This guide for adults who are seeking external degrees offers guidance for selecting such a program and a listing of 140 accredited programs. The five chapters of part 1 provide an introduction to external degree opportunities. Chapter 1 briefly considers the multiple ways in which today's adults can continue their education. Chapter 2 explains how external degree programs operate including such aspects as assessment of prior learning, contract learning, distance education, and nontraditional degree programs. Chapter 3 stresses the importance of institutional accreditation, describes types of accreditation and accrediting bodies, and discusses state regulation of colleges and universities. A table summarizes relevant statutes by state. Chapter 4 considers the problem of diploma mills, their characteristics, their promotional tactics, their policies, external degree program abuses, and accreditation claims. Chapter 5 provides specific guidelines for choosing an external degree program. Part 2 lists accredited programs by state and institution. Listings usually provide: institution name and address/phone numbers, degrees offered, program mission, accreditation, admission requirements, required campus time, tuition and fees, credit awards for prior learning, and a description. Indexes include a subject index for part 1, an index to institutions by fields of study, and an alphabetical list of institutions.(DB)