This is a brief review of the development of the external degree program in New York State and in England. The author suggests that American universities may wish to consider the external degree as a device for taking higher education out to new markets. (Editor)

The presence or lack of the teaching function, the use of unconventional delivery systems, and the principle of student-directed learning are three sources of differentiation among nontraditional programs. (Editor)

Continuing education for rural Americans is seen as a "step-child" to conventional on-campus programs. Elements of the British Open University are explored with the view of adapting them to American rural continuing education. (KR)

Regents External Degrees make it possible for an individual to earn a college degree without the constraints of time or locale, and without necessarily attending college. He or she need only demonstrate college-level competency in a Regents External Degree Program. Credit is granted for a variety of educational experiences--from military training,…

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)

Florida International University (FIU), The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and Eagle University (Kentucky) have designed programs to meet the needs of nontraditional students. Eagle University, composed of nine universities from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida, extends educational opportunities to servicemen and community members of Fort…

An external degree is one that may be earned outside the central structure of a college or university. The most common form of external degree program is the evening college in which students, who are usually working adults, meet the standard requirements for a four-year degree by taking a part-time program after work. No allowances are made in…

The Metropolitan Institute of Community Services (MICS) centralizes and expands all community service programs formerly offered independently by Metropolitan Community College District (Kansas City, Missouri) colleges. MICS, the fourth college in the District, is dedicated to community services and modeled not on existing structures, but on…

The British Open University is described in the first section of this paper as a multi-media system for teaching at a distance. Details are provided on the texts and other materials mailed to the students, the radio and television broadcasts provided by the British Broadcasting Company, and on the auxiliary sources of assistance offered to the…

The steps which led to the establishment of the Open University in Great Britain and the intentions of its founders are first described, with particular attention paid to the needs it was intended and not intended to meet. Following this is an examination of the evidence to date of the University's success in reaching its target student…

Through a combination of prior coursework, contract learning, credit for experience, standardized tests, and other methods of evaluating prior learning, the Empire State College (New York) allows adults to complete undergraduate degree requirements. The nonresidential institution serves students throughout the state, with faculty in over 40…