Over the past 2 decades, the number of adult learners seeking an online education has dramatically increased, but student retention and degree completion rates for adult students are lower than those of other student populations. Research has shown that adult learners working full time achieve at higher levels than adult learners who are not…

Evidence suggests that many adult learners have not developed the competencies needed to fully function effectively in today's society. Questions remain, however, on the levels of influence exerted on self-direction and motivation among this population. The purpose of this correlational study using a multiple measurements assessment approach was…