College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS)

College of Adult and Professional Studies

Mission - CAPS

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:10.

The Adult and Graduate Studies Division of Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing adult students in character, scholarship and leadership.

CAPS was created to serve the adult population with a variety of programs designed to meet the educational needs of specific adult audiences. It is Indiana Wesleyan University's desire to understand the special requirements of adults who are interested in receiving an Associate, a Bachelor, or a Master degree, but who must also continue meeting their professional and personal commitments. The programs in the college are designed for those working adults by combining theory with practical experience.

Objectives - CAPS

The objectives of CAPS programs are:

  1. To provide educational opportunities to students who need a liberal arts background.
  2. To provide the background that students need for a variety of professional careers and to extend the range and nature of available careers.
  3. To provide students with opportunities to develop leadership abilities.
  4. To challenge students to develop in character.
  5. To provide students with a comprehensive yet practical education through an intensive curriculum that draws on resources, theories, and knowledge from various disciplines.
  6. To provide training in the skills required for effective decision-making, formulating short- and long-range plans, and critical thinking.
  7. To extend degree-oriented educational opportunities to people whose occupations, family responsibilities, or personal preferences do not permit them to spend major blocks of time "in residence" on campus.
  8. To provide an understanding of the importance of the application of Christian principles in a professional environment.
  9. To provide students with opportunities to cultivate their scholarship.

Admission Requirements - CAPS

Indiana Wesleyan University accepts adult learners for CAPS programs on the basis of their qualifications. Decisions for admission are based on previous academic records, work experience, and recommendations of individuals qualified to judge the student's potential in a university setting. Indiana Wesleyan seeks students who are mature and highly motivated.

Students are required to complete the appropriate application and submit a $25 application fee for acceptance into the university. Admission requirements for the various programs are listed with the program.

The Academic Bulletin for the College of Adult and Professional Studies states governing policies and procedures for the programs in the college.

CAPS Faculty

CAPS employs a core of full-time faculty who are responsible for instruction and curriculum development in selected specialty areas. These individuals also mentor and develop adjunct faculty in the selected area of study.

CAPS recruits, trains, and schedules Christian professionals whose academic qualifications and workplace experiences equip them to provide adult learners with a stimulating classroom environment. In doing so, CAPS maintains a quality faculty for all its programs.

Indiana Wesleyan University is a community of Christian scholars whose mission is to integrate faith into every aspect of life. Therefore, in selecting candidates, the institution seeks academically qualified professionals who enjoy a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and who are excited by the prospect of integrating faith and learning. Four primary criteria are considered in the screening of candidates: Christian mission fit, academic qualification, professional experience, and the ability to facilitate adult learning.

Faculty candidates are screened through an application, a series of interviews, and an assessment session. Once approved, faculty are assigned to a mentor and attend orientation workshops.

CAPS provides opportunities for its faculty to regularly network with one another through faculty meetings, development workshops, and focus groups.