Competency-based higher education focuses on workplace competencies and often enables students to progress at their own pace. The university in this case study decided to pursue competency-based education (CBE) to offer working adults a convenient, self-paced way to earn a bachelor's degree. The mission of the university--to provide open access to…

Groups of 30 students each in an algebra minicourse and semester course and 45 each in an accounting minicourse and semester course showed no significant differences in course grade point average or overall average. Students choosing the intensive minicourse format were generally older, indicating that adults find this format more useful and…

Describes a number of programs designed to help adults, mainly women, get back into the educational system through short courses to prepare them for return to work, self-development, or higher education. Different institutions' courses vary but all include recognition of counseling needs and approach at a mature level. (MF)