The Program for Adult College Education (PACE) provides an alternative for students who have difficulty pursuing a bachelor's degree due to employment, family responsibilities or other obligations. PACE provides a nontraditional method for earning a bachelor's degree through courses in a special weeknight, weekend and independent study format. PACE courses are normally presented in 12-hour blocks, arranged by theme or issue. There are also numerous Internet, web-assisted and second eight week courses.

Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree (B.L.A.)

The B.L.A. with or without a minor/concentration is the most popular degree offered through PACE. This degree program allows enhanced flexibility in selection of academic areas of study for students whose aspirations are not served by a traditional major. Research has shown that individuals with the breadth of knowledge and skills provided by a liberal arts education are in demand by employers. The B.L.A. provides:

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities.
• Maximum flexibility in course selection.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Personal satisfaction and self-esteem.
• Multicultural issues awareness.
• Ability to adapt and work as a team.
• Increased awareness of values and ethical questions.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Written and oral communication skills.

Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree (B.L.A.) with a Minor/Concentration Area

The B.L.A. with a minor/concentration area is designed to allow all the advantages of a liberal arts education while providing an indication of a student's special area of interest. Minors earned in conjunction with the B.L.A. are reflected on official transcripts. However, typically it is necessary for students pursuing a minor to take a required course outside of the PACE curriculum. Concentrations are informal academic designations and are not reflected on official transcripts. However, successful completion of concentration requirements is recognized by a certificate. Requirements are typically established jointly between PACE and the respective academic department within the College of Arts and Sciences. Typically, 18 credit hours are required in related interdisciplinary fields to qualify for a concentration. Some concentrations may require the combination of PACE and regular departmental coursework. The following concentration areas can be primarily obtained through PACE course offerings:

• Black Studies
• Chemistry
• Commercial Economics
• Communication Studies
• Computer Media & Technology
• Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Disability Studies
• Economics
• English
• Environmental Studies
• Family Studies 
• History  
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Visual Technology and Art Design

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Majors and Minors in Conjunction with PACE

Students can meet B.A./B.S. general degree requirements through the PACE program and, in conjunction with designated disciplines, pursue a major or minor. Degrees associated with an academic unit's evening division are recommended for this process. Students should refer to the associated departmental requirements in the UMKC undergraduate catalog and consult a Department Advisor and a PACE Advisor.

Entry into Graduate/Professional Degree Programs and PACE

The PACE Program provides to students the ability to achieve rigorous academic preparation for graduate and professional degree programs. The B.L.A. is recognized as an appropriate degree for a number of graduate/professional programs at UMKC and elsewhere (e.g., Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Accounting, Law, Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Medicine and Health degrees). Many PACE students continue their studies in graduate degree programs.

Entry into Certificate Programs and PACE

PACE also participates in certificate programs such as those offered in disability studies, gerontology, substance abuse and in the degree completion program for individuals who have satisfactorily completed the Kansas City, Mo. Regional Police Academy training. UMKC grants 30 hours of elective credit toward the B.A. in criminal justice and criminology or the bachelor of liberal arts degree for completion of the academy.

PACE Academic Advising

The PACE program takes a highly personalized approach to the academic needs of nontraditional students. Students will work with an academic advisor who will assist them from admissions, through the academic process, to graduation. Students can consult the Student Services Coordinator from the PACE Office, for issues that impact their academic goals. Students wishing to combine PACE coursework with other academic programs and degrees should consult an academic adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office or the PACE Student Services Coordinator.