Adult and Senior Citizen Learning Programs

Adult Learning Program

Program Overview and Cost

The Adult Learning Program is dedicated to lifelong learning, specifically for students who are returning to the classroom after being out of school for some time. We offer academic, career and personal support services to non-traditional adult learners throughout their college experience.

Requirements to be an Adult Learner

25 – 64 years old
Possess a high school degree or GED
Pursuing an undergraduate degree
Can be either a Freshman or Transfer student
Have not been enrolled in a college or university for at least two years
Not pursuing the Nursing program
Understands that GNED 100 – Adult Success Seminar – is a mandatory graduation requirement course that all Adult Learners MUST enroll in their first semester.
Attend an Orientation specifically assigned by the Adult Learning Program Advisor

Senior Citizen Program

Montclair State University offers New Jersey residents who are age 65 or older the opportunity to take classes for their own personal enrichment. Classes are audit only and cannot be taken for credit.

Application Process

If interested in auditing undergraduate courses, use the Undergraduate Non-Degree application (scroll to the bottom to the Senior Citizen Application), indicating your interest in the Senior Citizen Program during the application process.
If interested in auditing graduate courses, use The Graduate School Non-Degree application, selecting Non-Degree as your program.

Participants must complete a new application each term to participate.

If looking to pursue a degree, you will need to apply to the University through the normal admissions process and will be responsible for full tuition and fees.

For more information about the application process, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at msuadm@montclair.edu or Graduate Admissions at graduate@montclair.edu.

Senior Citizen Program Guidelines

Registration takes place on the first day of classes
Only courses offered during the fall and/or spring terms are available to participating senior citizen auditors
Tuition is waived however, participants are responsible for all fees including, but not limited to, mandatory, student, and program fees
Cost of textbooks, materials, and other course related fees are not included in this program
Participants may audit two classes, for a total a 6 credits each term
Senior citizen auditors may audit classes with the permission of the instructor and/or department

Please use the course catalog to gain a better understanding of the types of courses offered at the University. You will have access to the specific course offerings in a specific term after you have been admitted to the University.

For more information about Montclair’s Senior Citizen Program, please email seniorcitizen@montclair.edu or call the Center for Academic Success & Tutoring (CAST) at (973) 655-5425.

Adult Learning FAQs

We have compiled a few frequently asked questions below for your convenience.

What is it like transitioning to a new school?	Transferring from one school and/or starting school again after time away can seem daunting. Because of this, Montclair State University has various offices on campus to assist students with that adjustment. For any academic adjustments or concerns, please remember you have two advisors. You have an advisor in your major and you have a secondary advisor who is a generalist. If you are having issues you can go to either advisor, but know that your secondary advisor is always here to help answer questions and connect you to the right people on campus. Outside of these advisors, there are offices on campus that also assist with the adjustment. You can utilize the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) which gets you connected to the campus in fun ways, including trips to Broadway and movies on campus. Many of the Adult Learners in the program love that these two things are available through the CSI because it allows them to bring their families to campus to enjoy some of the things we have to offer. If you are a commuter student, we have an office for Commuter Life. Many students like to participate in the events they hold on campus which are specially geared towards students who are running to campus from work and other obligations. There is also the Student Recreation Center, Kasser Theater, the Drop In Center, Academic Success Center (for tutoring), the Center for Writing Excellence (located in the library) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), just to name a few. All of these Centers and Offices have events and opportunities for students to connect to the University and discuss any issues they may be facing.
Can I still work and attend school at the same time?	Whether you are attending full-time or part-time, school is a big commitment. All students should remember that along with classroom time, they should account for time spent studying and working on classwork. With that said, it is still possible for students to work and attend classes. There are some early morning classes that start prior to 8 a.m. and classes run throughout the day until 11 p.m. Even though there is a large variety of days and times for classes, it is important that students understand that not all classes will have early morning, late night or weekend options. If you can only attend classes in the evening (evening classes start at 5:30 p.m.) here is a listing of majors that can accommodate that: Accounting Business Administration Classics (with online classes) English General Humanities (with online classes) History Justice Studies w/Concentrations in International Justice Justice Systems or Paralegal Studies Mathematics w/Concentrations in Discrete Applied Mathematics Mathematics of Finance or Statistics Political Science Psychology Sociology Many students do juggle work, family responsibilities and school. It will take some effort and time management, but it is doable. During GNED 100 we will speak more about time management. However, if this is really an issue for you right now, please come in so we can speak about it and work on some solutions.
Which classes do I need to take?	Every new Adult Learner has a hold on their account so they can come in to speak with someone from the Adult Learner Program so we can go over the Degree Works Degree Audit. This allows us to go over the major you have chosen, which credits have been transferred to Montclair State University, and which classes and requirements you have remaining. At any time during your tenure, you can look up this information via your NEST Account. If you have questions or are confused we are here to help you.
What is the online learning platform that Montclair State University uses?	Currently, Montclair State University uses Canvas.
Where do I park? How can I get to campus if I don't drive?	Parking on campus does not have to be something you dread. Plan ahead and get to know the numerous locations on campus where you can park. For information regarding parking lots and shuttles please visit the Parking Services website. For those who do not wish to drive to campus, please note that there are buses that stop on campus and two train stops. For more information for both the train and bus service please visit the Directions web page.
How do I finance my education?	The offices of Financial Aid and Student Accounts, located in Red Hawk Central, work together to assist students in paying their balances. Financial Aid administers Federal and State aid to students. In order to be eligible, please complete a FAFSA. You can do this on the FAFSA website. Once you have completed your FAFSA and receive confirmation that it has been processed, it is sent to Montclair State University. That process can take up to two weeks from the day you complete the FAFSA to the day that Montclair State University receives it. Once Montclair State University has your FAFSA, information regarding the amount of aid you will receive will be posted on your NEST account. If you need to turn in additional information to the University, that will also be posted under your NEST account. It is important that you check your NEST account and your Montclair State University email. Some students are contacted by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJ HESAA). If you receive notification from them that they need additional information, please submit it to them directly and not to Montclair State University.
How do I submit my tuition payment?	The Office of Student Accounts is where you will remit payment. They are responsible for all forms of payment outside of Federal and State aid and for private loans. If you are paying via cash, check, money order, outside scholarship or payment plan, it will go directly to the Student Accounts office. Students that are interested in the payment plan option should start the process as early as possible. You can learn more about payment options on the Payment Options web page.

GNED100 Mandatory Course

The Adult Academic Success Seminar (GNED 100) is a required two-credit course which fulfills a Montclair State University general education requirement, which must be taken during the first semester of enrollment. This course is designed to ease a student’s transition into a successful and enjoyable college experience. This course offers information about campus services, events, people, and places. GNED 100 will also provide students with the academic tools necessary for success at the college level.

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

Time Management
Note Taking and Study Skills
Journal and Research Writing Techniques
Stress Management
Goal Setting

Perhaps most important of all, this seminar course will give students the opportunity to meet regularly with other Adult Learners. Together with the instructor, students will have the opportunity to discuss ideas, thoughts and concerns regarding their academic journey. The seminar becomes “home base” for the first semester adjustment period by providing group identification and support.