Two WED students participate in a campus residency.
Woods External Degree Program
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) established the Woods External Degree Program in response to the expressed educational needs of adults whose time and mobility are limited by work or family obligations. The Program enables those who cannot attend classes to earn a college degree at home. It provides an alternative to traditional classroom instruction for those who prefer more independence in their study. Students engage in the WED Program to earn a college degree for career advancement or personal enrichment. WED's unique nature lies in the innovative methods used and the high motivation of its mature learners.
What is an "external degree"?
The "external degree" has come to mean not a new kind of degree but one of several new ways to earn a traditional degree. It is awarded on the basis of a program of guided independent study not centered on traditional patterns of residential study. Faculty and student separated by space and time nevertheless engage in distance learning using a variety of communication processes.
What kinds of degrees are conferred in the WED Program?
Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, an Associate in Arts, or an Associate in Science degree. Teacher Licensure and a Paralegal Certificate are also offered to persons who have earned a Bachelor’s degree.
How long does it take to earn a degree in the WED Program?
The length of time depends upon the amount of credit already earned at entrance, the number of credit hours taken each semester and the use of options such as CLEP and APL. However, a student must complete all requirements for the bachelor's degree within twelve years of the date of initial enrollment at SMWC and the associate degree within six years. On average, students earn 12 to 24 hours each year, taking 6 to 12 hours per semester.
