Adult Education: Classes for Career Change, Skills & Personal Growth

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Millions of U.S. Adults are returning to the classroom, not as traditional students, but as individuals seeking professional certificates, new skills, or even complete academic degrees. This surge in adult education is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including job insecurity fueled by rapid technological advancements, a desire for career advancement, and a growing interest in personal enrichment.

The trend is particularly noticeable among older workers and those balancing work and family responsibilities. Eric Deschamps, the director of continuing education at Northern Arizona University, notes that returning to school “opens doors to education for students that might not have those doors open to them otherwise.” These students often face unique challenges, juggling coursework with full-time employment and caregiving duties, but the potential rewards – increased earning potential, job security, and personal fulfillment – are significant.

The Expanding Landscape of Adult Education

The scope of adult education offerings has broadened considerably. UCLA Extension, for example, provides over 90 certificate and specialization programs, ranging from interior design and early childhood education to photography and music production. Individual courses cover an even wider spectrum, encompassing topics like retirement planning, novel writing, and even the traditional Japanese art of ikebana. During the last academic year, UCLA enrolled approximately 33,500 students in these programs, with nearly half being over the age of 35 – a figure comparable to the university’s full-time undergraduate enrollment of around 32,600.

Traci Fordham, UCLA’s interim associate dean for academic programs and learning innovation, describes these learners as “the new majority student.” She emphasizes that they are often already employed, supporting families, and seeking to upskill or change careers. This demographic shift reflects a broader societal trend towards lifelong learning and the need for continuous professional development.

Economic Concerns and the Rise of AI

Higher education experts point to economic anxieties and the rapid pace of technological change as key drivers of this trend. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is a particularly potent force, prompting many adults to seek training to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Deschamps explains that even individuals with relatively recent degrees may find their knowledge outdated in the face of new technologies. “A great example of that is artificial intelligence,” he says. “These new technologies are coming out pretty quickly and for folks that got a degree, even just 5 or 10 years ago, their knowledge might be a little bit outdated.”

Navigating the Return to Education

Before embarking on further education, adults are advised to carefully assess their time commitments, financial resources, and long-term goals. Academic advisors recommend considering where you want to be in five or ten years and how additional training or a certificate can help you achieve those aspirations. For instance, someone interested in starting a microbrewery might benefit from courses in brewing techniques and business management.

Universities like UCLA and Northern Arizona University are striving to make continuing education more accessible by offering lower tuition costs compared to degree-track programs and providing financial assistance options. They also offer flexible learning environments, including in-person and online classes, as well as accelerated and self-paced instruction, to accommodate the diverse needs of adult learners.

Balancing Education with Life’s Demands

Katie Swavely, assistant director for academic advising and student success at UCLA, shared her own experience returning to school after a decade-long break. She completed her master’s degree in counseling while working and raising a family, relying on employer-sponsored tuition assistance to help cover the costs. “It was hard,” Swavely admits. “And I thought about quitting many times. We had to budget to the extreme and find additional ways to make it work.”

Swavely emphasizes the importance of making an investment in oneself, even when faced with financial constraints and competing priorities. “There are questions of how are we going to make it work and do we have the money,” she says. “As a parent, sacrifices are there all the time. You make those judgment calls every day. But making sure that you’re investing in yourself…it’s also OK to just jump in and go for it and see how it works out.”

Overcoming Psychological Barriers

Experts also recognize that psychological barriers can hinder adults from returning to education. Concerns about rusty skills, particularly in areas like writing and mathematics, can lead to feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt. Fordham notes that many adult learners haven’t previously envisioned themselves in a higher education environment.

Swavely stresses the importance of building a strong support network and utilizing available counseling and advising services. She encourages adults to “find your community” and to seek help when needed. “The biggest piece of advice is for people to realize you’re never too old to learn,” she concludes.