Thomas A. Edison State University: A Legacy of Innovation in Adult Education
Founded in 1972 by the New Jersey State Legislature, Thomas A. Edison State University (originally established as Edison College) was created with a revolutionary mission: to “shake up” higher education. Named in honor of the famous inventor who lived in New Jersey and gained extensive knowledge without attending traditional college classes, the institution was designed from its inception to serve a population largely ignored by conventional universities: working adults returning to college while managing careers and families. Before Thomas Edison existed, no institution quite like it had ever been conceived.
The university’s founding principles were groundbreaking. According to the establishing resolution, Edison College was created to “enable individuals to receive academic recognition for skills and knowledge acquired in a variety of ways” and to permit students to complete their degrees “without formal attendance at a campus”. This philosophy of recognizing learning wherever it occurs—whether through work experience, military training, or prior coursework—became the cornerstone of the institution’s identity. Buy fake USA diploma online.
A History of Milestones
The university’s journey began modestly. In September 1972, the institution opened its doors to the public in a second-floor office in Ewing, New Jersey. The following June, the first commencement ceremony was held at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, where 70 graduates earned Associate in Arts degrees—with Elizabeth “Bette” Ewing becoming the first person to receive a diploma. In 1974, the Thomas Edison College Examination Program (TECEP®) was established, allowing students to earn credit through standardized examinations. The institution earned full accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1977, and in 1980, it was officially renamed Thomas A. Edison State College. On December 21, 2015, the institution was renamed Thomas Edison State University to reflect its growth and expanded role.
Guide to Course Modules for Thomas A. Edison State University Degree
Academic Excellence and Innovation
Today, Thomas Edison State University offers more than 100 areas of study across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as certificate programs. The university is organized into five distinct schools, with programs spanning arts, sciences, business, nursing, and public service. Its business programs hold specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), while the institution as a whole is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What truly sets Thomas Edison apart is its extraordinary flexibility. All programs are 100% online, with undergraduate courses starting monthly and graduate courses offering multiple start dates throughout the year. The university accepts most eligible transfer credits and offers credit for prior learning, including work experience, military training, and corporate training recommended by the American Council on Education.
A Diverse and Accomplished Community
With over 12,500 students enrolled, Thomas Edison draws learners from across the globe—this year’s graduates traveled from 37 states, Chile, St. Lucia, and the United Arab Emirates. The average age of graduates is 37, reflecting the university’s commitment to adult learners at every stage of life. Notable alumni include U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, Philadelphia Flyers anthem singer Lauren Hart, former NFL players Troy Vincent and Jon Runyon, author Arthur C. Brooks, and Isaac Wright Jr., whose life inspired the ABC drama *For Life*.
From its revolutionary founding to its current status as a national leader in online adult education, Thomas A. Edison State University remains true to its founding vision: providing flexible, high-quality collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults, wherever they live or work.