Janette Plantado-Descallar, 45, married and with three children, works as family and life coordinator at the Catholic Diocese of Novaliches. Despite trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, she is taking up BS Social Work and hopes to complete it in a couple of years.

Twenty-three year old Marian Katrina Donato works as an executive assistant at the Supreme Court, but is now about to complete her AB Communications course interrupted during her senior year.
Working as processing executive at HSBC Global Resourcing, 28-year old Jorel Sy is pursuing AB Communications which got stalled midway in his college life.

They are among the professionals and workers, who, despite being gainfully employed still see the value of earning that elusive college degree in the long stretch of their career.

According to statistics, there is a growing number of college students who fail to finish their schooling due to poverty, early employment, early marriage and other family circumstances. Dropping out of school deprives them that all-important college diploma which is often the passport to gainful employment and a brighter future.

And now, the good news. Undergraduates can now get a second crack on that elusive degree with Miriam College’s Professional Program. Its objective is to help provide busy adult learners the opportunity to complete their schooling and earn a college diploma. This goes best for professionals
who got employed early on in their lives, but still feel the need for a college degree.

The program is also tailored for professionals who want to pursue advanced degrees to earn promotions in their line of work.

“Miriam College is committed to helping busy adults achieve their educational goals amid the demands of work and family life. Anchored on the premise that learning is a lifelong process, it espouses continuous growth and development for individuals who are not part of the formal workforce such as homemakers, volunteers, and early retirees,” says Miriam College president Dr. Patricia Licuanan.

The school uses a blended learning strategy which combines the accreditation of earned credits in college, the equivalency of work experiences and distance education through online learning complemented by occasional face-to-face sessions.

Because it has in mind excellent academic offerings that are responsive to the needs of the adult student, its programs are flexible and workable within his availability.

Accomplishments and acquired expertise of professionals in their field of work are considered and granted its equivalent weight in academic credits.

Five degree programs are initially offered: AB Communication Arts, BS Entrepreneurship, BS Social Work, AB Psychology, and BS Environmental Planning and Management, with more in-demand courses will be offered in the future.

The Program is open to high school graduates aged at least 22 years old, who would like to complete their undergraduate diploma or earn a second degree but cannot attend regular classes due to various constraints.

For more information, call Ma. Luisa Villano, admissions officer at 435-3504 or visit www.mc.edu.ph.