University Extension
University Extension, a division of a university offering an adult education program. The program may include lectures, discussion groups, and courses offered by mail, radio, television, or the Internet. In addition to academic subjects (literature, history, etc.), a university extension generally offers vocational subjects and a general cultural program (such as a series of lectures on the appreciation of art and music). Some extension courses give credit toward a degree.
Several hundred universities in the United States have extension programs. Land-grant colleges are especially active in offering extension courses in agricultural education. The first extension program was offered in 1873 by Cambridge University in England.