About
the Adult Degree Program
About
the Adult Degree Program
Frequently
Asked Questions
Student
Eligibility
Enrolling
Individualized
Student Designed Program of Study
Credit
Earning Mechanisms
The Adult
Degree Program is offered by James Madison University to provide adults with the
opportunity to pursue an education according to individualized needs, goals and
time schedules. The program recognizes that traditional, highly structured
four-year degree programs do not always accommodate the educational needs or
lifestyles of adults. Physical, cultural, family, or job-related factors
or commitments can make a return to school difficult even for the most
intellectually motivated or qualified adult.
The Adult Degree Program at James Madison
University was created in 1977 as an interdisciplinary program for returning
adult students involving all departments and colleges within the university. The
State Council of Higher Education encouraged the development of nontraditional
degrees and the Valley Consortium for Higher Education was instrumental in
planning the program. The Adult Degree Program was designed specifically to make
available to the adult student an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree
that fit individualized needs, goals, and time schedules. JMU faculty members
and administrators serve as academic advisors, portfolio reviewers, independent
study instructors, and departmental test administrators for Adult Degree Program
students. The Adult Degree Program works with adults to
achieve their educational goals. Those experiences which adults bring to the
program will help determine their present educational goals and give direction
for future study. Out of these factors the individualized program is born.
The Adult Degree Program offers an educational option to adults who are supporting families but working in jobs where the lack of a degree prevents advancement; older individuals who have time to study for personal enjoyment and enrichment; community-minded citizens who want to become more effective members of society; homemakers with limited blocks of time to attend classes; and adults who want to move into new career fields.
The entire interdisciplinary program is based on individualized, student-designed programs of study. By design, the Adult Degree Program has no prepared curriculum. Each student is assisted in creating an individualized program which incorporates a professional core concentration of at least 30 hours and includes all elements necessary for earning a degree. The liberal studies requirement for students in the Adult Degree Program is more flexible than that of traditional students.