Evening degree programs (EDPs) allow working professionals the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree, usually over a four year period. As more universities make such programs available, a larger segment of the working population can improve their academic credentials, enhancing their qualifications and giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The Benefits of an Evening Degree Program
In many cases employers, recognizing the value of highly trained professionals, offer reimbursement for college programs. Although reimbursement may only be partial, students in an EDP may qualify to deduct the remainder of the costs on their tax returns, including books and fees, if the course of study is tied to professional development within their existing profession.
EDP benefits include:
- Job retention and possible insulation from lay offs
- Promotion to managerial positions that require college degrees
- Greater marketability when seeking other employment
- Remaining competitive within a particular industry
In many cases, qualifying students may receive financial aid through the university. Students should consult with program coordinators to determine if such assistance is available.
Evening Degree Programs are tailored to Working Adults
Most EDPs are broken into five or six yearly sessions featuring two or three abbreviated evening courses (generally 8 weeks each). Classes meet several times a week for 90 minutes a class session. Some programs run three or four 4-hour sessions, enabling students to take as many as three courses per session. Over a 6-session period (one year), students that complete three 4-hour classes per session will earn 54 credit hours.
Positive elements of an EDP include:
- Shorter, compact class sessions
- The ability to earn a degree in four years or less
- Smaller classes
- Supportive cohorts of like-minded professionals
- Program directors heavily involved in achieving student success rates
EDP Faculty
Although many courses are taught by full time university professors, most evening degree programs utilize adjunct instructors whose academic credentials fit the courses being taught. In many cases, part time instructors are also full time working professionals.
Bringing to the classroom real life experience as well as hands-on examples, these instructors are in an excellent position to relate the theories being taught to everyday situations. Most adjuncts are readily available before and after class for consultation and discussion of individual concerns and questions.
Evening Degree Programs Attract Serious Learners
Overall, professionals in an evening program tend to take the course requirements more seriously than the average day students and have better attendance records. As adults already in the workforce, they are frequently in positions to immediately apply what was taught in the classroom.
Evening degree programs are an excellent way for working professionals to upgrade their credentials and add significant clout to their portfolios. A three to four year commitment can result in job security, higher wages, and advancement. Employers generally react positively to professional development, especially when professionals give back a higher level of job competency.
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