Adult studies program enriches lives, careers
This is a year of milestones for Southern Wesleyan University. The new year not only brings more centennial festivities for the 100-year-old Christian-based university, but it also marks the 20th anniversary of its Adult and Graduate Studies program; the first of its kind in the Upstate area.
Southern Wesleyan’s Adult and Graduate Studies program was founded in 1986, with its first cohort containing 12 students interested in earning their bachelor of science degrees in management of human resources. Today, the program consists of more than 2,000 students enrolled in six degree programs at learning centers in seven South Carolina cities.
“Our growth during past two decades has been phenomenal. Thousands of students have graduated with more hopeful futures,” said Dan Holland, interim vice president of the Adult and Graduate Studies program. “We continue to maintain an 85 percent retention rate because of our dedication and commitment to providing our adults with a quality education and a Christian perspective.”
The university’s Dec. 10, 2005, commencement ceremony included 413 graduates from the Adult and Graduate Studies program. It marked the 42nd graduation since May of 1988 at which Adult and Graduate Studies students have received degrees from Southern Wesleyan University.
“Fueling a passion for learning is our goal. Our adult students understand that their commitment to continue their education will be met by Southern Wesleyan’s commitment to help them achieve their goals,” Holland said.
The Adult and Graduate Studies program provides a unique accelerated learning system for working adults who are unable to commit to a traditional full-time schedule. The various associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs can be completed in as little as 24 months. Classes are designed specifically for the learning style of working adults, including small classes of 13 – 22 students and course work with real world application. Students meet one night each week for four hours of instruction and work together in groups of three to five once per week to complete assignments, enhance learning and strengthen team-building skills.
A recent study by Arizona State University shows that higher education represents an economic investment with a 5 percent higher return than the long-run average annual return on stocks. According to the study, many people under invest in education and therefore don’t reach their economic potential.
Many Southern Wesleyan adult students express their eagerness to reach their economic potential, but don’t want to sacrifice their spiritual values. Southern Wesleyan has been focused on helping working adults recognize and reach that potential for the past 20 years.
Southern Wesleyan University’s Adult and Graduate degree program offers opportunities at the main campus in Central, as well as at campuses in Greenville, Columbia, North Augusta, Charleston, Spartanburg and Greenwood.
Current degree offerings include the Associate of Science in Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Management, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education and Master of Science in Management.
For details about the Adult and Graduate Studies degree program, please call 1-800-808-1653, or go to www.swu.edu/ags