They come from a very wide range of occupational backgrounds. Many are returning to work and study after quite a break. They also come from all around the world. Yes, you can. If you contact the program secretary, you will be given the name and contact details for another student with similar interests and you can talk with them.
Core courses provide a sound foundation for further study.
The options beyond the core courses are many and varied, but Penn State does focus primarily on literacy, distance education, international and multicultural adult education, and work and community. As well as the range of adult education courses in areas such as adult learning and teaching, administration and program planning, you can focus on special areas such as multi-cultural adult education, human resource development, adult education for social action, adult literacy, distance education and international adult education. It's an exciting range. The degrees are structured so this is exactly what you do. Up to 10 credits from graduate courses earned, at other accredited institutions may be transferred to the master's degree.