Presented in this document are the results of a Task Force study in Florida that explored the feasibility of a baccalaureate degree program that can be completed in 3 academic years. The Task Force addressed itself to the issues surrounding time-shortened degrees: acceleration; locksteps; relevancy of educational objectives to individual and…

In this particular instance, the Commission for Higher Education in Connecticut was charged with the responsibility of studying the development and awarding of undergraduate degrees and college credits for nontraditional forms of study and experience in the state. The Commission, in this report, states that thousands of Connecticut citizens find…

The 1,000-Mile Campus at the California State University and Colleges is a concept that suggests that External Degree Programs be made available for qualified students of all ages who, depending on their individual circumstances, find it difficult or impossible to be a part of the regular campus scene. It suggests bringing the professional acumen…

External degree programs are those educational programs that respond to acknowledged needs in higher education: greater access to post-secondary studies, more flexible curriculum offerings, and recognition of nontraditional forms of learning. This paper describes several external degree programs at various institutions across the U.S. Some of the…

Many higher education institutions across the United States have instituted nontraditional study programs that incorporate elements such as flexibility and individualized learning into the curriculum. Implementation of such programs serve to increase options and open doors such as: the identification of new segments of our society to be served;…

Despite the criticisms which can be leveled at external and special degree programs, the fact remains that they provide a needed service to selected clientele and have the capability to provide valuable alternatives for institutions of higher education and their clients. (Author)

Interest in the establishment of external degree programs and programs for off-campus higher education has been accelerated throughout the country by the recognition of the need for new approaches to the extension and improvement of higher education opportunity and for ways of reducing the cost of education to both students and taxpayers. State…

Over the past several years studies have indicated that traditional certification models are not working as well as they once did, particularly in relation to a larger and larger number of unconventional students to be served, and if possible, certified. Two major problems stand in the way of creating educational opportunities that would afford…

The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York established Regents External Degrees as an alternate route to a college degree. Specifically designed for those individuals who choose to learn on their own, the program is based on the philosophy that what a person knows is more important than how he learned it. Thus, on-campus…

The catalog is designed to provide information on both the Regents External Degrees and the College Proficiency Examinations of New York State. The information is oriented toward individuals who wish to know about and take advantage of either program. The Regents External Degree is awarded by the University of the State of New York, which has no…

This report of a conference on distance learning/adult education programs contains the following papers: "Adult Learners, Distance Education, and Technology: It's the Future, but Can We Get There from Here?" (Gulliver, Wright); "Minority Student Response to External Adult Degree Program Education" (Gillett, Sutphin); "Methods in Project…

At Metropolitan State University, the Individualized Educational Planning Course was a response to adult students' unique curriculum needs. Students learn university expectations of quality; plan solid, individualized degrees; examine what it means to be an educated person; pursue knowledge actively and successfully through informed choices; and…

This is the introduction and summary of a series of six papers discussing major issues about student assessment for the University of Wisconsin Extended Degree Program, a program designed to give academic credit for college level learning derived from experiences outside the scope of formal classes. A distinction is made between prior learning,…

The increased interest in lifelong learning has presented a challenge that higher education institutions are meeting with three interrelated developments: New degrees, academic credit for experience, and programs for older people. A variety of new degrees are described, including the extension degree offered to part-time students taking off-campus…