Deciding on Adult Continuing Education
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a College or University
Dec 23, 2008
Many adults that are already in the work force are discovering that in order to advance in a current job or to switch to an entirely different field of employment, it is necessary to further education. To complicate the situation, most adults are already established in a relationship where there is little free time to dedicate to going back to school.
The questions is no longer "if" the individual can achieve an adult education, but rather "how" she can finish a course of study and still meet the requirements of her busy life? Here are a few suggestions on how to choose the right type of school that will supply the needs of an adult.
Know Your Purpose for Going Back to School
This is a critical question. Other questions related to your purpose for returning to school include:
- Are you going back to school to be able to advance further in the job or career that you are currently in?
- Are you attempting to re-train yourself for a new career and thus meet the minimum requirements of the new job?
- How much time can you devote to completing a course of study or obtaining a degree?
Each of these questions will dictate the type of adult education institution you select. It can be a daunting task to wade through all of the various curricula that are offered both online and on campus. The important thing is to make sure that you base your choice on what it is you want to achieve rather than what the school says it can do for you. If what you want is not offered, then find a school that does have what you want rather than trying to make something fit.
Options for Attending Continuing Education Classes
Devoting time to furthering education is an important decision. Consider the following questions, as you debate attending classes on campus or online.
- Is there time in the day (or night) for you to go to classes?
- Is the school close, or is there a considerable amount of travel time involved?
- Does your chosen field require hands-on experience?
If you choose a traditional type college curriculum, then you must adjust your schedule to what the school offers. If this is not feasible then a college that offers an online course of study should be considered. There are many well known traditional colleges and universities that offer adult education online. There are also a growing number of educational institutions that specialize in degrees that can be obtained via the Internet.
Choosing an Accredited Institution
Whether it is an online school or even a traditional college, make sure that the courses offered are valid and accepted by the general educational system at large or by the job market. There are several specialty and trade oriented schools that offer courses that are non-transferable outside of the institution. If an individual plans to further her education beyond the current school, it is extremely important to find out which of the offered courses are accredited and transferable.
Curriculum Considerations
Compare the various curricula that are offered to see which ones best fit your specific needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
- What types of classes are required for graduation?
- Does the curriculum offer "hands on" experiences, or does all the instruction occur online?
- Will you be required to take rudimentary courses?
Remember, many schools (both adult and continuing education) cater to those individuals who are after a specific type of career, and thus concentrate the course of study so that it eliminates what they consider extraneous classes such as English and History. If you are seeking a technological based career then make sure that there is access to laboratories that will facilitate the necessary hands-on skills.
Of course, these are just a few of the many questions that need to be answered when choosing an adult continuing education school that is right for you. But if you take the time to research these questions, you will discover answers to many of the unasked questions you may have.
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