College Planning for Adults

Students who have a clear idea of what degree they would like spend less time and money on unnecessary classes.

What type of credential do you need to accomplish your career goals?

Certificate 1 year
Certificate programs vary in length but often they are the quickest route to a credential. At most community colleges, you will need 20-30 credits to complete a certificate. If you take three to four classes a semester, you will be done in one year.

The courses that make up a certificate program are very specific. For example, if you are doing a certificate in radiology, you will not have to take a class in U.S. History. You will only need to take classes that are directly related to radiology.

Associates, AA/AS 2 – 5 years
In order to complete an Associates degree, you will need to complete up to or more than 60 credits. If you attend school full time each semester – it would take you two years to complete this degree. Most nontraditional adult college students, however, attend part time and complete the degree within four or five years.

Bachelors, BA/BS 4 – 6 years
The minimum amount of time to complete a Bachelor’s degree is four years. As with the other credentials, the number of credits for this degree depends on the school you choose to attend. In general, you will need to complete 120 credits to get your Bachelors and, as a part time student, it might take you up to six years to complete the degree.

You cannot get a Bachelor’s degree at a two year community college, however, you may be able to put your credits from the Associates degree towards a Bachelor’s degree. Talk with your advisor about this option.

If you are from another country:

If you have a degree (credentials) from your country, it may not be easy to verify your educational and work background, and your job skills. This is called recredentialing. Some professions require that you take a board test and get a license, like nurses and physicians. It’s a little easier for people from some other professions when it’s possible to show your skills.

Private organizations will do credential evaluations for a fee. You can search on the Internet or in the phone book under credential evaluations for these businesses. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services is one organization: http://www.naces.org/

Some documents to bring with you to your recredentialing appointment:

• Copies of your diplomas and transcripts from high school and college or university
• Copies of other certifications or licenses
• A professional resume showing your work experience in your profession, if you have one
• Syllabi, catalogs, bulletins, or course descriptions, if you have those

These documents can have useful information to prove your education and work background.

One suggestion is to take one or two courses in your field to refresh your knowledge, and to show employers that you have educational experience in the US related to the job.

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