The author comments on Howard R. Bowen's article, Financing the External Degree. (PG)

Part of a government report on "Efficiency in Higher Education," this study dealt with the cost of existing or proposed external degree or non-traditional programs in adult higher education, an area which is lacking in substantive cost data. Twenty-seven institutions were contacted because they were believed to have non-traditional programs; high…

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;…

The nursing programs offered as part of the New York State Regents External Degree programs are highlighted including a brief historical review and description of the nursing program. (JMF)

In recent years a number of institutions have offered the doctoral degree through nontraditional, external programs. The state of Florida has produced a disproportionate number of such graduate programs, including Heed University (Hollywood), Nova University (Fort Lauderdale), and Walden University (Naples). This paper discusses only the Walden…

Regents External Degrees make it possible for an individual to earn a college degree without the constraints of time or locale, and without necessarily attending college. He or she need only demonstrate college-level competency in a Regents External Degree Program. Credit is granted for a variety of educational experiences--from military training,…

This proposal outlines an alternative plan for undergraduate work that can lead to a college degree. The project, called the University Without Walls, is being implemented in a total of 16 institutions in which groups of 75 to 100 students are participants. The project abandons almost all traditional aspects of college education, in that it serves…

The author comments on Donn F. Vickers' article, The Learning Consultant: A Response To The External Degree Learner. (PG)

One response to the new climate in higher education has been a proliferation of what has come to be termed "nontraditional" studies. These studies include time-shortened degree programs, credits and/or degrees by examination, extended campus programs, special programs for adults, and secondary school-higher education coordination. Presents the…

The New York Regents external degree programs for the associate and baccalaureate degrees in nursing are described. An interview with the program coordinator and information about the educational requirements and about several students are presented. The coordinator defines the program as a degree awarded by one institution for learning that was…

The University without Walls at the University of Minnesota is an alternative program for adult students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. To help these students evaluate their past job- and home-related learning experiences, the university offers a degree-planning seminar to illustrate the concept of process education. (MF)

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)