The Adult Learner and the Applied Baccalaureate

Overview:

The Adult Learner and the Applied Baccalaureate project is designed to document the applied baccalaureate phenomenon in the United States, including the extent to which applied baccalaureate programs target adult learners. Recognizing the vital link between a healthy economy and a well-educated adult workforce, this project documents educational opportunities as well as public policy and policy-oriented initiatives associated with applied baccalaureate degrees awarded by associate degree-granting and traditional baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. The project is also designed to identify factors that influence the development and sustenance of these degree options for adult learners, and forecast the likelihood that these degrees will continue to meet the needs of adult learners seeking baccalaureate-level employment.

Goals:

The first phase of this project studied all 50 states to determine the extent to which the degrees are offered, contributing factors that led to the creation of the degrees and the decisions not to create the degrees, when applicable.

The second phase is designed to study eight states with notable policies and practices,paying particular attention at how well they address the diverse needs of adult learners.

Project Profile: