-- Newman University's Adult and Professional Studies program has positioned Credit for Prior Learning as a core pathway—not a secondary option—enabling working adults to earn degrees faster than at comparable institutions. While many colleges offer CPL as an add-on, Newman centers portfolio assessments, CLEP and DSST exams, industry certifications, military transcripts, and workplace training evaluations as foundational tools that allow students to convert real-world experience into academic credit. According to a 2020 study by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, students who earn credit for prior learning achieve graduation rates of 49 percent, compared to 27 percent for those who do not, and complete their degrees in significantly less time.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/academics/adult-studies
The program responds to a national trend documented by the National Center for Education Statistics, which reported that 24 percent of all U.S. undergraduates in Fall 2023 were age 25 or older. This population, often balancing employment, family responsibilities, and prior college credits, requires flexible degree completion options that recognize existing knowledge rather than requiring students to repeat foundational coursework. Newman's approach addresses this demand directly by building individualized degree maps around what adult learners already know.
Newman operationalizes CPL through one-on-one advising sessions in which staff review transcripts, work history, military service records, and professional certifications to identify applicable credits. Advisors then align prior learning with two degree options explicitly designed for customization: the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. Both programs allow students to construct curricular pathways tailored to career goals, whether in business, nonprofit management, criminal justice, social work, or other fields.
The Adult and Professional Studies program carries a reduced tuition rate of $325 per credit hour, with many standard fees waived—a deliberate pricing decision intended to support degree completion for working adults. This rate contrasts with traditional tuition structures at public and private institutions, where fees and per-credit costs can accumulate quickly for part-time or returning students.
Curriculum in both degree tracks emphasizes practical application. The Organizational Leadership program focuses on talent management, goal-setting, and team motivation, preparing graduates for roles in business management, human resources, project coordination, and educational administration. The Interdisciplinary Studies degree opens pathways to graduate school, data analytics, accounting, communication, and other fields where a bachelor's credential is required but a specialized major is not. Graduates have advanced to management positions, HR roles, and leadership responsibilities, building on the knowledge they brought to the program rather than restarting their education from scratch.
Working adults with prior experience, military service, or some college credits already possess a foundation. Newman's one-on-one advising and CPL portfolio review serve as the first step in determining how much progress has already been made toward a degree. Prospective students can contact Teresa Wilkerson, Director of Adult and Professional Studies, at 316-942-4291 ext. 2439 or visit the program website for a personalized degree audit and timeline. The process is designed to eliminate guesswork and provide a concrete path forward without requiring students to begin again.
For more details, visit https://newmanu.edu/
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
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Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Release ID: 89193768