At Goddard College, we believe higher education degrees should match the ambitions of the student, helping them envision and advance their particular concern, career and goal. Getting a degree should bring about exciting, transformational change, not just a piece of paper for the mantle.
And most importantly, you shouldn’t have to turn your life and obligations upside-down to get a degree.
That’s what scholars at Goddard College envisioned when they developed the first low-residency degree program in the world.
A Radical Model
Goddard College’s low-residency model began in 1963 to meet the needs of adult students with professional, family, and other obligations seeking higher education degrees. Since then, other higher education institutions have attempted to emulate the Goddard model, a model that allows students a flexibility that was previously unheard of.
Goddard’s low-residency program is now combined with our learner-driven, design-your-own-curriculum study. It is perhaps the most personalized method to achieve a degree. Our continuously evolving model has been successfully bringing students together to meet the goals that they set for themselves for nearly 60 years.
One student used his time at Goddard to map out building sustainable community schools in Central America. Another worked to give new forms to her experimental dance and teaching practice. At its best, a Goddard College degree is not just checking off a box, it is the culmination of a new plan, an experiment, or an exploration rooted in your own experience.
Working For You
Here’s what some recent graduates had to say about Goddard:
“Goddard gave me a great place to experiment, both by virtue of how the program was constructed, and with who your colleagues are. I really loved the fact that there are artists working in other disciplines, collaborating together to innovate and make change.”
“Goddard is not about work for work’s sake, but about bringing your work into the world.”
Its uniqueness is game-changing for students who have been disenfranchised by the typical learning environment. At Goddard, you bring your interest, ambitions, and learning style to develop your curriculum with your advisors on your own terms, and in consideration of your home and work obligations.
When students arrive for the 9-day residency at one of our two campuses, students are able to build connections with fellow students and faculty advisors. Guided by faculty advisors, and supported by their peers, students rigorously work to focus their study plans for the next semester.
Always Innovating
In 2020, our residency program was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A residency would normally offer students a chance to socialize and workshop their projects and ideas in person, now had to be done virtually. The intimate cohort of multi-generational learners from around the country, were now meeting together online for a virtual residency.
Even with a pandemic, Goddard was able to bring speakers, events, exhibits, discussion groups and even the time-honored tradition of cabaret to the virtual space. Many students have said that their Goddard experience has better prepared them for the virtual space that Covid has provoked.
It is Goddard’s unique approach to working with individual students that sets it apart from typical online degree programs. No grading, no test scores required to apply.
Are you searching for a higher education experience that will transform you as a learner and motivate you to take the next step in your career or project?
Inquire today and find out how Goddard can bring your vision to life.
Find out more about what Goddard has to offer. 70% of our undergraduate students arrive with previously earned credits and 85% receive financial aid. If you wish to shape your future, there has never been a better time than now. But don’t just take our word for it. Connect an admissions counselor today at Get Info to find out more.
