The NDSU degree completion program helps students return to college to earn their degree.
NDSU’s degree completion program is designed for people return to college and earn their degree. Students can use prior credits and look at different options to earn a bachelor’s degree.
The program was created in spring 2020 to make it easier for students to return to college, whether they want to purse their original major or choose something new. Students also can work toward a Bachelor of University Studies degree, which allows the most flexibility in choosing course options while maintaining the rigor of a traditional bachelor’s degree program. Students can take courses in-person or online, depending on preference and availability.
Jessie Bauer, assistant director for student success initiatives at the Career and Advising Center, acts as the support system for students who come back. She answers questions, helps provide resources and connects students with the right people.
“I work with them on what’s going to best fit their lifestyle and make a plan that will be feasible for them to come back and reach their goals,” Bauer said.
NDSU helps ease the transition by helping students figure out how their credits transfer and by offering scholarship opportunities specifically for those who have taken a break from higher education. Students also can apply for prior-learning credit to gain college credit for learning they’ve done outside the classroom.
Ali Johnson was unsatisfied with her job and wanted a more fulfilling career. She earned a Bachelor of University Studies degree with a minor in biology at NDSU last spring.
Johnson said it was very easy to enroll in the degree completion program.
“It was great to work with somebody who genuinely wanted me to succeed and wanted to help me on my journey,” she said of Bauer.
The flexibility NDSU offered was very important to Johnson. She started by taking a few credits online to re-familiarize herself with what it was like to be a student. She also wanted to test the difficulty of balancing college courses with a busy career and family. She increased her course load as she felt comfortable.
“If finishing your degree makes a difference between getting your promotion or getting your dream job versus potentially being unhappy while working, there’s absolutely no reason not to at least just look into it to see how easy it could be to finish,” Johnson said.
Bauer takes pride in working with students like Johnson and watching them accomplish the goals they set for themselves.
“I think some people are surprised at how little they have left and how doable it is to come back and finish a degree later in life, even those who are working full-time or have families they are taking care of,” said Bauer.
The degree completion process is simple, Bauer said. She meets with students to go over their academic records and create a plan. Former NDSU students can then fill out a simple reactivation form to get back into the system and register. There is a free application form for students who do not have previous credits at NDSU.
Reach out today to see what you have left to get your degree at NDSU.
To learn more about Ali’s experience and the degree completion program, visit the official university YouTube channel.
