Higher Learning
It’s All About Convenience Adult learners benefit from personalized academic pathways BY VIRGINIA GOULD
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS are providing students with customized academic pathways. And that’s a good thing, since students start their academic programs with specific goals, life circumstances, and experiences that may include prior coursework or even proficiencies gained while working. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 43 percent of all full-time undergraduate students and 81 percent of part-time undergrads were employed while enrolled in higher education institutions in 2017. Forward-thinking universities understand that working students need convenient academic options while juggling professional and personal obligations with schoolwork. Wilmington University, a pioneer in serving working adults, helps 56
students craft academic pathways that meet their individual goals. Adult learners face many challenges, but they can also leverage their prior knowledge and college credits to shorten their paths to graduation. When developed with skill and care, personalized pathways can track coursework closely to specific career interests and incorporate multiple academic credentials to increase the return on education investment. Here are personalization features students may consider: Customization Through Minors, Concentrations, and Certificates: The foundational coursework of many degree programs sets the stage for a deeper study of targeted topic areas and the development of specialized skills. Offering a variety of concentrations, minors, or certificates allows students to align learning with goals or address gaps in their professional July / Aug us t 2 0 2 2
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