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Health & Fitness

Can Colleges Meet the Needs of Today's Student

Life is over-scheduled for students today especially college students.  Between work shifts, family responsibilities and personal time, college students today are hard pressed to find time for higher education.  Recent studies have shown that students need more flexibility from their schools.  They need courses that apply directly to their career goals and that can be completed on their terms.  “Traditional” students are no longer 18-22 year old coeds planning out how to spend spring break and their parents’ money.  The new college student is self-sufficient.  They are aware of the personal and financial commitment that a college degree requires.

 

So how are universities responding?

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Institutions like Nyack College have begun to roll out a series of programs to help students reach their academic goals both online and in the classroom.

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Combined Bachelors and Masters Programs

The traditional pathway of higher education included completing a 4-year degree and then a 2- or 3-year graduate degree.  This is a huge investment of time and money.  Students who are interested in fields such as nursing and education can research programs that give them both degrees in a comprehensive program.  In many schools, senior year of undergraduate work and the first year of the master’s program are combined.  This way, students get the practical knowledge that they need and finish with a degree that can command a higher salary.

 

Online Degrees from Traditional Schools

Institutions like Phoenix University have made their name as an online college.  However with the growing demand for internet courses, traditional “brick and mortar” schools have begun to wade through the digital realm of online classes.  Schools like Nyack which has a history dating back to 1882 are offering choice programs that gives students flexible schedules.  Universities have responded to the adult learner who wants an MBA or an MSOL.  By joining these programs from established institutions, students get both scheduling flexibility and the valuable name of an accredited college on their diploma.  An added bonus, degrees such as Organizational Management allow students with associate degrees to get their bachelor’s degree online in one year.

 

With busy schedules students can choose schools that can give the best experience.  The system is changing and students can take advantage of this so-called new age of the new traditional student.

 

 

Melissa Ruttanai is the social media coordinator at Nyack College and editor of the blog Life at Nyack.  The ideas were created by the author, a woman who is a “professional” student with zero debt.

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