Thomas Edison State College - Overview
A School Designed Specifically for Adults
Thomas Edison State College has a national reputation for academic excellence and educational integrity. The college is one of New Jersey's 12 senior public institutions of higher education and one of the first schools in the country ever to have been designed specifically for adults. The college provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults, and offers degree programs and certificates in more than 100 areas of study. "" Thomas Edison State College is ranked by US News & World Report's "Best Colleges" as one of the top 2 institutions in the U.S. with the most students over the age of 25. More than 18,700 students attend the college, with an average age of 35 among those students. Students are enrolled from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.
Recognizing and Assessing Prior Learning
Thomas Edison recognizes that adults gain knowledge through activities such as employment, independent study, training programs, volunteer work, hobbies, military service, and travel. As a result, the college developed its Prior Learning Assessment program to grant adults college credit for life experience. This unique online program consists of 12-week classes in different subjects during which students work with mentors to document the college-level knowledge they acquired outside the classroom.
College-level testing programs such as the Thomas Edison State College Examination Program (TECEP®) allow students the opportunity to receive college credit by taking and passing only the final exam of a course. The college also recognizes results by the well-known College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Students may also demonstrate college-level knowledge and earn college credits if they hold certain professional certifications and licenses, or if they have completed military or professional training.
Highly Flexible in Transferring Credits
Thomas Edison State College is highly flexible when it comes to transferring credits earned from previous studies. Students may transfer up to 80 credits from a regionally accredited community college and up to 120 credits from a regionally accredited 4-year institution.
Applied Sciences and Technology Programs
The School of Applied Science and Technology offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and undergraduate certificates in a wide variety of majors. Some unique specializations are offered, including specializations in areas such as aviation, biomedical electronics, engineering graphics, fire protection, kitchen and bath design, laboratory animal science, nuclear engineering, and energy utility technology.
Students interested in health sciences may earn Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in dental sciences, imaging, dietetic sciences, and health services management and education. Additionally, undergraduate certificates are offered in computer-aided design, dental assisting, electronics, and gas distribution.
Extensive Selection of Arts and Science Majors
Students pursuing bachelor's degrees in the arts and sciences may choose from an extensive selection of majors under the broad categories of humanities, natural sciences/mathematics, social sciences, and liberal studies. Specialized majors at Thomas Edison State College include environmental studies, homeland security and emergency preparedness, journalism, photography, theater arts, international studies, and labor studies.
Associate degree choices include majors in criminal justice, arts, human services, and natural sciences and mathematics. Certificate programs are available in computer science, fitness and wellness services, and labor studies.
Broad-Based and Highly Focused Business Studies
Students in Thomas Edison State College's School of Business and Management Accounting may earn undergraduate degrees and certificates in broad-based subjects such as business administration, accounting, management, and computer information systems.
In addition, students may choose from more focused majors such as entrepreneurship, financial institution management, hospital healthcare administration, hospitality management, international business, and real estate.
RN to BSN Program for Nurses
Experienced nurses who have graduated from associate degree and diploma programs of nursing may enroll in the RN-BSN program offered by the college's W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing.
Innovative Instructional Delivery Methods
Thomas Edison State College offers several innovative instructional delivery methods for the convenience of its students.
Online courses are taught by mentors during a 12 week period, followed by a final exam administered at a convenient location. Students may login to the course according to their own schedules to access course work, interact with classmates, and turn in homework.
Handy "FlashTrack®" courses are delivered to learners via a single flash drive, which contains all course materials, word processing and spreadsheet software, media players, PDF and photo-viewing programs, e-mail, and other Web utilities. Students may use course materials and save homework on the flash drive, using any computer with a USB port.
"Guided Study" courses allow for independent, home-based study with the help of a mentor. Students may use texts, study guides, video and audio recordings, CD-ROM, DVD, streaming video, and other materials for study. They then take midterm and final exams at an external location.
Innovative e-Pack® courses reflect an educational approach based on the use of study materials and a series of non-credit online quizzes that provide immediate feedback to help students strengthen their weak areas. Students can study in a self-paced manner and schedule their final exams whenever they feel ready. These courses do not require assignments or mentor interaction.
Individualized Study Option
Students who wish to pursue a highly individualized course of study may take advantage of the "Learner Designed Area of Study" option. This program allows students to develop their own curriculum and outcomes, subject to approval.