SMC + Re: Degree Making It Easy for Adults to Finish Degrees
In Spartanburg County, a partnership between Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) and One Spartanburg’s Re: Degree initiative led to a bachelor’s degree that creates new opportunities for adult learners to start or finish college. With funding from Movement 2030, SMC’s new Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree is helping Spartanburg County residents unlock their potential through education - boosting economic mobility and strengthening the local community.
A Vision for Adult Learners
Understanding that many adults face barriers to completing their degrees, SMC developed the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree in close collaboration with Re: Degree, a program created to assist adult learners in Spartanburg County to overcome barriers to returning to the classroom. SMC’s degree offers a flexible, affordable, and supportive pathway explicitly tailored to those who started college but never finished. The program emphasizes accessibility—with no application fees, no required test scores, and the ability to earn credit for prior work and life experiences. It’s delivered online, allowing students to balance work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing their education.
The new degree program starts this month, with the first enrolled students starting online classes.
For many adult learners, the hurdles to returning to college are daunting. In some cases, unpaid debts can result in transcript holds, making it difficult to transfer credits. The cost of education can feel insurmountable, especially for those managing household expenses. And time constraints due to work and family responsibilities often leave little room for traditional education models. SMC and Re: Degree designed the BA in General Studies program to address these challenges head-on. By offering financial guidance and flexible scheduling, the program helps students overcome these barriers. Additionally, Re: Degree assists students in navigating complex issues like transcript holds and finding solutions to reduce the financial burden.
“One of the most significant advantages of the BA in General Studies is its ability to combine previously earned college credits from various disciplines into one cohesive degree program,” says Curt Laird, Spartanburg Methodist College provost and vice president for academic affairs. “For adult learners who have accumulated some college credits, this means they don’t have to start over. Instead, they can add their past educational efforts to new coursework to complete their degrees. This approach saves time and money and acknowledges the hard work and knowledge students have already gained.”
The program also allows students to earn credit for prior learning, a valuable feature for working adults. SMC awards Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) based on workplace experiences, professional certifications, non-credit coursework, foreign language competency, and military service. For example, someone with a professional certification or military training may find these experiences translate directly into college credits, significantly reducing the time and cost required to complete their degree. By recognizing the value of real-world experience, SMC ensures that adult learners can maximize their previous efforts and accelerate their educational journey.
The new degree also includes SMC’s signature Camak Core professional development curriculum, which is part of all SMC bachelor’s degree programs. The Camak Core (named for SMC’s founder) provides practical skill-building in writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving—qualities highly valued by employers across industries. Additionally, the degree prepares graduates for diverse career fields, from business and healthcare administration to education and technology.
“The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at Spartanburg Methodist College is a fantastic option for adult students who want the convenience of an online program,” says Dr. Erin Smith, director of adult degree reengagement for One Spartanburg, Inc. “It gives them the skills and credentials they need to advance in their careers without putting their lives on hold.”
Re: Degree’s Role in Driving Success
Re: Degree, spearheaded by One Spartanburg, Inc. and supported by the Spartanburg Academic Movement’s Movement 2030, plays a vital role in connecting adult learners with the resources they need to succeed. The initiative provides one-on-one support, helping individuals navigate the application process and overcome obstacles that may have previously hindered their educational journey. From financial guidance to connecting students with personalized academic support, Re: Degree ensures that returning to college is a manageable and rewarding experience.
“Re: Degree has been an incredible partner in spreading awareness about the new program,” Laird says. “Their advocacy and outreach efforts have helped us reach adult learners who might not have considered finishing their degrees. Together, we can make a real difference in our community.”
Results That Speak Volumes
SMC’s BA in General Studies has generated significant interest among adult learners in Spartanburg County, with approximately 200 inquiries from prospective students ages 25 and over. “It’s one of our most asked-about degree options, just behind our Associate Degree in General Studies,” says Ben Maxwell, vice president for enrollment at Spartanburg Methodist College. “We’re excited to see a strong demand for flexible, career-oriented educational opportunities in Spartanburg County.”
A Brighter Future for Spartanburg County
Movement 2030’s vision for advancing economic mobility and educational attainment in Spartanburg County underscores the importance of initiatives like the BA in General Studies and Re: Degree. Movement 2030 is driving sustainable, measurable change that benefits individuals and the region by fostering collaboration between institutions like SMC and community-focused programs. The BA in General Studies is more than a degree for adult learners—it’s a pathway to career advancement, personal growth, and economic mobility.