Adult Studies

Adult College Degree Program with 50 Programs of Study Available!
Apply for Adult StudiesApply for Online Studies

Our 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 $390 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 2023

Session A Orientation: July 10 – 15
Session A: July 24 – September 3

Session B Orientation: September 5 – 10
Session B:  September 11 – October 29 (Off for Fall Break, October 20 – 23)

Session C Orientation: October 24 – 29
Session C:  October 30 – December 17 (Off for Thanksgiving week)

Spring 2024

Session A Orientation: January 2 – 7
Session A: January 8 – February 18

Session B Orientation: February 12 – 18
Session B:  February 26 – April 15 (Off for Spring Break, March 6 – 17)

Session C Orientation: April 8 – 14
Session C: April 15 – May 26

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

Leave this one blank and do not delete.

Leave this one blank and do not delete

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?

Yes. This is not an accelerated 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?

Yes, it is possible to transfer college credit hours from other institutions.

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?

Contact Dean William Slater at 615.675.5350 or by email at wslater@welch.edu.

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? 

Dr. William Slater - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Mr. William Slater

Instructor of Education | Dean, Adult and Online Studies

Angie Edgmon - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Mrs. Angie Edgmon

Financial Aid Coordinator

Dr. Greg Ketteman

Dr. Greg Ketteman

Vice President for Strategic Initiatives | Professor of Education | Graduate Dean of Education

Alyssa Hill - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Ms. Alyssa Hill

Student Accounts Coordinator

Mr. Mark Lancaster

Mr. Mark Lancaster

Adult Studies Admissions Counselor | Adjunct Instructor of Music

Mrs. Jennifer Thompson

Mrs. Jennifer Thompson

Administrative Assistant | Adult & Online Studies, Dual Enrollment

We are a Christian Community of Faith and Learning

At Welch College, we provide a unique setting for preparing student-leaders to serve God in whatever field He is calling them to.

In this Christian community of faith and learning, students find their place in God’s world, and we equip them with the tools to fulfill that calling.

Educating leaders to
Serve Christ.

Explore our 50 programs of study.

Whatever your future occupation may be, we want you to know that life is about God. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual formation of our students.

Degrees

Welch Divinity School

Associate’s Degrees

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

Certificado de Estudios Bíblicos

The Certificate of Biblical & Ministry Studies

ESL Endorsement

Resources

Academic Calendar

Catalog

Populi

Library

Quick Links

Registrar

Contact Academic Office

In-Person. On-Campus.
See You This Fall.

Welch College has announced plans to return to a fully in-person learning and living campus experience this fall.

Explore our safe and thriving in-person community.

Visit Welch

Schedule a Visit

Welcome Days

Senior Days

Resources

#WelchBound

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Apply

On-Campus, Undergrad

Adult and Online

Graduate Degrees

Dual Enrollment

Contact Admissions

Better Together

At Welch College, you will be part of a community where students and professors know who you are.

Our students love it here, and you will too! You will have a great time making friendships that last a lifetime while learning in a safe, wholesome environment.

Campus Life

Christian Service

Community

The Arts at Welch

Athletics

Student Wellness

Resources

Incoming Students

Quick Links

WelchStudent.com

Contact Student Services