Pathways to New Careers
Continuing Education Options for Adults Desiring to Change Careers
Sep 10, 2008
The surge in the number of adults desiring to continue their education or change careers has produced increased competition for graduate school. This has led to development of a number of post-baccalaureate (Post-Bac) programs. These are sometimes referred to as “in-between” programs.
Post-Bac programs are designed to give adults a chance to prepare for an advanced degree program or earn a certificate as they acquire knowledge to pursue a new career. A Post-Bac program provides adults with the opportunity to build a portfolio of experience and knowledge as they participate in courses and internships.
These programs are ideal for adults who earned a bachelor’s degree early in their life and want to take a one year program certificate to prepare for a new career. This option is offered by several universities and colleges. All or part of the program can be completed through distance learning in some cases.
A Post-Baccalaureate Program
There are many types of Post-Bac programs for adults to participate in and further their education for pursuing career changes. The following is an example of a Post-Bac program:
The University of Pennsylvania has a Post-Bac program in Classical Studies. Currently, the percentage of students enrolled in the Classical Studies Post-Bac who have been out of college for more than four years is around 20 percent.
The number of applications for the program has climbed rapidly in the last few years. Still, admission is limited to 30-35 students per year to avoid overcrowding.
One student, Nishimura-Jensen, enrolled in the program stated, “A year devoted to the concentrated, supervised study of languages cannot but improve a student’s credentials for further work.”(University Continuing Education Association, Interview, June 2008)
Additional Post-Baccalaureate Programs
The following are brief descriptions of a variety Post-Bac programs available for adults who are seeking additional certified education for changing careers:
- Johns Hopkins University’s Post-Bac Premedical Program (MD) gives college graduates and professionals the opportunity to take the required courses for admission to leading medical schools. Their program provides the science background knowledge for any adult who wants to attend medical school and does not have a degree in science.
- Western Washington University’s Vehicle Research Institute Post-Bac Program (WA) introduces adults to the world of vehicle design and provides the basic engineering theory to pursue a career as car design engineer.
- Drew University’s Post-Bac Second Major Program (NJ) offers college graduates the opportunity to complete in-depth coursework in an academic study area to earn a bachelor’s degree in a second major.
- University of Hawaii’s Post-Bac Special Education Program (HI) to any adult desiring a teaching license in special education.
- Northwestern University’s Post-Bac Programs (IL) are offered in 29 different subjects. Their program is designed to help adults build their academic resumes in preparation for graduate study or changing careers.
- Cleveland State University’s Post-Bac Program (OH) is tailored by each adult enrolled in the program to meet their own goals. Many of their students take refresher courses in the math and science, along with enrolling in a large variety of other courses.
These post-baccalaureate programs are ideal for adults considering changing careers and need additional education to meet the new career’s requirements. Many of these programs provide the work experience they need through internships.
All of these Post-Baccalaureate programs help adults develop a better resume and/or portfolio so they are more marketable in a new career field.
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