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 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 experiences. That saves an enormous amount of time, energy, and resources because the courses they choose are the ones they need.

Innovative Program Structure: Pioneering programs feature new ways for students to construct degree programs. For example, Wilmington University’s new online Master of Science in Professional Studies program builds on a 15-credit foundation of leadership and communication courses and a three-credit thesis, internship, or capstone project. Students can fulfill their remaining 18 credits in several ways: by transferring up to 12 previously earned graduate-level credits; completing a 15- or 18-credit graduate certificate or concentration; or working with faculty to design a learning plan from a list of approved courses.

Stackable Credentials: Students can earn connected credentials, like degrees and certificates, that stack upon each other to create academic pathways. Wilmington University’s Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ allows them to use electives in their degree programs to earn related certificates— without extra time or tuition—by applying course credits to more than one academic program.

Comprehensive Advising: Academic plans can be complex. They involve schedules, formats, proper course sequencing, and other factors. At Wilmington University, knowledgeable and caring advisors serve a critical role because they guide students throughout their academic journeys. They understand that every student is unique, and each deserves academic success.

Virginia Gould is a marketing content specialist for Wilmington University.