COLLEGE OF ADULT SCHOLARS
The College of Adult Scholars is a special program for highly motivated non-traditional (adult) students starting or returning to college to seek their first degree, or returning to college for further professional training by seeking a second degree or certificate of specialization. The College has its own mission, students, and tuition structure, and although the admission criteria are intended to recognize the special needs and experiences of adult learners, admission to the College is selective. Students in the College may select from nearly all the majors and programs as full-time students, and they may take courses in the evening, daytime, or both. Because of the special tuition rate offered through the College of Adult Scholars, enrollment in certain programs and daytime courses may be restricted. To qualify for the special tuition rate, a student's credit load may not exceed eleven hours during the spring and fall semesters.
Admission and Registration.
Application to the College of Adult Scholars is made through the Office of Continuing Education. Students who meet any one of the four following criteria are eligible to apply for admission: twenty-four years or older; have interrupted their formal education for more than three years; have a baccalaureate degree; or plan to take a Valparaiso University course approved and offered by the College at an offsite location. Applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree or significant prior college course work (minimum of thirty credits) with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher may be admitted unconditionally. Applicants not meeting these criteria but who show ability and promise for success may be admitted on a conditional basis. College board scores are not required, but students admitted on a conditional basis may be required to take a placement test to establish their qualification for entry into the College. The final decision for admission rests with the Dean of Continuing Education, whose judgement is based on the student's ability to benefit from the program.
Advising and registration of students in the College of Adult Scholars is done through the Office of Continuing Education. Students interested in enrolling in the College should call 219.464.5313 or visit the office in Kretzmann Hall, Room 116.
SAGE PROGRAM
The College of Adult Scholars also enrolls students in the SAGE (Senior Adult Growth through Education) program which allows seniors sixty and older, or retired, to audit courses for a fraction of the regular tuition cost.
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (61 CR.)
Students in the College of Adult Scholars have the option of pursuing the 61-credit Associate of Arts degree. This degree is particularly appropriate for students who plan to work toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. A student must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours as a College of Adult Scholar student in order to qualify for degree candidacy. Adult scholars who change to full time status with fewer than 45 credits are not eligible for the Associate of Arts degree.
A. General Education
Requirements 37-40 Cr.
1. CORE 110 5 cr.As stated on page 95, College of Adult Scholars students who have completed Level II of a foreign language in high school but have not studied that language for at least 6 full years may be allowed to count credit earned for level 101 toward the foreign language requirement. Students opting for a different language from their high school experience begin with course 101 in the new language.2. CORE 115 5 cr.
3. ENGL 200 3 cr.
4. Foundational Level Theology 3 cr.
5. Fine Arts/Fine Arts-Literature 3 cr.
6. Social Analysis 3 cr.
7. Philosophy/History 3 cr.
8. Diversity: Global or US 0-3 cr.
9. Foreign Language (one) 8 cr.
10. Natural Science
(with lab) or Mathematics 4 cr.
B. Concentrations 21 Cr
Beyond completing the general education requirements, students elect one of the following concentrations. Coursework used to meet general education requirements for the Associate of Arts degree may not be used to meet concentration requirements.
1. Culture and Humanity 21 cr.Courses from at least two of the following subjects: Art, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Communication, Music,
Courses from at least two of the following subjects: English, History, Philosophy, Theology, or Classical Civilization.2. Social and Behavioral Science 21 cr.
Courses from at least two of the following subjects: Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and approved courses in Geography (GEO 101, 102, 200, 210, 274, 301, and approved 490).3. Communication and Expressive Arts 21 cr.
From these concentrations, a student may construct the equivalent of an academic minor or, with additional coursework, an academic major that may be applied toward the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.
C. Electives 0-3 Cr.
0-3 credits of electives (depending on whether the diversity requirement was fulfilled by another course).
D. Other requirements
1. Students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 both cumulatively in all work at Valparaiso University and in their selected concentration.Students who choose to pursue a bachelor's degree must meet all the stated catalog requirements for that degree. For example, for the Bachelor of Arts degree, the following would need to be completed:2. At least 6 credits in the concentration must be taken at the 200 level or above.
3. Thirty of the last 34 credits for the degree must be completed in residence
4. Valparaiso University students must complete 45 credits as a student in the College of Adult Scholars program.
5. At least half of the concentration requirements must be completed in residence and as a student in the College of Adult Scholars program.
6. Enrollment in any course requires that the student meet the appropriate prerequisites.
1. Upper Level Theology 3 cr.In meeting the requirements for the bachelors degree, general education courses may be applied toward the student's major(s) or minor(s). Therefore, the number of major or minor elective credits may vary.2. Diversity Requirement: (remaining Global or US) 3 cr.
3. Social Analysis (from one other department) 3 cr.
4. Natural Science with Lab/Math 8 cr.
5. Physical education 101-105 1 cr.
6. Major/minor/electives 45 cr.
Coursework credits transferred from other institutions will be reviewed for equivalency on the same criteria currently used by the College of Arts and Sciences. All coursework for the Associate of Arts degree could be applied toward completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Certificate Programs
Valparaiso University offers certificates in several fields. These stand-alone programs typically range from 15 to 30 credits. Each is designed to serve the needs of a specific professional audience and as such each has its own admission requirements. Certificate students are limited to eleven credits per semester (seven during each summer session).
GEOGRAPHIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SYSTEMS
This is an interdisciplinary basic or advanced certificate (15 or 30 credits) preparing professionals for planning of space and environments in a variety of natural and human-made settings. The program emphasizes training in GIS software, its application to specific situations and its larger context of use (including policy). The certificate is appropriate for persons holding undergraduate and/or graduate degrees
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION, AND TECHNOLOGY
Software Design is a 19-credit certificate for developing proficiency in computer programming and design of software. This certificate is particularly appropriate for natural science, business, and engineering professionals needing to broaden their understanding of software design. A certified student possesses fundamental skills for general programming and in-depth knowledge of the current programming language JAVA. Graduates are able to adapt to new programming environments with a minimum of training and if desired, are prepared for entry into graduate study in computer science.
Information Technology is a 19-credit certificate on how to "use" rather than how to "design" computer systems. It combines software coursework in programming with several applications courses that deal with software systems and how they work. The program is open to any individual having an undergraduate degree (with some basic math), but is most useful to science and business majors. A certified student could work with digital communication systems as a programmer or analyst, understand communication protocols and manage computer networks or internet resources.
Digital Systems is for individuals who need to refresh or upgrade an existing engineering or science education by learning more about computer systems. This 17-credit program provides modest depth of exposure to a variety of computer engineering topics. Certified students would understand computer software and hardware well enough to apply them to their primary discipline. They would be able to design small digital circuits, write programs for both microcomputers and controllers, develop web pages and analyze computer networks.
Communication and Information Management is a 16-credit program designed for individuals wanting to develop proficiency in a variety of electronic applications related to communication and information. Certified students would possess an array of current technological skills relevant to publication, publicity, interoffice and electronic communication, and data management. They could: understand and develop websites; work with desktop publishing; create, maintain, and manipulate data files; plan and design graphic presentations, and oversee office information systems.
PUBLIC SERVICE AND LEADERSHIPS
Basic and advanced (18 or 30 credit) certificates are designed for individuals with liberal arts or professional degrees who are considering or currently working in government or the public and non-profit sectors. Both programs include coursework in government , public communication, finance, social and public policy, research methods, and administration and leadership. The advanced certificate allows further specialization in one or more of these areas.