The adult degree program (ADP) at Goddard College in Vermont is a nontraditional program for students over 26 who once started but never completed work toward their BA degree. Goddard offers parttime study, with no grades, required courses, texts, lecture halls, or residency requirements. (Author/PG)

Los Angeles' International College is a small, private, unaccredited college with 174 students and without classrooms, library or student center. Its chief assets are the intellects and worldwide reputations of many of its tutors who work closely with student apprentices. (LBH)

The Humanities External Degree Program at California State University, Dominguez Hills, is a fully accredited, interdisciplinary program offering both a bachelor's and a master's degree and waiving all attendance requirements. Its curriculum, procedures, and emphasis on independent study are described.

Modeled on the British Open University, Everyman's has adapted the idea of learning at a distance to Israel's particular needs. Focus is on self-instructional texts and kits and home laboratories for courses like electronics. Students also get staff help, have radio or television lessons, and attend regional study centers. (LBH)

In 1977, the National Institute of Education commissioned a study to address consumer protection concerns regarding external degree programs. Important findings are summarized and include the conclusion that the opportunity to have credits accepted for prior college work is a major attraction to external degree seekers. (JMD)

The Regents External Degree Program of the University of the State of New York, Thomas A. Edison College, and the Board for State Academic Awards of Connecticut are external degree institutions serving new functions in American higher education. Without admissions requirements, they are making higher education available to many who could not…

Controversies and problems plaguing Nova University and especially its off-campus colleges, which grant diplomas in 23 states, are examined. Criticisms include claims that masters and doctoral degrees are handed out too readily, admission policies are ill defined, and instructors are not qualified. Nova's severe financial difficulty is also…

Britain's Open University is described as an open admissions university that does not compromise academic standards, a technological system that delivers a traditional education, and a distance learning institution that approximates on a mass scale the tutorial relationship of older British universities. (MLW)