Education that Works for Working Adults
Published: April 13, 2021
Nontraditional courses at Greenville College focus on career advancement for working adults. Students balance education and employment by incorporating work experience into the classroom and utilizing online learning conveniences.
"I wanted to learn skills to further enhance the job that I already do, and prepare me for management at a higher level in the future," said Tonya Fielder, currently completing her master's in management practice from Greenville College. The management program is designed to be relevant to one's current employment. Fielder is helping her company, Crosspoint Human Services, revise its mission, vision and value statements.
"I'm just in my second class, and already I have learned so much that has enhanced my skills at work. I think the program is just perfect for working adults who have hands-on experience, and want to obtain a master's degree without having done an undergraduate degree in business," said Fielder. Integrating a real-world challenge into the classroom enhances the educational experience for many students. It also provides an added benefit for the students' employers.
Online learning has become a popular choice among teachers looking for a convenient way to continue their education. Greenville College foresees increasing demand for online endorsement courses with emphases like middle school and driver's education as well as online master's degrees.
"To be honest, I was very nervous to begin an online program.However, the advantages of the online program far outweigh its disadvantages. I like that I can work at my own pace to a certain degree, yet weekly deadlines still exist, so I never get too far off track. I also like that I can read the texts and respond to my classmates from the comfort of my own home," said Jamie Patterson, currently completing her master's degree in teacher leadership.
"I believe the courses have made me a more confident teacher and a better leader at my school," said Patterson."I also have a better understanding of current educational issues and a clearer vision of what education should be in the future."
In a struggling economy, many adults recognize the benefit of earning a bachelor's degree. Greenville's 18 month program in organizational leadership provides a unique opportunity for working adults with previous college experience to complete a bachelor's degree.
"I wanted to complete my bachelor's degree for years, but life happened. I felt that I didn't have the time, money or motivation to even start the process," said Dawn Stokes, recent graduate of the Greenville College organizational leadership program in Champaign. "The degree opened doors for me from my first interview to receiving a new job. I now have the career opportunity, pay and benefits I was striving for," said Stokes.
Greenville College is preparing for 2011 enrollment in the organizational leadership program at Edwardsville, Bloomington and online. Master's degree courses in teacher leadership and management practice will also be offered at the beginning of the year.
For more information about adult and graduate programs at Greenville College visit www.greenville.edu/adult_grad or call 888-818-4625.
