About the ADCP

Eastern Mennonite University recognizes that the traditional semester format does not always accommodate the educational needs or lifestyles of adults. The Adult Degree Completion Program is designed to fit the lives of people who have full-time lives already--people who are busy with professional and/or family commitments.

The Adult Degree Completion Program at EMU is distinct from other degree-completion programs. The enrolled students are considered a "cohort group" and participate in the entire series of courses as a group. Students enjoy learning with other adults. The program is accelerated and tailored for a mature, interactive learning style. Principles of honesty, fairness and ethics shape classroom discussions.

Another unique feature of the program is EMU's cross-cultural requirement, which is designed to develop cross-cultural understanding and global awareness through an experience in a different culture. Students in the Adult Degree Completion Program participate in a weekend cross-cultural experience.

In EMU's Adult Degree Completion Program, you will:

• Improve your communication skills--both written and oral--through analytical writing assignments and class discussion.
• Increase your self-confidence.
• Strengthen your perception skills.
• Improve your ability to accept the learning and work styles of other people.
• Become a more valuable employee, perhaps earning a promotion right away.

The Adult Degree Completion Program has the following features:

• Classes are held one night each week for about 15 months to 16 months.
• Course content is focused on practical application to your occupation.
• The program capitalizes on your prior experiences and skills and in some cases offers academic credit for these experiences and skills.

EMU's program includes weekly reading and writing assignments. A "portfolio" and "project thesis" or "applied research project" complete the requirements. You are assigned a three-person support system--an academic coordinator, a major professor or nursing advisor, and an assessment counselor--for assistance throughout your participation in the program.

The portfolio component allows you to earn credit for life-learning by writing papers and documenting professional training that specifies what you have learned. The papers and documentation--collected in the portfolio alongside your resume, transcripts, diplomas and any achievement certificates--demonstrate accomplishments and shows how learning in your personal and professional life transfers to the academic arena.

In the project thesis/applied research project component, a problem in the workplace is identified. You choose from three approaches to solving the problem and implementing the solution. This capstone project enables the student to demonstrate the breadth and depth of learning that has taken place through the program. This is a beneficial experience for you as well as your employer. If working on a problem in the workplace is impractical, you may also choose to work with an area non-profit organization.