Programs & Degrees

The mission of the Lifelong Learning and Adult Education Program at Penn State is to advance knowledge and improve practices regarding how adults learn in a variety of organizational and societal settings—both formally and informally, in residence and at a distance. Pursuant to its mission, the goals of the program include the following: (a) to further the disciplined inquiry of the field; (b) to prepare its future leaders; and (c) to develop educators/scholars in the practice of adult education. The program’s mission and goals are reflected throughout its curriculum and teaching, its faculty’s and students’ research, scholarship and service, and the work done through its affiliated centers and institutes. Faculty and students engage in research and development activities within the broad field of adult education and in specific areas of specialization

The Special Education program is housed in the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education in the College of Education at Penn State. Our goal, shared with our colleagues in the Department, is an educational system in which families, communities, and educators share responsibility and commitment for preparing future citizens to live independent, responsible, productive, and personally satisfying lives to the fullest extent of their capabilities in our evolving society.

The mission of the Counselor Education Program is to provide counselors-in-training and counselor educators with the skills necessary for providing ethical and culturally competent services to nurture personal development, psychological maturity, and positive social enhancement. The program also places strong emphasis on developing students into social advocates through exposure to diverse learning and outreach opportunities. 

The mission of Penn State’s Workforce Education and Development program is to promote excellence, opportunity, and leadership among professionals in the field of workforce education and development, including professionals employed in secondary and postsecondary education institutions, social services, employee organizations, and private sector businesses.

Faculty in the program strive to attain a cost-effective academic program that is recognized nationally as among the best of its type in scholarship, leadership, and professional preparation.

We appreciate your interest in our program. It is one of the oldest academic programs offered by Penn State.

Penn State’s Higher Education program is perennially ranked among the best higher education programs in the country. Its combination of compelling academics, premier university context, verdant geographical location, culture of camaraderie and mutuality, and gifted faculty and student colleagues provides a terrific backdrop for graduate study. 

Welcome to the Educational Leadership program of The Pennsylvania State University. This program is available to those who want to exercise leadership roles in educational policy and management or engage in research about educational leadership.