[024] MTSU ADULT DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM EXPANDS TO SHELBYVILLE

July 20, 2009
CONTACT: Molly Culbreath, 931-685-4444; Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919


MTSU ADULT DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM EXPANDS TO SHELBYVILLE

New program in the fall will consider prior learning experience for college credit

Murfreesboro, TN, July 13, 2009 – The MTSU College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning is bringing the popular Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) to the new Middle Tennessee Education Center (MTEC) in Shelbyville, making the attainment of a college degree even more convenient.
MTEC is a partnership project between MTSU, Motlow State Community College and Bedford County. Through this program over 600 adult students have returned to finish a bachelor’s degree.
Students in the Adult Degree Completion Program may choose a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with concentrations in Information Technology or Organizational Leadership—or they may choose a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. Students may take classes online or at MTEC.
Beginning with the fall 2009 semester, MTSU will offer a new hybrid course (PRST 3010) for those interested in earning undergraduate college credit for prior learning.
“Hybrid courses offer the best of both worlds”, said Lance Ikard, an MTSU instructor for the course. “It combines the convenience of online education and the comfort of a few face-to-face class meetings.” Students will take most of the course online in addition to several in-person class sessions, he noted.
Prior Learning Assessment is a nationally recognized program that utilizes the value of prior learning for those who are seeking to finish their undergraduate degree. The PLA program was designed to evaluate the credit worthiness of prior learning for on-the-job training, certificate programs, seminars, corporate training, military education and other non-traditional courses.
Dr. Dianna Rust, the associate dean who supervises the program, said, “A degree from the Middle Tennessee State University shows you've worked hard to succeed at a nationally recognized, fully accredited state university. The PLA program simply makes it faster, easier and more cost-effective for those who qualify.”
For more information regarding this and other programs, please contact the Molly Culbreath, site coordinator for MTEC, at 931-685-4444 or by email at mculbrea@mtsu.edu. The deadline to apply for the fall 2009 semester is August 28. Courses at Middle Tennessee Education Center will begin August 29.
For more information on the new Prior Learning Assessment hybrid course please visit www.mtsuanytime.com.

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