Our Mission

The Adult Education and Community Development program is an intellectual hub for teaching, research and outreach on adult and community learning. We believe that learning is transformative, holistic and life-long. Our multi-disciplinary program develops community capacities and mobilizes leaders and organizations concerned with justice, equality and sustainability. We make links between global policy interests in lifelong learning beyond schooling, and its practice. Our primary interest is in supporting and fostering learning which occurs beyond, alongside and within formal institutionally-defined curricula. This catalytic learning, which is often informal, forms the bedrock of vibrant, engaged communities which in turn creates opportunities for growth and facilitates equity for all individuals and groups, including those who are marginalized or disenfranchised. Communities exist and can be sustained through adult learning in a variety of settings such as civil society organizations, workplaces and schools.

Program Offerings

The program contains three graduate degrees: M.Ed., M.A., and Ph.D.
We also offer certificates in Sustainability; Community Healing and Peacebuilding. We actively participate in collaborative programs with other academic units. We also offer a focus area in Work and Career with the Counselling Psychology Program.

Subject Matter Expertise

We are one of the largest and oldest graduate programs in Adult Education, and we enjoy an international reputation for our critical and interdisciplinary approach to the field. The program is comprised of faculty with expertise in a variety of subject matters, which students can draw from in order to further their own career and life goals.

Find out more about our faculty's subject matter expertise.

Areas of Emphasis

The program's offered courses can be categorized into discrete areas of emphasis as a guide for student course selection. Students are free to select courses throughout these course groupings, as well as courses in other programs or departments.

Find out more about our areas of emphasis.

For more information about our program, please explore this website or refer to the OISE/UT Bulletin. If you have any inquiries that are not addressed on this website, please e-mail your questions to aeinfo.oise@utoronto.ca

Kiran Mirchandani Program Coordinator, Adult Education and Community Development