College for Working Adults (CFWA)

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What is the College for Working Adults?

College for Working Adults (CFWA) is a unique program for adults who are trying to balance work, life, and/or family responsibilities. CFWA is designed for people with busy schedules who want to complete an Associate degree in two years, and on a convenient, predictable schedule.
CFWA is a program within Ivy Tech Community College, a fully accredited two-year college. With proper advising, a student seeking a bachelor’s degree can, after completing an Associate degree, transfer their credits to four-year colleges or universities. The Associate degree you earn through CFWA is the same degree granted to students who attend classes on a more traditional schedule.

What makes CFWA different?

First, CFWA offers you a guaranteed schedule of classes for the entire degree program scheduled over two years. You will know what classes are required to meet all degree requirements and when those classes are offered – up front.
Second, CFWA schedules its degree programs using a block system that is distinct from the regular academic semester calendar. Each calendar year is divided into three blocks consisting of two eight-week sessions in the Fall and Spring semesters, and one eight-week session during the Summer term.
Typically, you take two courses in each of the eight-week Fall and Spring sessions, and two courses during the single Summer session. Most CFWA classes are offered on Saturdays, with one course in the morning and a second course in the afternoon.

Do students move through the program as a group?

CFWA programs are cohort-based. That means that students begin and finish as a group. Members in the cohort can do projects together, study together, help each other, and support one another throughout the program. Each program cohort will form a small community of students. Although most CFWA classes will not be limited to a cohort, you will go through the program with a group of students and get to know them well.

How quickly can I earn my Associate degree?

CFWA programs are designed so that students who follow the cohort schedule can complete an Associate degree in two years.

What degree programs are available?

The College for Working Adults program at Ivy Tech’s Richmond campus features Associate degree programs in Accounting; Business Administration (Management concentration); Computer Information Systems (Database Management concentration); and Early Childhood Education.

What are the classes like?

Almost all classes involve a combination of on-campus class time and out-of-class learning. On-campus class time makes up about half of the total class. Classes are generally three hours long and may involve instructor presentation of new material or applications of material that you study outside the classroom. Out-of-classroom learning is generally completed online and may involve projects, reading assignments, papers, and all the activities needed to achieve the course objectives

How much does it cost?

Fees for CFWA programs are the same as those charged for traditional Ivy Tech Associate degree programs. And, like the traditional degree programs, CFWA programs are eligible for funding through federal student financial aid programs.

Is child care available?

The Ivy Tech Child Development Center is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays for 3- to 12-year-old children of CFWA students. Cost is $12 per day per family for up to two children, with an adjusted rate for additional children. Parents are to provide a sack lunch for each of their children. Ivy Tech will provide snacks.

How do I enroll or get more information?

If you’re interested in enrolling in the College for Working Adults, contact Christine Rethlake, Director of Admissions, at 800-659-4562, extension 1212, or email crethlake@ivytech. We’ll schedule you for one of our on-campus CFWA information sessions where we’ll explain the CFWA program more completely and answer any questions you may have. Space is limited, so call or email today to reserve your space in one of the information sessions.