upon completion of our certificate. However, there are periodic job postings advertised on our website.
Additional information
Refer to CE Student Information for more information.
Program questions?