Adult Studies
Adult College Degree Program with 50 Programs of Study Available! Apply for Adult StudiesApply for Online StudiesOur Adult Studies college degree program makes it easy for busy adults to start or finish a degree.
Maybe this is the part of the story where you start pursuing a new calling. Maybe this is the part of the story where you get that promotion, get out of the cubicle, or get the degree you started years ago but never finished. Maybe this is the part of the story where your faith deepens and you find yourself newly prepared and energized to serve your church and defend your faith.
Welch College Adult Studies is designed for people like you—working adults who are ready for a new chapter.
What makes the Welch College Adult Studies Program Unique?
- A Distinctive, Deliberately Christian Worldview. We believe every person’s story fits into the grand story God is writing. That belief shapes everything we do.
- Excellent Professors. We don’t farm out teaching duties to third-party vendors or teaching assistants. We’re bringing our best professors to adult learners.
- Smaller Class Size and a Genuine Sense of Community. On average, a class in Welch’s Adult Studies Program consists of 10 students. Our students get to know each other.
- Competitive Price. At $402 per credit hour, the Enriched Adult Studies Program is one of the more affordable higher education options in Middle Tennessee.
- Convenient Class Schedules. Welch offers classes for adult students in the evening, afternoon, and online. In addition, the full traditional class schedule is available for adult students able to attend during the day. Saturday classes coming soon!
- Specific and Individualized Degree Pathway for Each Student. This plan will help you know what to expect from your program of study and give you a plan to complete on-time.
Adult Studies meets the needs of:
- Students age 23 and older.
- Veterans eager to use benefits toward a degree.
- Those who have started, but not completed a college degree.
- Adults who would like to start a degree.
- Adults interested in taking college courses for personal enrichment or professional development.
- Those pursuing an associate’s degree through TN Reconnect.
Courses are offered in several convenient formats.
Online/Adult Studies course calendar:
Fall 2024
Session A: Orientation: August 12-18
Session A: August 27 – December 13
Session B: Orientation: August 12-18
Session B: August 27 – October 20
Session C: Orientation: October 14-20
Session C: October 21 – December 13 (Nov 27 – Dec 2 off for Thanksgiving)
Spring 2025
Session A: Orientation: January 6-12
Session A: January 14 – May 9
Session A: Orientation: January 6-12
Session B: January 14 – March 9 (March 12-23 off for Spring Break)
Session C: Orientation: March 3-9
Session C: March 10 – May 9 (March 10-11 Forum, March 12-21 Off for Spring Break)
Tuition & Financial Aid
Welch College is committed to helping every student pay for his or her education and to graduate with minimum debt. Approximately 90% of our students received some form of financial aid. Contact us to see what help is available.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Adult Studies Program
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Do you have a certificate program?
Yes! Learn more at welch.edu/certificate
The Certificate of Biblical & Ministry Studies supports volunteers and pastors in the local church.
The Certificate of Biblical and Ministry Studies is designed to support and enhance the ministry of volunteer workers in the local church as well as bi-vocational pastors. The courses are available online. The subjects that make up this certificate of 15 credit hours are the following:
BIB 1100 – Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2 hours
BIB 1011 – Old Testament Survey: Law and History, 3 hours
BIB 1031 – New Testament Survey: The Epistles and Revelation, 3 hours
BIB 1250 – Evangelism and Discipleship, 2 hours
BIB 2032 – Old Testament Survey: Poetry and Prophecy, 2 hours
BIB 2062 – New Testament: Gospels and Acts, 2 hours
MIN 1907 – Local Church Internship, 1 hour
What programs are currently offered?
All of Welch’s 50 programs of study are offered in the Adult Studies program!
How do I apply?
Degree-seeking students must complete the application. Just click the apply now button above to begin! Official transcripts will be required for those hoping to enroll in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure program and for verification of all other transfer credit.
Adults pursuing a certificate program must also complete the application. Just click the apply now button above to begin!
How are classes structured?
Adult students may take daytime, afternoon, and evening classes on campus. Many fully online courses are available as well.
Daytime and afternoon classes follow a traditional semester format.
Evening courses meet one night per week for six weeks. Classes begin at 6:00 p.m. Two credit courses dismiss at 8:00 p.m. and three-credit courses end at 9:00 p.m. These are hybrid courses – 1/3 of the work is completed on-campus and 2/3 of the work is completed online.
NOTE: Some Teacher Education classes may meet one night a week for the entire semester.
How long will it take me to earn my degree?
Some students will be able to finish an associate’s degree in five semesters or less, depending on previous college work.
Plan on 8 semesters or 4 years for the bachelor’s degree as a full-time student.
Will this program be of the same quality as the traditional program?
Is Financial Aid Available?
Yes.
- Get started by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Click here
- If you are a Tennessee resident pursuing an associate’s degree, TN Reconnect may be available for you. Click here
- $368 per credit hour (2021 – 2022 rate)
- Members of churches partnered with Welch College may qualify for our “first course free” scholarship. Contact the Dean of Adult Studies, William Slater.
You can find out more information about financial aid here or by emailing the financial aid office.
Is it possible to transfer credit from previous college work?
Can I finish a degree I started at another college?
For a Welch bachelor’s degree, students must have completed at least 45 undergraduate hours at an accredited institution to enroll in a degree completion program (BS General Christian Ministries, BS Business). Official transcripts must be reviewed to determine undergraduate leveling work that must be completed. In some cases, leveling work may be waived for students who have completed 60 or more undergraduate hours.
Welch Adult Studies students may apply to receive up to 6 hours credit for professional experience. A professional portfolio documenting professional experience will be required and must meet CAEL requirements.
If I have other questions, whom should I contact?
Is the Adult Studies program accredited?
Yes. Welch College is regionally and nationally accredited.
For more about our accreditation, click here.
How Can We Help?
Mr. William Slater
Instructor of Education | Dean, Adult and Online Studies
Dr. Greg Ketteman
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives | Professor of Education | Graduate Dean of Education
Mr. Mark Lancaster
Adult Studies Admissions Counselor | Adjunct Instructor of Music
Mrs. Jennifer Thompson
Administrative Assistant | Adult & Online Studies, Dual Enrollment
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