Concordia University’s School of Adult Education is charged with carrying the mission of the University to the non-traditional adult student. Like the traditional degree programs, the programs in the School of Adult Education are founded in the Christian Liberal Arts tradition of the University.

However, the program is very much tailored to the needs and unique capabilities of the adult learner. For instance, classes are offered at locations near students’ homes or work. Classes are offered in an accelerated evening format. Three credits can be earned in four to six weeks (eight weeks in the Masters Program) with classes meeting once per week. In addition, students can earn credit in a variety of modalities from the traditional classroom setting to college level learning experiences obtained through their career or even hobbies.

The adult student and the traditional post high school age student differ in that the former has benefited from years of life experience and then sought the academic education, while the traditional student first receives the education and then the life experience. Thus, the needs of the adult learner are different; socialization, for instance, plays a much greater role in the academic life of the traditional student and, indeed, accounts for much of the necessity for extended contact hours. Adults, on the other hand, are interested in cutting right to the essence of a topic and are capable of processing greater amounts of material over much shorter periods of time.

We are often asked what the difference is between Concordia’s programs and those of other accelerated adult degree programs. We are often asked how we get as much accomplished in a four to six week schedule as one does in a traditional semester. If one views the adult educational paradigm as merely an accelerated version of a traditional semester, then the format fails - it lacks academic integrity. If, however, one considers the paradigm as a “distance learning” or “independent study” format to which are added 16 to 24 hours of classroom experience, then one will have a better understanding of the adult learning process. It is expected and required that the majority of the learning will occur outside the classroom through directed independent study.

A hallmark of all adult education degree programs is a strong emphasis on the direct applicability of the course material to the students’ careers. Our majors accomplish this admirably. In addition, and this is the key difference, our entire program is infused with the liberal arts conveyed in a Lutheran Christian context.

The goal in adult education is personal development. The University has identified nine competencies or areas in which this should occur: aesthetic sensibilities, communication skills, cultural understanding, numeracy, problem solving, physical development, spiritual development, scientific literacy, and citizenship. Growth in these areas occurs throughout the program of study and is measured and documented by the school’s comprehensive assessment plan.