Back to School Fever At Southwestern

Lenora Kukome  (posted 3/10/04)

 

Have you completed your undergraduate degree? Would you like to upgrade your skills to get a better job? Or maybe you have back to school fever, like the 200 plus students enrolled in the Adult Degree Program at Southwestern Adventist University.

 

The SWAU Adult Degree Program (ADP) began in 1976. In the past ten years the program enrollment numbers have doubled. “Currently more than 40 professors are offering their classes by independent study,” said Larry Philbeck, Director of the ADP. “These professors make quality education available to students who live away from the University.”

Although many people have heard about the ADP, some do not know how it works. Motivated individuals with other responsibilities in their life can now pursue higher education by inquiring and completing the SWAU requirements. Next, a prospective student attends an admission seminar at SWAU specifically for ADP students.  Students register for classes and set up a financial plan that is right for them. Last, books are purchased and the teachers begin to communicate with the students. Meanwhile, the lectures on video or DVD, syllabus, and other class assignments are sent by mail and/or email.

 

            Southwestern joins six of the twelve Adventist colleges and universities in the US, who have organized distance education programs. “We recently received a grant to update the technology used to offer classes by distance learning,” said Philbeck. “We are now offering series of class lectures recorded on DVD as an alternative to VHS.” Philbeck says the quality is better and they are easier to handle.

 

            The ADP at Southwestern offers convenience and ease for students who want to earn a quality Adventist education from home. Being able to work at your own pace with a University that provides advice and support makes the entire program a success.

 

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