Emphasis of the concentration is on the development of reflective practitioners and engaged scholars who actively participate in leadership and service that promotes lifelong learning in a global community. It focuses on three areas of study and practice: 1) self-directed learning, 2) transformative learning, and 3) reflective practice. In addition to addressing more general areas of adult learning, core faculty offer their expertise in their supervision of student research and in their respective courses. For example, faculty members' expertise may serve as the focus of proseminars, especially as the seminars focus on evolving research in related disciplines, research methodologies, and exemplars of notable studies in the three areas of adult learning.

A Master's degree is not required for students who apply for admission to the concentration. For students who are admitted to the concentration, prior graduate work will be examined on a case-by-case basis as it might be used to satisfy the overall course requirements of the concentration. Students may use up to 24 semester credit hours of prior coursework for this purpose.