This document reports on the May 24, 1973 conference at the University of Washington concerning the external degree. Emphasis is placed on the future needs of higher education, the external degree, the student population for the external degree, England's Open University, and external degree models in Colorado, California, New Jersey, and…

Examines the background of external degree programs in Germany and proposes a model that includes a critical discussion of various organizational forms for teaching university courses at a distance. (Author/IRT)

Three critical areas in academic planning are discussed. These areas are: (1) Modal Learning Programs; (2) Accountability Learning Systems; and (3) Non-Campus Degree Programs. Included in advantages of modal learning programs are: (1) an individualized, prescriptive approach to learning; (2) the breakdown of the wall between school and life; (3) a…

A study of faculty attitudes toward external degrees at the University of Michigan reports a generally positive response. Relevant literature is reviewed, receptivity scores are reported, and a predictive model accounting for 74 percent of the variance in receptivity is described.(Author/MLW)

The development of external studies programs in higher education, utilizing instructional design technology, is hypothesized to require the interaction of faculty content experts and curriculum specialists in a special type of development process. A model is proposed to include: (1) delineation of individual roles, (2) specification of the…

This project explores a number of external degree models that could be offered to non-credentialed persons who are providing (or who want to provide) human services to older persons in New York State. Although the project was carried out in New York, the models could be applied in other settings as well. The initial motivation for the project had…

Briefly outlines the early history of distance education programs in the 1960s, emphasizing the success of the Open University in the United Kingdom. Discusses 10 individual models of virtual universities that are international in scope. (JKP)

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)

The papers presented include: "The Union Graduate School Experience" (King V. Cheek); "Some Observations on the Nova University Experience" (Sebastian V. Martorana); "Higher Education and Human Equality" (Howard R. Bowen); "Benefits for Personal Development from Going to College" (Joseph Katz): and "A…

Focus is on adult education counseling. Models of collaboration are presented, counselling goals are defined, and the work of the Educational Resources and Information Centre of the Open University in Wales and other developments in adult counseling in the United Kingdom are described. (JMD)

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 author discusses a possible framework for the development of continuing education through the production of learning materials at the local level, developing models, and the leadership role of the Open University in continuing education. (Author/BP)

A study was conducted to determine if a market of potential students for an external Associate of Arts degree in general education existed and to develop a model for such a degree program. The extent to which a potential market existed was ascertained by surveying a sample (n=255) of adult students enrolled in non-credit programs offered by…

Survey data were collected from Illinois pharmacists to assess interest in an PharmD program. A discriminant analysis showed how employer support, reasons for participation, personal commitment and demographic characteristics contribute to explaining group variance of likely participants. It was found that external program design factors would be…

A Quality Assurance Program (QAP) developed at the College of St. Francis is presented that is based on an open systems approach. The model allows an institution to continually monitor, evaluate, and, when necessary, modify its academic programs, graduates or undergraduate, traditionally or non-traditionally delivered, to assure quality. Part I…