One of the few programs in the country that encourages adults returning to school to combine studies in computer science with the liberal arts and also gain credit for their professional experience can be found at DePaul University's O'Hare Campus.

     The undergraduate degree program for adults, the bachelor of arts in computing, offers a solid background in the computer science skills necessary for today's workplace, complemented by a traditional liberal arts education. It is offered jointly by DePaul's School for New Learning (SNL) and School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI).

     "The program is designed to give students knowledge and experience in both human relations and technology," said Donna Younger, SNL associate professor who chaired the committee that designed the program.

     The bachelor of arts in computing is suited to a wide range of adult learners, such as:

·   Employees working with technology, but who have no formal training
·   Managers and others who oversee technological areas
·   People experiencing technological growth in their careers, including e-commerce
·   Students seeking an undergraduate degree in technology who do not want to concentrate on programming     and mathematical analysis, and
·   Students preparing for a master's in computing.

     An open house for students interested in more information on these and other programs offered at DePaul's O'Hare campus will be held May 6 at 3166 S. River Road in Des Plaines. To register call 847/296-5348.

     "The framework is liberal arts with a focus on technology, something that is growing in almost everyone's career," said Edward J. Harris, SNL associate professor and the program's coordinator at DePaul.

     Students may attend full- or part-time and earn a degree in about three years, depending on the amount of credit gained for life and work experience. The program addresses three main areas: general studies, which includes the liberal arts foundation; the focus area, which includes computing course options and three math courses; and professional knowledge, which includes degree planning, major projects, critical thinking and research courses.

     "This is the kind of degree that students can design for themselves," Harris said. "It meets their career needs and their area of interest."

     DePaul recently expanded its quarters in Des Plaines and now serves more than 2,400 students in a number of undergraduate degree, graduate and certificate programs. It is a full-service campus that has been filling the education needs of students near O'Hare for 25 years. Campus amenities include a bookstore, computer labs, library and resident faculty.

     DePaul's School for New Learning was recently cited as a model program in a recent book on adult education and named one of six best-practice institutions in North America by a national educational council. The innovative school was recognized as one of the best for adults looking to earn college degrees while balancing jobs and families.

     DePaul's School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems is a leader in technology education and provides 42 percent of the state's information technology workers.