Higher education is changing because adult learners are changing it.
Today’s working professionals want education that respects their time, aligns with real careers and avoids unnecessary cost. National research consistently shows that adults still value a bachelor’s degree for career mobility. At the same time, many hesitate to enroll or persist when programs feel too slow, too expensive or disconnected from relevant career paths.
That reality is what shaped the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, also called the BSIT – Focused degree at National American University.
Designed for the reality of adult learners
For many students, especially working professionals and military families, education isn’t about starting over. It’s about moving forward.
Career changes, deployments, relocations and family responsibilities mean adult learners often navigate multiple institutions and credit systems while trying to complete one degree. NAU’s BSIT – Focused program was designed specifically for that reality, offering a flexible, transfer-friendly, fully online pathway that supports progress instead of delay.
“We recognize that many of today’s students aren’t on a traditional four-year path,” said Cindy Mathena, Ph.D., president of National American University. “This program provides a more efficient option for learners who need a quality degree that fits their lives and careers, not the other way around.”
What a three-year bachelor’s degree really means
One of the biggest barriers adult learners face is confusion around accelerated degrees.
NAU’s BSIT – Focused is a 135-credit hour bachelor’s degree intentionally structured so full-time students can complete it in approximately three years.
It is not an associate degree, not a shortcut and not a reduced-quality credential. It is a full bachelor’s degree, that has been reviewed and approved by NAU’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission.
Career readiness
Adult learners want education they can use as soon as they graduate, not someday.
The BSIT – Focused degree offers four in-demand career concentrations:
- Cybersecurity
- Network administration
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud computing
Coursework emphasizes problem-solving skills that mirror how IT work is performed in today’s environments, helping students build career readiness momentum while they learn.
Credit where credit is due
A defining feature of the BSIT – Focused program is its transfer credit allowance. Students who previously completed NAU’s Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology program may transfer up to 94.5 quarter credit hours, potentially shortening their time to completion and overall cost. NAU also offers prior learning credit through standardized exams, military training and professional portfolios.
“When students come to us with prior learning, especially from military service or associate programs, we believe it should count,” said Steven Balke, dean of the School of Business at NAU. “This program reflects that belief by honoring past achievement while focusing forward on real-world IT skills.”
Flexible, affordable and now financial assistance is accessible
Prospective students may apply for financial aid. The BSIT – Focused program supports multiple payment options, including:
- Federal Title IV Funding
- VA education benefits
- Active-duty military tuition assistance
- Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement
- Out-of-pocket payment
This transparent structure ensures students can plan confidently, especially those leveraging military benefits across state lines or during PCS transitions.
As higher education continues to evolve, adult learners are redefining what a bachelor’s degree should look like.
“We’ve been helping learners advance their careers since 1941,” said Mathena. “This is just our latest evolution, one that meets students where they are and helps them move forward faster.”
Visit national.edu for more information.
