What is the adult learner, part-time baccalaureate degree program in WF ED?

What is the adult learner, part-time baccalaureate degree program in workforce education and development?

At some point during the 61-credit in-service certification program, typically after the completion of the Vocational Instructional I requirements, students make the decision to enter the Adult Learner, Part-Time Baccalaureate Degree Program in Workforce Education and Development (WF ED). In this degree program, students continue to hold their full-time teaching positions and fulfill the requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree on a part-time basis. Students who have enrolled in the degree program enjoy the advantage of taking courses that satisfy both certification and B.S. degree requirements (click here for the requirements page 1 and page 2). Students already in possession of their Vocational Instructional II certificates, who enter the extended degree program, simply continue fulfilling the remaining B.S. degree requirements. The course requirements for earning the B.S. degree in Workforce Education and Development are shown on the sample degree check sheet attached to this document.

There is no timeline for completing the extended degree program, and students continue to hold active degree status as long as they enroll in at least one Penn State course every three years. Failure to maintain active degree status will cause the student to seek re-enrollment.

Students may apply for the extended degree program at any time during the year - there are no cut-off dates for submission of applications. However, to insure admission and registration for the semester of your choice it is recommended that you have your completed application with all credentials submitted to the Penn State Admissions Office according to following schedule:

June 1st for Fall Semester Admission
October 1st for Spring Semester Admission
February 1st for Summer Semester Admission

To Apply for Admission

The Pennsylvania State University uses the same application for all classifications of undergraduate students. The preferred method is to apply for admission electronically via the Penn State University web site at: http://www.psu.edu/dept/admissions/. Along with a wealth of valuable information, this site presents the undergraduate admission electronic application form. Click on the "sign me up" link within the "The MY ADMISSIONS Advantage" portion of the web page to begin your application process. Students using the electronic application may pay the required application fee by check or money order, by credit card via mail, or by credit card on-line. It is also possible to track the status of your application when you use the electronic application. To request a paper application, contact the University Park Undergraduate Admissions Office at (814) 865-5471. Students may also obtain paper applications by visiting the Undergraduate Admissions Office at their local Penn State Campus.

Some questions presented while completing the application concern the type of admission you are requesting. Read the definitions presented here.

If you have previously matriculated at an accredited post-secondary institution for a degree and completed at least 18 credits, you are a transfer student.

If you previously attended PSU as a degree student (associate or baccalaureate) then you must apply through for admission to the baccalaureate degree in WF ED via the re-enrollment process. Re-enrollment forms may be secured at the Registrar's website at www.psu.edu/dept/registrar/forms_for_students/reenrollment.pdf

If you are currently working only for vocational certification through Penn State, you are a provisional/non-degree applicant.
Another question concerns previous applications for admission to Penn State. This refers to applying for admission to a degree program, not for certification or as a non-degree student.
One question asks whether you have ever taken any course work from Penn State. If yes, check all that apply. If you have only been involved in the Workforce Education outreach program, you have been enrolled as a non-degree student.
Official transcripts are those mailed directly to the Penn State Admissions office from your previous school(s) in official, sealed, envelopes.
Another question indicates you need to list a major. The major you are requesting is: WF ED, Workforce Education and Development.
You will be asked to select a campus. Select University Park as your campus of choice, regardless of the campus located in your vicinity. By selecting University Park, you will automatically be assigned an advisor from the Workforce Education major, and we will be able to assist you with course registration. Enrolling at another campus will cause you to be assigned to an advisor who is not familiar with the WF ED major. You will still be permitted to register for courses at other campuses but you will be in a situation where our staff will be able to assist you.

When You Have Been Admitted

To officially accept your offer of admission, you will be required to return the acceptance notification enclosed in your offer packet, pay a general deposit (in addition to the non-refundable application fee you already paid) that will be refunded upon graduation, and to register for at least one Penn State course during the semester of admission. Please note and comply with the specific reply date on the acceptance notification.

If you have not already done so, the next steps are to secure your Penn State ID card and open a PSU Access Account. Instructions for securing your PSU ID card may be found at: www.idcard.psu.edu/firstid.htm. Once you have your ID card you may open your Access Account via the instructions that may be found at: cac.psu.edu/accounts/sigstations.html. By completing these two steps you will be able to use Penn State's eLion system to register for courses, check your degree audit, obtain semester grades, notify the university of your intent to graduate, etc., at elion.oas.psu.edu.

If you wish to substitute a course from an institution other than Penn State during subsequent semesters, written permission is required. You will need to provide the course title and number, and a complete course description taken from the institution's catalog. You may use the sample form presented in this document, or a facsimile, and fax it to the WF ED office at (814) 863-7532.

Purchase Credits for Your Work Experience

Students enrolled in the Program of Workforce Education and Development are permitted to purchase a total of 24 credits of WF ED 395A for their verified work experience. These credits are $30 each, and are usually purchased in blocks of eight, during the last three semesters of enrollment. However, they may also be purchased in smaller units, providing your work experience has been verified, but never more than a total of eight per semester. You will need to contact the WF ED office at 814-863-0804, to obtain the "Credit by Examination Application" form and instructions.

When You Are Ready to Graduate

As detailed in University Senate Policy 86-00, students are responsible for notifying the University of their intent to graduate. At the beginning of the semester in which you plan to graduate, you must notify the University by using the "Graduating This Semester" application on eLion, or by calling the College of Education's Office of Certification and Education Services, 814-863-9000.

The graduation activation period for a semester typically begins a week before the start of classes and continues for the first two weeks of the semester. During that period, you may determine if the college has added you to the graduation list, or enter your intent to graduate, or remove your name from the list. After that period, you may check your status through eLion or the telephone system, but you must contact the College of Education's Office of Certification and Education Services, 814-865-0488, to change your status.

Diploma Distribution

If you graduate during the spring semester, you will receive your diploma at the College of Education's commencement ceremony. If you do not attend the ceremony, you will automatically receive your diploma by mail, at no charge, approximately three weeks after the commencement ceremony.

If you graduate during the summer or fall semesters, whether or not you attend the ceremony, you will receive your diploma by mail, at no cost, approximately three weeks following the commencement ceremony.

Graduation At An Alternate Location

If you graduate during the spring semester, you may request to attend commencement exercises and receive your diploma at Penn State locations other than your assigned campus. To make this request, submit an alternate commencement site form to the Registrar's office at your designated campus a minimum of four weeks prior to commencement.

If you graduate during the summer or fall semesters, you may be able to attend commencement exercises at an alternate site. To do so, contact the Registrar's office at the desired graduation campus.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns are available for purchase from the Penn State Bookstore located next to the HUB. An order form, available from the Bookstore, should be completed and returned to the Bookstore. You may deliver it personally, or mail it. Check, cash or money order must accompany the order. (DO NOT MAIL CASH). If you need assistance in filling out the order form or have any questions regarding the ordering of regalia, contact the Penn State Bookstore at (814) 863-3558, or 863-3589.