GED®/Adult High School Studies
Starting college or a career can be a rewarding experience, especially when students have the confidence in basic skills such as math, reading, computing and study skills. Adult Education offers three programs for students at various levels to help them gain the basic skills they need to succeed in college, in their careers, and at home.
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- GED® Program
- Adult High School Diploma (AHS)
Qualifying minors (ages 16 or 17) may enroll in any of these programs with a completed “Petition for the Admission of a Minor Applicant.” ABE and GED® classes are offered through open enrollment; thus, students may register at any time during the year. Classes and labs are provided at no cost both on and off campus. Skill assessments are required for registration and are provided during OPEN orientation (Orientation for Personal Educational Needs) or on campus Monday–Wednesday, both day and evening, in the Academic Studies Center, located in the Kenneth B. Hurst Education Building, Room 200. No appointment is necessary, but a government-issued photo ID is required. For more information, please call 910.938.6259 or email BasicSkills@coastalcarolina.edu.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
The ABE program is designed for adult students who test below a ninth grade level in math or reading. After completing an orientation session, students may enroll in appropriate level classes either on campus, off-campus, or through Take-Out (distance learning). The ABE program builds skills in reading, writing, speaking, problem-solving, and computation to help adults function in society, on a job, or in the family. ABE instruction is free for all students. Upon completion of the ABE program, those students lacking a high school credential are encouraged to enroll in the GED® program.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL is a course designed for English Language Learners (ELLs) who want to read, write, and speak fluently the English language. Conversational English is emphasized, as well as vocabulary, spelling, and reading development. Classes are offered each semester during the day and evening, both on and off campus. Citizenship instruction is also available. For more information please call 910.938.6259 or email BasicSkills@coastalcarolina.edu.
Compensatory Education Program (CED)
Compensatory education is a community college program designed specifically to build skills needed by adults with developmental disabilities to function as independently as possible in the community. Areas of instruction include math, community living skills, reading, health, social science, consumer education, and vocational education. Classes offer traditional classroom instruction as well as directed activities outside the classroom.
To be eligible to participate in the Compensatory Education Program, an individual must be 17 or older, not enrolled in the public school system, and either (a) diagnosed with an intellectual disability or (b) functioning on that level because of a head injury or brain damage. Classes are offered at no cost.
GED® Program
The GED® program is designed for adult students who test above a ninth grade level in math and reading but have not obtained a high school diploma. The GED® program will prepare students to successfully pass the GED® test. Passing the GED® test will allow adult students to be awarded a North Carolina Equivalency Diploma, which is nationally recognized as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. The GED® program includes instruction in social studies, science, reading, mathematics, and writing. Day and evening classes are offered both on and off campus. Books and materials are provided for student use. A distance learning course, GED® Takeout, is also offered which includes text, video, and online instruction. Coastal is an official GED® testing center. The GED® test is given once per month or at the end of each session. There is a required testing fee to cover the costs of the GED® tests.
Adult High School Diploma Program (AHS)
The AHS Program is designed for adults to complete the necessary requirements to obtain a high school diploma. The year round program is administered by the Continuing Education Division at Coastal with the approval and cooperation of the Onslow Board of Education, North Carolina Community College System, and the Department of Public Instruction.
A candidate may earn a North Carolina Adult High School Diploma upon completion of all current North Carolina requirements at the time the candidate entered high school as a freshman. Candidates must qualify and meet all local guidelines before being admitted into the program. Coursework is completed in the Academic Studies Center, Room 200, of the Kenneth B. Hurst Continuing Education building and weekly attendance is mandatory. For more information please call Beverly Goodson, Adult High School Director, (910) 938-6259 or visit the Academic Studies Center.
