Adult education refers to programs that prepare scholars to teach, train, or coach adult learners. Adult educators may teach courses to prepare adults for the GED or other high school equivalency or provide professional development courses for working professionals.

Certificate programs, which can be earned in about a year, consist of academic classes that are offered at different skill and ability levels. Undergraduate as well as graduate students, depending on their field of study, may obtain certificates.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.