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What is an Adult Degree Program?

An adult degree program is designed to provide flexible, postsecondary learning opportunities for adults looking to go back to school. Unlike a traditional degree program, adult learning programs are formatted specifically for those who are balancing full-time obligations – such as a career and family – alongside their education.

Adult degree programs also tend to be very career-focused. With life experience already under their belts, adult students typically have a good sense of where they want to go in their career. A degree is simply their ticket to getting there. As a result, many programs will allow students to create a curriculum that aligns with their professional goals, meets their scheduling needs, and prepares them for a successful career after graduation.

If you are considering going back to school for your degree, keep in mind that there are multiple types of adult learning (also called continuing education) programs out there. For example, there are part-time and full-time degree programs. There are also on-campus, online, and hybrid programs, depending on the school. In addition, you may find degree completion programs, designed for adults who already started college and wish to transfer old credits. The right program for you will depend on your needs.

At Goodwin University, you will find a variety of career-focused and flexible degree programs available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level. Each program – whether it’s nursing or accounting, leadership or early childhood education – offers convenient and customizable class schedules that can fit within your current schedule. You can learn more about that here.

Adult Degree Program Requirements

Some adult degree programs will have age requirements for admission. Some require that an applicant has been out of high school for a certain number of years, before entry into the program. However, this is not always the case.

You can find other degree programs that are geared towards working adults, without there being a number-requirement tied to them. For example, Goodwin accepts applications from students of all walks of life – whether they are one year out of high school or 10.

For this reason, we do not identify our programs specifically as “adult degree programs,” in the sense that all candidates with academic potential are welcome to apply. However, most of our students are adult age. The median age of our student population is 28, and more than two-thirds of students are over age 25. Only 30% of our student body is a new, first-time student; 70% of students are transfers or are going back to school for their degree. What does this mean, exactly? It means that you will be surrounded by other adults, with similar goals, passions, and experiences as you.

If you are considering a degree completion program, keep in mind the requirements will differ. It is important to contact the University or program of your choice to get further details. Some schools may require a certain GPA level, or specific paperwork, to be able to transfer your credits. At Goodwin, those looking to complete their bachelor’s degree simply need to show previous college transcripts or:

  • Military credit
  • Work experience credit
  • Credit from CLEP (College Level Examination Program)

What is an Adult Degree Completion Program?

An adult degree completion program is designed for students who started college, but never finished. This is actually very common. Many people head to college after high school, unsure what they want to do. They may start up a major, only to decide it isn’t the right path for them. Or, sometimes other obligations prevent students from finishing their degree.

An adult degree completion program allows them to pick up where they left off, by transferring credits from their previous institution. For example, Goodwin University’s adult degree completion program allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits (more than other local programs) and apply them to a bachelor’s degree.

Going Back for Your Degree as an Adult

Let’s face it – the path to a college degree is not always linear. Sometimes, life gets in the way and college gets put off. Other times, life just needs to be lived a bit more, before one settles into a career path. And that is okay. In fact, pushing college off can be very beneficial for your personal, educational, and professional career. Those who return to college as an adult often find:

  • They are a more mature person and student
  • They know what is important to them, and more focused on attaining their goals
  • They have a better sense of what they want to do with their education and career
  • They are more “ready for” and interested in college, and as a result, more engaged in class
  • They have better communication, problem-solving, and time management skills

As daunting as a college degree may seem at this stage in your life, know that it is attainable. And many adults are doing it! Today, over 8 million college students are over age 25.

Start (or finish!) your degree today with Goodwin University. Contact us at 800-889-8232 to learn more about our flexible scheduling options for working and goal-oriented adults. Take it from our students—

“Balance was key when attending a school for nursing and Goodwin college made it possible.  I was able to work fulltime, attend clinicals, study and care for my family.” – Jaimie, graduate of Goodwin’s associate Nursing program

“I’m a mother of 7; I work 7 days a week; and I was able to graduate the program with honors.” – Zoey, a BSN graduate of Goodwin

“The hybrid program was an easy balance to work into my life; only traveling to campus once a week allowed me to feel connected, yet the work could be done on my schedule.” – Marie, a Management & Leadership graduate

You may also visit us online to learn more.