An examination of the degrees of diversity in off-campus education in California is presented. An off-campus inventory, detailed questions, and questionnaires were sent to the public segments and central offices of the University and State University on a variety of topics including: curriculum; administrative mechanisms; procedures for hiring faculty; faculty pay scales; quality control; the availability of support services such as counseling, placement, and testing; and the methods used to determine the need for a course or program in a given area. Chapters include: an introduction; the history and development of the off-campus experience; evaluating the external degree; studies in other states (Missouri, Washington, and New York); off-campus and extended degree programs in California, plus the inventory of off-campus locations and programs and off-campus and extended degree programs, the segments; and the issues: access, finance, and quality. It is concluded that evidence indicates that external degrees are just as valuable as on-campus degrees and there are several advantages to using part-time faculty, such as flexibility in academic planning and cost effectiveness. One of the several recommendations offered by the report is that all California independent colleges and universities should advise the Commission concerning their plans for new degree programs which are to be offered at off-campus locations. Tables, appendices and footnotes are provided. (LC)