External Degree Program
(Distance Learning)

MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR CAMPUS

Since 1979, the External Degree Program has offered, to students 23 years or older, an opportunity to complete a BA or BS degree through independent guided study, without the need to attend regular classes on campus. The program is designed especially for those whose work or family commitments make it difficult for them to follow a regular weekly academic calendar or those who have difficulty attending classes on-campus. Traditional course work is presented in a flexible and convenient format.

Currently, approximately 3 out of 4 students complete their program and graduate.

In 1995, the External Degree Program offered its first on-line course, Business Policy, to students with access to the Internet. Advising is also available by email.

Students applying to the External Degree Program are required to demonstrate their ability to complete college-level academic assignments with little direct faculty supervision. This is normally done through strong high school academic records and at least 12 credits of prior college study. Those whose academic preparation is not yet sufficient for independent study will be required to complete some on-campus courses in mathematics and/or writing before enrolling in External Degree courses.

Students in the External Degree Program enroll in one to five courses per semester, depending on their personal schedules and abilities. The program offers three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Prior to each semester, students consult their academic advisors for guidance in selecting courses. Academic counseling is also available throughout the semester as a supportive, on-going service.

"The External Degree Program afforded me the opportunity to reach a goal I had set for myself many years ago. I graduated in 1995 with a degree in Psychology. Although taking courses externally requires a great deal of self-discipline, the reward for me was the satisfaction I experienced as I reached each plateau. Earning my degree was worth all the effort and sacrifice that was required." Anne R. Pecha B.A. Psychology Class of 1995

External Degree students are required to be on campus only for the External Degree Saturday at the beginning of each semester. On Saturday morning, new students attend an orientation program, socialize with fellow students during a reception breakfast, and participate in workshops designed to enhance their college experience. All students meet with the faculty and receive an overview of the material to be covered, criteria by which their work will be evaluated, and dates that assignments are due. They also attend departmental meetings and learn of recent developments and career options in their academic fields.

Throughout the semester, students learn through tutorial study augmented by interaction with the faculty via phone and personal conferences, mail-in assignments, audio, video, and computer technologies.

Many students elect to combine External Degree courses with some on-campus courses, thus enabling them to carry more credits per semester while balancing their college and personal lives.

DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED
THROUGH EXTERNAL DEGREE COURSES

• "Through my participation in the External Degree Program at Caldwell College, with its unique flexible structure and one-on-one instruction, I earned much more than a degree in my major. The self-discipline and sense of determination, which I acquired in order to be successful, afforded me not only a greater understanding of myself, but also allowed me to uncover previously unrecognized abilities." Nora A. Neary B.S. Business Administration and Certificate in Religious Studies Class of 1993

  Art
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Computer Information Systems
• Communication Arts
• Criminal Justice
• English
• French*
• History
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social Studies
• Spanish*
• Theology

Note: Some on-campus course work is required for the majors in Art, Communication Arts, and Computer Information Systems.
*Fluency (oral and written) required. See application form.