If you’re considering your options for going back to college, you may be wondering how to efficiently, effectively and strategically obtain a bachelor’s degree as a busy adult learner — and you’re in luck!
Academic institutions that understand the real value of a college degree are increasingly offering flexible college completion options that are sometimes called adult undergraduate programs.
So what is an adult undergraduate program? In short, it’s a college degree completion program that is specifically designed for working adults seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree in a flexible manner.
Adult undergraduate programs prioritize your unique needs as an older student going back to college. These programs are designed to help you earn a college degree without disrupting your already busy schedule.
Are you thinking about going back to college? Learn about your options with our resource: Everything You Need to Know About Going to College as an Adult
If you’re looking for an adult undergraduate program that offers unmatched flexibility and that will help you advance your career by first earning a college degree, keep reading to learn more — you’re in the right place.
Understanding Adult Undergraduate Programs
Our professional landscape is always changing, and members of the workforce have different needs now than they did even five years ago.
Every year, thousands of workers choose to go back to school to obtain a four-year degree in hopes of securing a more lucrative career, landing a more advanced role or countless other reasons. Busy adults thinking about college used to have limited options, but forward-thinking academic institutions have adapted with the times to bring prospective adult college students accessible options for earning a college degree.
Often offered in flexible completion formats with weekend, evening or online courses, adult undergraduate students complete coursework in a way that makes sense for their busy schedules.
Now, let’s talk about ways that you can succeed as an adult student going back to school.
Tips for Succeeding in Adult Undergraduate Programs
Everyone’s education journey is different, but some challenges related to returning to school are unique to adult undergraduate students.
We’ve collected some tips to help you make the most of your time in school so that you can feel confident in your decision to pursue a four-year degree.
Communicate your needs
Earning a college degree is an adjustment for anyone — but especially for working adults. As you adjust to your new schedule and commitments, you should communicate with your professors and your employer (and your family) in order to set expectations for how you will balance work, school and personal obligations.
Your support system can help you easily transition to a new schedule and adapt to increased responsibilities, but you will need to communicate ahead of time to ensure that you will get the support you need — both professionally and personally.
Pace yourself and be kind to yourself
Everyone’s completion timeline is different when going back to school. For various reasons, you may find that you can take more credits one semester compared to another – it’s okay to pace yourself!
As you’re building your class schedule, be realistic about the time you can commit to school and your other responsibilities. In short, it’s essential to be flexible and patient as you take on the additional responsibilities that come with earning a college degree.
If you feel yourself struggling with burnout or anxiety, take a step back and remind yourself of the valuable investment you’re making in your professional and personal future. It’s okay to fail sometimes, and as long as you keep your eye on the prize, you will find it easier to power through when you face the challenges of earning a college degree amidst your other responsibilities.
Connect with others
You’re not alone in your decision to return to school. Chances are, other adult undergraduate students have some of the same concerns and worries as you.
For this reason, try to be intentional about connecting with peers in your program. Make connections with other students who are in a similar stage of life as you and support one another.
You can also see if there are any events on your campus that are specifically for adult undergraduate students. Your decision to invest in your career should be celebrated, so try to find other people with whom to share your challenges and accomplishments.
Adult Undergraduate Programs at Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles
At Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, we understand the importance of having flexible degree completion programs that put our adult learners’ needs first. That’s why we offer a variety of adult undergraduate programs that can be completed with either weekend, evening and online courses (or some combination of all three). Our Weekend/Evening & Online College offers degree programs and unmatched support for our adult students.
Pro Tip: Our adult undergraduate program courses are taught by the same faculty that teach our traditional undergraduate/graduate students, so you’re not sacrificing any quality by choosing a flexible degree completion program at the Mount.
It’s time to prioritize your future and join a university that will help you succeed. For more information on going back to school as an adult learner, you can schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor.
Or, if you’re ready to start investing in your career, start your online application now.
|
If you’re thinking about going back to college, then download our guide to learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Going to College as an Adult.
|
