Build Your Future
We know that returning to school can feel overwhelming. Our degree completion programs are designed specifically for adult learners just like you.
Fit your schedule
Develop your network
Evenings on campus & online
Follow a Customized Plan
Feel confident every step of the way.
A dedicated advisor will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. Calvin provides a transfer-friendly environment and will examine what courses you’ve already taken and what prior learning you've gained through your professional experience. You need approximately 60 credits to begin a degree completion program.
Here’s how it works:
- Fill out the form to request more information
- Meet with an advisor
- Follow your customized plan
Advance Your Career
Choose from two bachelor's degree completion options.
Human Services
Do you want to create a better world for your family, friends, and community? You are someone who identifies a problem and takes action, seeing it as your sense of calling.
Through this interdisciplinary major, you will examine societal tensions and the root causes of suffering and injustice. You will also learn about human relationships and behavior dynamics, focusing on communications that facilitate meaningful change.
This program, grounded in a Christian perspective, will equip you with the skills you need to serve others compassionately and effectively.
Applied Leadership
Are you ready to step up in your career? You're looking to develop your ability to manage a team, fulfill your purpose in a new field, or take on more responsibilities, new challenges, and increased influence.
This interdisciplinary program will make you a stronger leader, equipping you with skills to understand diverse perspectives, societal structures, and organizational change.
Rooted in Christian values and centered on relevant strategies, you’ll be equipped as an influential change maker.
Program Details
- Cohort model
- Year-round schedule
- On campus and online
- Includes courses in your major, general education courses, and electives
- 124 total credits required to graduate
- Low cost per credit, financial aid available
Calvin’s degree-completion programs are tailored for adult learners who:
Have completed approximately 60 college credits.
Have a primary identity outside of “student” due to work commitments and/or family obligations.
Crave a hybrid, cohort-based program model where adult learners are in class together with other adult learners.
Are typically 24 years of age or older.
While these are general guidelines, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: This program is not authorized to enroll international students requiring an F-1 student visa. International students may explore Calvin’s other educational opportunities here.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022:
High School Diploma: Median usual weekly earnings were $946.
Associate Degree: Median usual weekly earnings were $1,088.
Bachelor’s Degree: Median usual weekly earnings were $1,432.
Beyond simply a monetary value, a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University is valuable because it provides a well-rounded foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued by employers. Additionally, Calvin’s integration of faith and learning fosters a unique perspective and ethical framework that prepares graduates for a meaningful and impactful wholehearted life.
A bachelor’s degree will prepare you to work in a variety of occupations because of the critical thinking, writing, and reading skills you will gain.
With a degree in human services, you can apply for positions in many fields. You can also pursue more education for further specialization. Featured careers include, but are not limited to:
Social and Community Service Manager
Median wages in Michigan = $79,370
Projected growth in Michigan = 13%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 500
Social and Human Service Assistant
Median wages in Michigan = $36,260
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 17%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 1,490
Community and Social Service Specialist
Median wages in Michigan = $47,230
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 15%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 220
Community Health Worker
Median wages in Michigan = $48,200
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 21%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 230
Healthcare Social Worker (may require MSW in some areas)
Median wages in Michigan = $62,880
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 12%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 640
With an applied leadership degree, you can better position yourself to take the next step in your career. Featured careers include, but are not limited to:
Fundraising Manager
Median wages in Michigan = $106,730
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 11%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 180
Human Resource Manager
Median wages in Michigan = $136,350
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 10%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 360
Training and Development Manager
Median wages in Michigan = $102,250
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 10%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 60
Compliance Manager
Median wages in Michigan = $125,490
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 1%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 1,460
Operations Manager
Median wages in Michigan = $97,140
Projected growth in Michigan (2020-2030) = 12%
Projected annual job openings (2020-2030) in Michigan = 6,550
Yes. Adult learners in Calvin University’s degree-completion programs can benefit from financial aid to help manage the cost of continuing their education. The program’s format allows students to qualify for full-year financial aid awards.
To apply for financial aid, prospective students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) followed by the verification workshop. See more information.
Employers may also provide tuition-assistance or reimbursement programs for employees, so check with your employer for more information.
Scholarships
Because Calvin offers degree-completion at a low cost, Calvin offers a limited number of scholarships. More information coming soon.
Outside Scholarships
Many organizations have scholarship programs that might fit your specific circumstances. We have provided links to a selection of those opportunities. Calvin’s team is experienced in scholarship applications, and we are happy to help you with the process.
Calvin University does not guarantee the accuracy of the information found on the sites listed above.
Students typically take one course at a time in a 4 or 8-week term. Courses in the fall and spring typically meet one time per week in the evenings from 6pm to 9:30pm. Summer courses are offered entirely online.
Fall = 8-9 credits
Spring = 8-9 credits
Summer = 8 credits
We aim to provide a format that works for adults with complex lives. We also know that students often don’t finish in purely online programs that offer little opportunity for engaging other people. We prioritze face-to-face networking with peers and authentic relationship-building through our teaching and format. In order to accomplish both of those things, most courses in our programs are hybrid (with classes taking place one evening per week in the fall and spring) and online in the summer.
Adult students typically complete 24-30 credits per year in this accelerated evening and online format. A student transfering to Calvin’s bachelor’s degree-completion program with about 60 credits complete can typically finish a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years.
First step
Give us a call at 616-526-6231 or email continuingstudies@calvin.edu. We’ll begin with an intake appointment where we review your transcripts, hear about your goals, and build a customized plan. If our programs sound right for you, apply!
How to apply
Applications will open December 6, 2024. At that time, you can visit https://calvin.edu/admissions/apply and start an application. Before then, we encourage you to get a few things together – send your unofficial transcripts to continuingstudies@calvin.edu and meet with an advisor.
When can I start?
Students may begin in the fall or the spring semesters. You’ll work with your advisor to determine the best time based on your transfer credits and life circumstances.
