Understanding the fundamental tenets and structure of the accreditation process can assist institutions in the design of high-quality degree programs while affording adult students a reasonable level of consumer protection.

The nursing programs offered as part of the New York State Regents External Degree programs are highlighted including a brief historical review and description of the nursing program. (JMF)

The need to build experiential learning into external degree programs is examined in terms of the framework identifying the functions of experiential elements of a program. Successful forms are defined and models of these are described. (JMF)

This discussion paper addresses the impact of major trends in certification and credentialing on community colleges. Most community colleges are familiar with traditional credentialing and certification. However, changes in the number of people seeking higher education as a means to a better economic future and the shifting skill requirements of…

The nontraditional education movement in postsecondary education has presented new problems for accreditation in terms of results vs process, governance, the rise of entrepreneurs, and territoriality. (JMF)

A variety of external degree programs and the unique characteristics of administration are discussed. (JMF)

External degree programs present problems to the coordination of higher education in the states. It should be the function of recognized accreditation agencies and the institutions to assure quality programs. Only as a last resort should the states step in to coordinate. (JMF)

Describes programs that allow adult students to acquire academic credit without attending formal classes. Instead, students can study part-time, at home and at their own pace, and also earn credit for knowledge, experience, and noncollegiate courses. (NRJ)

Lifelong learning has great political and social implications for formal educational institutions. Imported from Europe, lifelong education stresses education for all ages offered at the time the learner needs the competencies being taught and supplied by the society as a whole rather than just from the schools. The forces that produce the growing…

This article compares and contrasts various types of external degree and nontraditional graduate programs including their organization, objectives, and problems. (JMF)

It is suggested that student learning through cooperative education programs should be evaluated in terms of stated objectives, and that it should be the basis for awarding degree credit. Purposes of, responsibility for, time of, and means of evaluation are discussed. (Author/LBH)

Makes a case for United States community college baccalaureate degrees by focusing on the Canadian college and university system, which allows its community colleges to grant baccalaureate degrees. Argues that more students will earn bachelors degrees at lower costs to both students and taxpayers without disrupting the community college mission.…

Economic and organizational aspects of adult and continuing education in Great Britain are examined in this report. After chapter 1 introduces various economic approaches to educational policy, chapter 2 reviews the costs and consequences of policies relating to recurrent education and study leave, adult education and training, paid educational…

This paper focuses on the discussion of community colleges as baccalaureate-degree granting institutions. The discussion is based on research projects undertaken in both the U.S. and Canada that investigate the institutionalization of degree programs at community colleges. Colleges in British Columbia and Alberta are baccalaureate as well as…

Adults often prefer self-directed learning over teacher-directed, classroom-oriented learning. They feel that their life experiences and self-initiated projects teach them more than they can learn in a formal classroom situation. Persons usually do not pursue such self-directed learning, however, because of conflicting role requirements, a lack of…