Career Exploration for Adult Learners

Pursuing education as a working adult offers numerous benefits. It can significantly enhance your career prospects by providing you with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed for career advancement and increased earning potential. Education allows you to stay competitive and demonstrate to employers your commitment to professional growth and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Whether you're looking to develop specialized skills, make a career switch, or achieve personal fulfillment, adult education can open doors to new opportunities and pave the way for long-term success in your career.

Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit that is awarded to students who can successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You could have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. Find out by contacting your advisor. Advisors and many faculty play a role in helping you recognize and identify your learning that might have potential for college-level assessment.

Minnesota State colleges and universities may have different guidelines and processes for granting credit for your prior learning through standardized CLEP examinations, military training or service, Advanced Placement exams, International Baccalaureate diplomas, and (in some cases) college course credit by examinations, individualized assessments, portfolio reviews, or competence demonstrations. Our Veterans Education Transfer System (VETS) shows how many academic credits you can receive for military occupations prior to admissions.

Minnesota State Campus and Program Search
Minnesota State offers a wide variety of programs for adult learners at every age and stage. You can find programs to fit your schedule including online programs.

Continuing Education
Maybe you already have a degree or career, but want to learn a new skill or work toward your next promotion? Through our colleges and universities at Minnesota State, you can take affordable, short-term, non-credit courses or workshops. 

Skill Up
Look at the skills you have now and see if they transfer to another job. Find short-term training options that can help you make a career change.