Missouri Southern’s Adult Degree Completion program (ADC) celebrates its third year this fall. Established in the Fall 2022, the program is designed to support adult learners who want to graduate from college. Whether they were unable to finish their degree because of life circumstances or responsibilities, ADC aims to help adults earn their degree in an accelerated, affordable, and accessible way.
“We wanted a program that would recognize the knowledge and skills adult learners have already acquired from their work or life experiences,” said Dr. Will Mountz, director of the Adult Degree Completion program. “We do our best to leverage that learning towards college credit, helping them to graduate sooner.”
ADC initially focused on supporting adults who previously earned college credit or those on academic probation or suspension, but now the program has grown to include any adult learner who wants to pursue their degree. Students may also use their work or life experience to earn credit. Since its start, the program has graduated several students and has 50 currently enrolled.
“It is our goal to support students facing challenges to achieving their educational goals by providing or connecting them to resources,” said Mountz. “Encouraging and facilitating lifelong learning is central to a university’s mission.”
Within the last three years, ADC has developed institutional and community partnerships, offering Applied Behavioral Analysis and nutrition certifications with plans to expand their options. ADC has also partnered with the Adult Learner Network to provide leadership to help adult learners earn their degrees statewide.
“Further developing these partnerships helps us better serve our adult learners, said Mountz. “Helping them achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals remains central to everything we do.”
Those who are interested in applying to the program may visit the ADC website www.mssu.edu/adc and submit an inquiry form or email ADC@mssu.edu.
