Adults are returning to college in record numbers, whether it’s for a single class or an entire degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 50 percent of all college students are 25 years or older, and more than 80 percent of these students are working full-time while attending classes. Even more impressive is that 48 percent of all adults over the age of 40 participated in degree programs or classes in 1999.

Why this trend of lifelong learning? Several factors have contributed, including the widespread wave of technology that requires more adults to return to the classroom to learn updated computer skills, increased competition in the work force due to recent corporate downsizing, and requirements in some industries that workers update their skills regularly. The American Institute of Architects, for example, requires architects in 15 states, engineers in 16 states and contractors in six states to participate in 18 hours of continuing education annually.

In addition, economic down turns, corporate layoffs and downsizing force workers to update their skills or change careers. Still other adults change careers for personal or professional reasons. For many people, this means heading back to class. In a survey administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council, more than half of all adults who pursue continuing education do so to gain managerial knowledge and skills. Additional education develops skills to help these individuals stay competitive in today’s job market and help to keep their companies one step ahead of the competition. Because of the surge of adult learners, many colleges and universities now cater programs tailored for this market and have expanded available education options.

Herewith, some of the options adult students now have when they decide to continue their educations:

Distance Learning. According to International Data Corp., more than 50,000 adults sought degrees from accredited institutions offering programs online in 2000 and this number is projected to increase over the next few years. Today, not only can students complete entire degrees online – they can also pursue certificates or single classes via distance learning, options that provide them with flexibility and convenience. Institutions that allow students to "mix and match" -- that is, take both online and classroom courses -- provide both the face-to-face interaction that many students want with the added flexibility of independent learning.

Custom-Designed Degree Programs. Under the guidance of an academic counselor, some schools provide adult learners with the option of customizing degree programs to meet specific needs. For example, if a student is employed in human resources and is interested in learning more about technology, he or she can enroll in more classes in information technology and fewer in management.

Accelerated Courses and Programs. Some institutions provide students with the option of attending classes more often to complete courses or degree programs in less time than traditional programs. For example, by attending courses on Saturdays or Sundays, students can complete degree programs more quickly without disruption of their workweeks.

Part-Time Degree Programs. Due to heavy work schedules, families and personal commitments, many adults do not have the time to complete entire degree programs in one year. Enrollment in a part-time program allows working adults to fit classes into busy schedules and focus on one class at a time over a longer period of time.

Certificates. Students, who want to develop expertise in a specific subject, but do not have the time or interest to complete entire degree programs, can earn certificates. Certificate programs usually require about eight courses and focus on specific subjects, such as entrepreneurship or education. One of the advantages of certificate programs is the increased in-depth knowledge students gain about a specific subject area.

On-the-Job Education. Many companies allow their employees to participate in training sessions either on- or off-site at a local college or university or through a professional association. These workshops and seminars can often be tailored to meet individual needs of a company or business on specific topics such as managing multiple priorities, handling stress and working in a team environment.

Single Courses. If students have heavy travel demands or just cannot fit certificates or degree programs into their schedules, they can take single classes – which may meet once a week, during the evening or on Saturday – in specific areas of interest or information needed on the job.

In an uncertain economy, lifelong learning becomes more important than ever. Technologies continue to evolve and force workers to learn new skills, update current skills, and develop managerial and strategic abilities.

The natural rise and fall of the economy demands that workers keep their knowledge and skills current in order to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing job market. With all of the educational options now available to working adults, there is a program and format to meet almost every professional’s need.