Skip to Main Content Skip to bottom Skip to Chat, Email, Text

HEA/730
Student Development, Education, and Adult Learning Theories

Course level: Doctorate Courses

Back to Program

Christine O. | BSA

Need help enrolling in a single course? Call 866-354-1800 or schedule a call.

HEA/730
Continuing Education for Teachers
NOTICE: There are currently no start dates available for this course.
Contact an enrollment representative to inquire about future start dates or alternative course options.
Contact us
Browse courses
Student Development, Education, and Adult Learning Theories

3 credits

Total credits

8 weeks

Course length

Take this course on its own, or as part of a degree or certificate program.

Request info
View all programs

Please Note: Attendance and participation are mandatory in all University courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.

University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.

Effective November 2, 2026, the University’s tuition and resource fees are increasing. The tuition rate increase does not apply to the University’s graduate military tuition rate on November 2, rather that rate will increase effective January 4, 2027.    

Continuing Teacher Education (CET) courses will not change. For a complete listing of the University’s current tuition rates and resource fees and the rates effective on November 2, 2026, please see the Academic Catalog. If you have any questions, please contact your Enrollment Representative.

This course explores the development of students in higher education through the lens of psychosocial, cognitive-structural, and identity development theories. Emphasis is placed on understanding the experiences and needs of traditional and adult learners, including those with varied abilities, backgrounds, and educational pathways. Students will examine how theoretical frameworks inform ethical and effective practice in student affairs and academic support roles.

Prerequisites

This doctorate level course requires proof of completion of a Master's degree. 

During the checkout process you will be prompted to provide proof of the requirement(s). If you completed the prerequisite at another institution, be prepared to upload an official/unofficial transcript. If you have questions about meeting the prerequisite requirements for this course, please contact an enrollment representative.

Required materials

The materials required for this course are covered in your resource fees.

Please Note: Attendance and participation are mandatory in all University courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.

University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.

Effective November 2, 2026, the University’s tuition and resource fees are increasing. The tuition rate increase does not apply to the University’s graduate military tuition rate on November 2, rather that rate will increase effective January 4, 2027.    

Continuing Teacher Education (CET) courses will not change. For a complete listing of the University’s current tuition rates and resource fees and the rates effective on November 2, 2026, please see the Academic Catalog. If you have any questions, please contact your Enrollment Representative.

Earn these career-relevant skills in weeks, not years.

Student Development

Analyze legal and ethical considerations for working with students of various abilities, needs, and cultures

Diversity Awareness

Evaluate the interplay between student development theories and adult learner needs in higher education

Student Development Theories

Examine various student development, adult education, and adult learning theories to enhance the understanding of students in higher education

Why take courses at University of Phoenix?

Learn from accomplished professionals

Headshot of David Norcross, MS

"My teaching philosophy incorporates an inclusive and engaging learning environment where I encourage every student to feel empowered to explore, question and grow. I believe in active participation."

David Norcross, MS
Faculty, College of Business and Information Technology

Learn more about Norcross

Accredited for 45+ years

University of Phoenix has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org, since 1978.

Real-world instructors

Learn from instructors who bring an average of 29 years of working experience to the classroom.

Affordable and potentially reimbursable

Our tuition and fees are competitive and fixed. Also, check to see if your employer will cover you for this course.

Transfer-friendly courses

Before you enroll in a course, check with your school of choice to make sure they will accept your transfer credits and to understand any requirements or limitations. Then you can request your transcripts.

Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice. If you have a question contact us at (866) 354-1800.

Enrollment representative Sarah P.

Sarah P. | Academic counselor & disabilities services advisor
Serving students for 17 years

Start a conversation about your future today.

Speak with an enrollment representative.

Call 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.

Start a chat
Request info

Meet some of our faculty

UOPX Faculty Spotlight: Susan Olsen

University Life

May 01, 2026 • 4 minutes

UOPX Faculty Spotlight: Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz

University Life

April 16, 2026 • 6 minutes

UOPX Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Mohammed J. Miah

University Life

April 08, 2026 • 4 minutes

University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses. Although our continuing teacher education courses are accepted by some state agencies in the United States toward teacher certifications and endorsements, this may not be the case in all states or foreign jurisdictions. If you plan to use courses for certification or endorsement, please check with your own state agency and your school district for applicability. Continuing teacher education courses are not eligible to apply to degree programs at University of Phoenix. These courses are not eligible for federal financial aid. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative. If you have a question contact us at (866) 354-1800.