A five-year study of the bachelor of science in nursing program at Regents College documents the plausibility and efficacy of a program in which learning is self-directed and acquired primarily through resources external to the institution and which is validated and certified by objective assessment instruments and procedures. (JOW)

The extended or external degree approach is considered as a method by which registered nurses may complete a baccalaureate degree. (Author/RK)

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 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…

Describes the unique external degree'' program offered by the regents of the New York State University to anyone who can pass appropriate proficiency examinations, with or without attending college. (Author/JH)

Describes a unique external degree program at the University of South Florida, which offers to adults a bachelors degree based largely on independent study. (JH)

The Southern Illinois University at Carbondale offers a degree program in occupational education to military personnel. It is fully accredited, VA supported, and is delivered by on-campus and on-base university faculty members. Up to 40 semester hours of credit can be obtained for having competencies in an occupational specialty. (Author/NQ)

The Institute for Personal and Career Development of Central Michigan University offers external degree programs for adult learners using nontraditional study. The competency-based programs described include credit given for the educational background and relevant career-life experiences of registered nurses in Michigan. (Author/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.

The Hawaii Open Program for the Excluded (HOPE), under the sponsorship of the University of Hawaii's College of Continuing Education, is described. Reported are its study guide format, Bachelor of General Studies degree, problem areas, university faculty reaction, successes and trends, and future outlook. (LBH)

The author comments on Jonathan R. Warren's article, External Degrees: Coping with the Problems of Credit. (PG)

A comparison of graduates of Black Hawk College who transferred to Western Illinois University and those who entered the external Board of Governors degree program show significant differences in age, marital status, and employment. Few transfers considered the external degree program; few external degree enrollees considered transferring.…

A survey of associate- and bachelor-level graduates from a selected group of external degree programs (EDP) is described with emphasis on survey methodology. Likely employers of EDP graduates were also surveyed regarding their hiring and promotion policies in this study aimed at developing appropriate methods of assessing the acceptability and…