Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
How to build your own major as an adult: get credit for work experience + choose your own path
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Did you know if you have experience as a cosmetologist, welder, Realtor, volunteer, Military personnel or even user of Microsoft Office, you could have college credit waiting to be claimed?
Something I’m learning as a young professional is that no career path is linear—I’ve even witnessed a graduate in opera become a biotech researcher later in life. If you’re wondering how a career pivot in adulthood could be possible for you, the answer may be in the experience you already have.
This local university offers paths and resources for adults looking to finish their degree at any stage. From getting credit for work experience to building your own major, see what your next step could be to level up your career.
Experience that could earn you college credit
Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn, which means someone in the industry for 10+ years may have as much (or more) knowledge as someone fresh out of college. However, a degree is still often the key to growth opportunities.
Athens State University uniquely meets adult learners where they are, honoring life and work experience with college credits. So, you might be closer than you think to getting your bachelor’s or master’s if you have experience in these areas and beyond:
Work + Life Experience:
- Author of a book or research
- Leadership including volunteer positions at local nonprofits
- Military service
- Role in any industry such as marketing, IT, defense, news, construction + more
- Trades including welding or cosmetology
Certifications:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- IT (CompTIA A+)
- Healthcare training including Radiologic Technology
- Insurance Licensing
- Management
- Microsoft Office
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Psychology (APOST + additional training)
- Real Estate
- Other non-college certifications + training
Want to see what your experience could earn you? Take this 3-minute survey to find out.
Guidance from Felicia Mucci, Director of the Adult Learner Services Office (ALSO)
Felicia Mucci started her Athens State journey on the student side in the ’90s, taking advantage of the Management of Technology program to get credit for her work experience.
With her background in management and graduate degree in Post-Secondary Education (with a focus on Adult Education), Felicia now guides students toward their own success as the Director of ALSO. She and the office serve prospective and current students by piecing together their experience and goals in personalized degree paths.
“Our goal is to reach every single student and let them see what we offer and what we can do for them.
My top piece of advice to students is to let us look at your experience and your resume—so many students aren’t even aware that they have experience or credentials that could be mapped towards their degree.”
Felicia Mucci, Director of the Adult Learner Services Office
Fun fact: Felicia founded a scholarship dedicated to adult learners that was just granted to its first recipient after years of fundraising.
Build your own major with adult learner programs at Athens State University
Where to start: Adult Learner Services Office (ALSO)
When you begin your degree journey, ALSO helps guide you on the right path. Their goal is to identify your competencies and help match you to a degree path that would complement your strengths.
“If a student needs elective credit, we can piece various credentials and experiences together for the credit they need.
For example, if a student wants to use 10 years of experience in the logistics field, then it’s mapped towards elective courses. Experience can be anything—we’ve had newscasters that don’t have a bachelor’s degree, that could get credit for editing and writing. So there’s really no limit to what we can award credit for.”
Felicia Mucci, Director of the Adult Learner Services Office
You’re also enrolled in a class that helps you build your portfolio and petition for course credit step by step, which Felicia says makes the process more approachable than students expect.
In-demand: Management of Technology
As technology roles boom, many students are pursuing this blend of business and technology. Students emerge as technology and management leaders, equipping them for any field including finance, corporate retail, banking and more.
Build your own major: Individualized Degree Program
This path is growing exponentially, according to Felicia, as students pair existing experience and associate’s degrees with their desired career goals.
One Huntsville local, Chris Allen, attributes his career success to Felicia and this program. One of many students with a nontraditional education path, Chris struggled with landing on a profession. Felicia encouraged Chris to get a helpful certification in acquisition and contract management, and identified his knack for relationship building and helping others. She pointed Chris toward the fastest path to finish his degree, and he now serves as the Huntsville Market President for Southern States Bank.
Your next steps to finishing your degree
Is your interest piqued?
Here are some more benefits to Athens State:
- Built for non-traditional students
- Flexible course offerings for adult learners’ busy schedules
- Student support services
- Academic advisement
- Tutoring
- Career Development Center
- Financial assistance + scholarships
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio
- Nationwide best value in affordability
Let this be your sign to build your own major and finish your degree, no matter where you are on your journey—learn more about adult learner resources.
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