We are still accepting applications to the program; the next program entry point begins in September 2013.

If you have a student or client in your care who would be ideal for our program, please refer him or her to our web page for Students & Families or contact us for more information.

A Breakthrough Solution

It's a simple fact: a traditional classroom doesn't work for everyone. Some students will do far better - gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to pursue a professional career - through online education. In a familiar, comfortable setting. Backed by the personal support of professionally-trained mentors.

The Achieve Degree was developed by a community of educators and professionals devoted to meeting the needs of non-traditional students, such as those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, Crohn’s disease or other special needs. For more on the ideas and voices of the Achieve Degree program, visit the Achieve Ideas blog.

A True Sage Degree - Respected and Accredited

The Achieve Degree is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with companion classes in Computer Science. Coursework is consistent with the content and demands of onsite courses offered in the other Sage undergraduate programs. Admission is competitive and standards follow the guidelines of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at Sage College of Albany, the coeducational undergraduate unit of The Sage Colleges.

Highly Supportive

The Achieve Degree offers a highly supportive environment for students who are academically capable but are not able to navigate a traditional college program or campus. Social aspects of the learning environment (e.g., how students interact with professors and with each other) may be adjusted to maximize each student's success, while academic integrity of the program is maintained. The fully online format allows for accommodations that can make college more enjoyable and less stressful for students with particular social and other needs, such as difficulty with executive functioning, organization, time management, and deficits in writing ability.

These accommodations include:

• Small class size: no more than 15 students per class.
• Content delivery in multiple formats to benefit a variety of learning styles.
• Flexibility in assessment and participation modalities.
• One-to-one support from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for up to three hours per week, via Skype, telephone, and/or email.
• These mentors work directly with individual students in 1:1 relationships to help students navigate all aspects of their college experience, including administrative (registration, student services), technology (online learning tools, communication tools such as Skype, other necessary computer applications), academic demands (organization, remaining on-task to meet due dates) and social needs (interacting appropriately with instructors and fellow students).
• Specialized training for instructors, along with ongoing support from BCBA mentors who are working directly with the students.

How It Works

This four-year program is divided into six terms per year. Students take two courses per term. For the first two years, coursework each term consists of one 3-credit academic course, and one 1-credit course in practical applications of academic content areas. For the last two years, coursework each term consists of two 3-credit academic courses.