A program can serve multiple working adult segments, but “one-size-fits-all” programs rarely work. Begin student-centered program design with a specific audience in mind to ensure new offerings match prospective adult students’ career goals. See how five institutions targeted specific student segments with their professional, adult, and online education programs.
Case 1: Convenient career advancer bachelor’s degree completionThis resource is part of the Design Credentials to Meet Adult Student Needs Roadmap. Access the Roadmap for stepwise guidance with additional tools and research.
Adult-serving degree completion programs at the University of Mount Olive (UMO) demonstrate that under-served student segments exist even in crowded markets. By designing a convenient, completion-focused, and less selective offering, the University enrolled nearly four thousand students. The program aligned to an audience of professionals seeking promotion, specifically public servants in the region.
Operating from satellite locations reduced commuting to main campus and brought education to their students. Condensed terms decreased the risk a schedule change, additional responsibility, etc. would derail students’ attendance before a course ended. Subjects aligned to professional needs, such as criminal justice for police officers completing a bachelor’s for promotion, in order to ensure a return on students’ educational investment.
Established as a two-year college in 1950s900 traditional undergrad students80 miles from the highly populated Research Triangle Highly competitive elite institutions attract students nationwide22 other institutions in region Case 2: Accelerated career advancer master’s degree completionEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s MS in Aeronautics provides Air Force…