About the School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Created during the early 1980s, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies owes its existence to the foundational works of adult learning style theorists Drs. Malcolm Knowles and David Kolb, as well as others. Spring Arbor University's School of Graduate and Professional Studies was the first school in Michigan to launch a program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the adult learner.

The two hallmarks of adult learners are andragogy and self-directedness. Andragogy is the method in which adults learn, that is, through both experiential and didactic methods. Self directedness applies to the tendency for adults to be proactive and entrepreneurial in the pursuit of gaining new knowledge.

Traditionally, University education has been available only to those with time and money to spend several years away from work, and usually away from home.  People who either choose or need to work after high school often find no practical way of continuing their education.  It is to this end that the School of Graduate and Professional Studies has fashioned fully accredited programs that make such a pursuit an achievable one:

• Classes are held at locations and times convenient to students' residences or work. 
• Course content is focused on practical application to the everyday life and occupation of the student. 
• The program assumes that adult students possess experiences and skills which may earn credit. 

The School of Adult Studies is committed to ensuring that each student has every opportunity to reach the furthest of his or her potential.

In the School of Graduate and Professional Studies we embrace certain core values.

• We value a Christ-centered perspective.
• We value the liberal arts.
• We value the unique distinctives of adult learning.
• We value achieving excellence.
• We value the worth of the individual.
• We value diversity.

In the School of Graduate and Professional Studies we will support our values by operating according to key principles. 

• We believe in quality, unique educational programs that creatively employ the principles of adult learning and that encourage applied learning.
• Students will be exposed to positive, Christian role models and a biblically integrated curriculum.
• Personnel in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies will embrace the core values of the school.
• We believe in a diverse environment.
• We believe in a service-oriented environment.