The goal of the program is to build educators' capacity to provide high- quality, research-based instruction in adult basic education (ABE), especially literacy and numeracy. The program is intended for people who are working, or wish to work, with adults who struggle with reading, writing, math, and/or English language proficiency. ABE instruction typically occurs in adult literacy, family literacy, GED, English as a second language (ESL), or developmental education classes offered by community-based organizations, community colleges, school districts, libraries, and alternative schools, among others. Delivered online through the World Campus, the 12-credit certificate includes three required courses and one elective, which allows students to tailor the program to their specific interests, such as ESL, program planning and administration, distance education, educational technology, adult learning, or other topics.

Pennsylvania State University offers the Graduate Certificate of Adult Basic Education as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its World Campus campus in University Park , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for adult basic education and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on June 1, 2027.
About Graduate Certificate in Adult Basic Education
- ADULT LIT & NUMERACY: Students will learn theories and methods of adult learning to more effectively teach adult literacy and numeracy.
- TEACHING ADULTS: Students will learn and understand models, motivation, issues, and instructional procedures of adult and distance education.
- ADULT LEARNING: Students will learn and understand the history, theories,and models of adult learning.
- PROGRAM PLANNING: Students will learn about program planning, including administering and designing courses and activities in an AE program.
- EVALUATION and RESEARCH of AE PROGRAMS: Students will learn research and evaluation models and methods in AE programs.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in Adult Basic Education at Pennsylvania State University
Entry Requirements
Degree Requirements and Academic Credentials:
4-6 year Bachelor's Degree.
Official transcript; official certification of degree and date awarded; documents required in English only. Documents must be issued by the school with the official stamps and signature.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Tuition and Fee Information for Graduate Certificate in Adult Basic Education at Pennsylvania State University
How to Apply for Graduate Certificate in Adult Basic Education at Pennsylvania State University
Provide all information as it appears on your government-issued identification.
To create a unique account for you, and to match you to any existing academic or employment records you may already have at Penn State, we need to know some information about you. This information is confidential and not made available to other systems at Penn State unless required by an official business process. Examples of government-issued identification include a driver's license, state-issued photo identification card, passport, etc.

United States of America, University Park