In general, the Workforce Development Education program seek to prepare advanced practitioners and scholars to address educational issues related to work and learning. More specifically, the degree programs focus on individuals entering or re-entering the workforce, adapting to changes in organizational and workforce requirements, and undertaking lifelong learning to achieve personal and societal goals. Graduates from the program gain the skills to work in a wide variety of roles, helping individuals, organizations and communities meet their training and education needs.

The Workforce Development and Education section offers an academic degree program emphasizing adult learning, career and technical education, human resource development, and workforce development policy; conducts research on topics in these areas; and provides professional development opportunities to meet the needs of individuals, organizations and government agencies. The WDE section values scholarly research and quality instruction as a means to model and improve theory and professional practice, nationally and internationally. (Adopted, Summer 2003)