In the ever-evolving higher education landscape, we face a pivotal question: How can our institutions remain relevant and expand access to more students? The traditional structures of higher education were narrowly designed for learners coming directly from high school, typically aged 18 to 22. This demographic has long excluded a broad segment of the population from the benefits of higher education. However, our world has changed significantly and so have our learners’ needs.
Many of today’s learners are military veterans transitioning into civilian life, parents or caretakers balancing family responsibilities, professionals seeking career advancements and individuals returning to college after years away. This dynamic group of students, many of whom bring valuable life experiences, face unique challenges in navigating higher education.
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is committed to breaking down these conventional barriers by stretching beyond our current structures. By developing nontraditional pathways and innovative learning opportunities, we are creating continuing education experiences that are attuned to today’s diverse student needs. This progress, in turn, has served as a catalyst for our institution’s growth, while addressing crucial workforce gaps and advancing social mobility for all.
Addressing Workforce Needs Through Innovative Pathways
The shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in fields like nursing, underscores the need for adaptable educational solutions. Traditional nursing programs are notoriously competitive with limited slots and rigid pathways. At CSUSM, we are working to open new doors through multiple program offerings that cater to different backgrounds and schedules.
Our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and RN-to-BSN programs allow students with varying levels of prior education and experience to achieve their nursing credentials in ways that best suit their lives. Additionally, our concurrent nursing program with Palomar [Community] College allows students to earn their associate degrees while taking bachelor’s-level courses at CSUSM, creating an efficient and effective path toward a nursing career. Each of these options plays a vital role in meeting the nursing shortage while making the journey more accessible to those whose life circumstances may not fit into the mold of a traditional college experience.
Expanding Access to New Populations
As we expand our academic offerings, inclusivity remains at the forefront. Our engineering program, for instance, is designed with many different populations in mind, including transfer students—a group more traditional programs often overlook. This transfer-friendly structure aligns with our commitment to helping students at every stage of their educational journey find pathways to success, meeting both their personal aspirations and regional workforce needs in the process. Our industry partners share that, for every engineering degree earned, there are three job openings waiting to be filled. In addition to addressing workforce needs, we are dedicated to serving populations that have historically been underserved in higher education. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, over 50% of our engineering majors are Hispanic, compared to the national average of just 13%.
One in nine CSUSM students are military-affiliated, the highest per capita in the Cal State system. Our Project Military initiative, with a satellite campus on Camp Pendleton, provides active-duty military personnel and veterans with flexible learning options that account for their unique life demands. Faculty will travel to the base to provide instruction in cybersecurity, for example, and we have extended a program in which student veterans get help establishing careers in sustainable energy, a major industry in San Diego County.
Similarly, Project Rebound offers formerly incarcerated individuals a second chance to succeed in higher education. Through dedicated support services, academic counseling and career guidance, Project Rebound helps students grow professionally and personally, ultimately contributing to stronger, more inclusive communities and reducing recidivism.
Fully Online and Flexible Degree Programs
Flexibility is key to meeting the needs of nontraditional students. That’s why CSUSM has embraced online and hybrid models that allow students to engage in coursework around their schedules. Our fully online sociology degree program enables students to complete their studies from anywhere, opening doors for working adults, parents and others who require greater flexibility. Additionally, our Second Start program helps individuals who may have previously left college re-enroll and finish their degrees, providing them with renewed access to opportunities for social mobility.
Our dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credits before they graduate, giving them a head start on their higher education journey. This program not only eases the transition from high school to college but also allows students to save time and money by accelerating their degree completion. This new three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program will train people to become family therapists, substance use counselors and school psychologists. A second track will produce community health workers, social service assistants and case managers. CSUSM is focusing on these areas in part because the San Diego Workforce Partnership reported in 2021 that the county needed to add 18,500 behavioral health professionals from 2022 to 2027.
Advancing Social Mobility for All
At CSUSM, our commitment to continuing education is rooted in a larger mission: advancing social mobility. By fostering an environment where nontraditional students feel supported and valued, we are not only providing them with access to education but also empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their families. Our programs reflect a deep understanding of the challenges these students face, from balancing work and family responsibilities to overcoming previous educational obstacles. Often, their paths are as varied and unique as the students themselves. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed in higher education, regardless of when or how their journey began.
As we look to the future, we recognize that expanding continuing education is not just beneficial; it is essential. We in higher education have a responsibility to prepare students from all backgrounds for an ever-evolving job market, helping them gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive. The impact is clear: When we invest in nontraditional learners, we drive economic development, foster innovation and strengthen the social fabric of our communities. This is the future of higher education—one that we at CSUSM are proud to lead.
We invite you to join us in advancing this critical conversation at our upcoming Social Mobility Symposium at Cal State San Marcos Feb. 20 to 21, 2025. This event will bring together leaders in higher education, workforce development, K-12, and community building to explore how we can collectively broaden pathways to opportunity for all. Registration is free and open to the public. Visit our website to learn more and be part of the evolution of higher education.
You Might Also Like
