When To Choose A Concentration
If you want to dig into an area of interest related to your major, then consider a concentration.
Below are things you should do before choosing your area of focus.
- Look at your high school years
Did you enjoy certain classes? What extracurriculars made you smile?
On the contrary, what classes did you hate?
Your high school years can help you decide if you should choose another area of focus.
- Consider your career goals
What do you want to do after you graduate? Do you want to be an English teacher, lawyer, or social worker? Having clear career goals helps you choose your classes.
But you dont need to have everything figured out. You have time. Most colleges dont require you declare your major until your sophomore year.
- Take different classes
Just because youre a biology major doesnt mean you cant take a history class. In fact, colleges encourage students to take classes unrelated to their major.
If you havent declared a major, then its even more important to take classes in different fields. For example, an English writing class might uncover an interest in fiction writing. In doing so, you might fall in love with a new subject.
- Reconsider your interests
Its not uncommon for a student to change their mind after choosing a major. In fact, more than half of college students change their major. So odds are you will change your study area at least once in college.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Online Bachelor’s Degree
Earning an online bachelor’s degree generally takes full-time students four years to complete. However, several factors influence program length. Some colleges offer accelerated programs or credit for work experience. Self-paced programs may alter degree timelines.
Program options like synchronous or asynchronous classes, internships, and cohort programs also affect program length. Consider researching the fastest online bachelor’s programs to earn a degree in under four years.
How Do You Declare A Concentration
Each school has its own way of choosing a major concentration. But most colleges require that you inform your academic advisor or counselor of your decision.
Some schools have automated systems in place, while others require you fill out a paper and submit it to your registrars office.
In the end, though, its an easy process that takes only minutes to complete.
Don’t Miss: Is Penn Foster College Real
Get News Delivered To You
Want free updates about careers, financial aid, University of Phoenix educational offerings and more? We deliver the latest info to your inbox.
In terms of level of study, the college degree programs in order are:
Its important to think of college degrees in order for a few reasons. For starters, knowledge for a bachelors degree differs dramatically from whats required for a doctoral degree. By moving through the degrees in order, you leverage previous academic knowledge to address new challenges. Prior education can form a strong foundation for future learning.
It’s also important to consider the different time and financial requirements of each degree type, as well as a given degrees impact on your career prospects. You might, for example, research what education is typically required for a position in your desired field. This can help you figure out the level of education you need to earn to reach your goals.
How Does A Major Play An Important Role In A College Degree
A major plays an important role in a college degree because it ensures that you are taking the amount of coursework required to earn your bachelors in a specialized field of study.
Otherwise, your college degree would just be made up of random classes without focusing in one area. This can make it difficult to enter the job market, as employers want someone who has the knowledge and experience in one specific subject.
Recommended Reading: What Companies Offer Scholarships For College
Positive Return On Investment
The cost of a degree may be daunting, especially with many students on the news sharing student loan woes and not feeling like the job market is friendly to their specific degree. While no one can argue that some degrees arent that easy to employ, many college grads are finding the ROI of a bachelors degree to be positive.
Young adults express that their degrees are a good value, with 72 percent believing that their degree has paid off, and an additional 17 percent believing that it will very soon. This trend stays steady among those who borrowed for school, as well. Plus, there are many programs available to help pay for higher education scholarships, grants and tuition reimbursement programs are all designed to help students avoid debt.
Is A Bachelors Degree Right For Me
Making the decision to pursue a college education is a very personal one for most students. It is important to understand, though, that this degree can create multiple opportunities for you, not only as you enter the career field but also as you look to advance in it.
Likewise, by simply having an undergraduate degree, youll be able to increase your:
- reduce your risk of unemployment
- gain more credibility during the hiring process
Of course, in order to achieve a bachelors degree youll need to apply to and get into colleges that are a good fit for you.
Thats where services like College Rank can help. Here, youll find curated college rankings sorted by degree program, subject matter, and more. You can even locate lists of online bachelors degree programs.
To learn more about the various undergraduate programs leading to bachelors degrees, dont miss these important rankings:
Read Also: Where Is The College Football Hall Of Fame
What Degree First Year In College
Typically, there are four levels of college degrees. They are as follows from lowest to highest.
The associates and bachelors are referred to as undergraduate coursework. The masters and doctorate are referred to as graduate degrees. Refer to the below.
Associates Degree
The associates degree is designed as a two year program of study as a full-time student provided the student takes the degree as prescribed by the college. There are some programs of study that may take a bit longer depending on the number of credits required. Usually these are programs within the health related fields. In addition, for students who require developmental course work as a result of basic skills testing, it would take longer. How much longer would depend on the extent of the developmental courses they are required to take. Evidently, those individuals who attend college on a part-time based would also extend their time in school. How much longer would depend on the credit load carried each semester. Typically, an associates degree takes between 60 and 64 credits to complete depending on the specific school, program of study, and state mandates.
Bachelors Degree
The masters and doctorate degrees are referred to as graduate level coursework and typically particular to a specific field of study or profession.
Masters Degree
Doctorate Degree
What Is The Difference Between A Bba Bsba And Baba
Students who are pursuing online bachelor’s degrees in business administration can choose from three types of degrees: BBA, bachelor of science in business administration , or bachelor of arts in business administration .
BBA programs usually focus on business and management principles, while BSBA programs emphasize technical skills, like mathematics, statistics, and science. BABA programs balance business basics with general education courses. All three degrees can lead to successful business careers.
Read Also: What’s The Best College In The World
The University Of Iowa Residence Requirement
Credit hours earned in all courses offered by The University of Iowa are considered UI residence hours, regardless of whether the courses are offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, by another college within the University of Iowa, or through Distance and Online Education.
Credit hours earned from colleges and universities outside of the University of Iowa are considered non-residence credit.
To earn a bachelors degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you must complete one of the following UI residence options:
- Earn your final 30 s.h. in residence credit, or
- Earn 45 of your final 60 s.h. in residence credit, or
- Earn an overall total of 90 s.h. in residence credit
What Are Your Biggest Priorities
Some students pursue certain majors primarily based upon salary potential and job demand. Other students choose majors they’re passionate about or highly skilled in.
Before you choose a major, think about which of these three factors economic advantage, interest level, and ability are most important and relevant to you and your goals.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Learn In College
Evolution Of The Terminology Of Degrees
The naming of degrees eventually became linked with the subjects studied. Scholars in the faculties of arts or grammar became known as “master”, but those in theology, medicine and law were known as “doctor”. As study in the arts or in grammar was a necessary prerequisite to study in subjects such as theology, medicine and law, the degree of doctor assumed a higher status than the master’s degree. This led to the modern hierarchy in which the Doctor of Philosophy , which in its present form as a degree based on research and dissertation is a development from 18th- and 19th-century German universities, is a more advanced degree than the Master of Arts . The practice of using the term doctor for PhDs developed within German universities and spread across the academic world.
The French terminology is tied closely to the original meanings of the terms. The baccalauréat is conferred upon French students who have successfully completed their secondary education and admits the student to university. When students graduate from university, they are awarded licence, much as the medieval teaching guilds would have done and they are qualified to teach in secondary schools or proceed to higher-level studies. Spain had a similar structure: the term “Bachiller” was used for those who finished the secondary or high-school level education, known as “Bachillerato”. The standard Spanish university 5-years degree was “Licenciado”, . The highest level was “Doctor”.
Types Of College Degree Levels In Order
When people discuss college degree levels, they are typically referring to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or a doctorate. In many cases, these degrees can build on each other. For instance, you may need to have a bachelor’s degree in order to pursue a master’s degree, and you may need a masterâs degree to pursue a doctorate. On the flip side, however, you donât necessarily need to pursue an associate degree before pursuing a bachelorâs.
To get into the different degree levels in a bit more detail, here are some brief explanations of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Don’t Miss: What Percentage Of Students Go To College
What Are Some Advantages Of The Online Program
David Batts: The main advantage for students taking courses online is that they can continue to work and provide for their families. Most students could not complete their bachelors degree if they had to come to campus, even if it was at night or on the weekend. We created an environment that allows these working adults to complete our technology-based degree program online. As a military-friendly university, ECUs online environment allows our BSIT students who are on active duty and deployed across the globe to access all of our resources and earn their degrees while on deployment.
Another advantage of taking the courses online is that students have more time to spend with their families. Rather than traveling back and forth to/from face-to-face classes on campus, they can spend that time with their families and/or meet family obligations.
In addition, our tuition and fee structure is set up to take into account that our online students do not use on campus resources such as the recreation center, health center, or athletic facilities, which makes the education much more affordable.
Choosing An Online Bachelor’s In Business Administration Program
There are several factors to consider when choosing an online business administration degree. First, make sure the program is an accredited online business degree. Without accreditation, your degree might not be recognized by employers or graduate schools.
Next, check that the program offers concentrations that match your career goals. Also, make sure the learning format âsynchronous or asynchronous $mdash works for your schedule. Schools typically offer a variety of concentrations and enrollment options for online business degrees. You can learn more about common considerations for distance learners at the links below.
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Also Check: What Kind Of Grants Are There For College
What Is A Course Of Study Meaning In College
A course of study in college means the schedule for how to complete a college program in a set amount of years. It includes all of the classes you need to take, along with how many electives you can choose. Theres usually flexibility in the order in which you take your classes, though some will have prerequisites.
What Common Challenges Do Students Face Any Advice On Meeting The Challenges Of A Degree Job Or Career
David Batts: Most of the common challenges faced by typical distance education students have been eliminated. As enumerated above, the AAS was considered a terminal degree and universities usually had extra hurdles and barriers in order to admit these students. We worked with Office of Admissions, the Registrars Office, and the Office of Provost to eliminate those barriers.
Some students still face the challenges of balancing work, personal responsibilities, and school which, oftentimes, are due to unplanned events. We have dedicated advisors who work with our students to make sure they do not overextend themselves with the number of classes that they take. However, usually after a student gets through their first semester, they become more confident and continue to go through the program with minimal challenges.
Recommended Reading: How To Unenroll From Ashworth College
Applying To Online Colleges
The following checklist walks through how to apply to college. Make sure to carefully review the requirements and deadlines at any prospective schools.
Applying to College During COVID
College enrollment numbers dropped during the pandemic, but did COVID-19 make it easier to get into college? The pandemic certainly changed how students apply.
What Are The Highest
When considering which major to pursue, determine how important salary and salary potential weigh into your decision-making process. If you’re motivated by high earnings, pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field may appeal to you.
That said, some students care more about the importance of their work than the salary offered they don’t want a job just for the money. Popular non-STEM majors include human services, education, and visual or performing arts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a regularly updated list of positions offering the highest salaries. Psychiatrists rank high on this list, as do other healthcare professionals like oral and maxillofacial surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists, and general internal medicine physicians.
If you want a job outside health and medicine, positions with high salaries include chief executive, physicist, computer and information systems manager, and architectural and engineering manager.
Read Also: Do I Have To Transfer My College Credits
Professional Certificates And Licenses
Earning a college degree isn’t always the answer. Sometimes a professional certificate makes a lot more sense especially if your decision to pursue a higher education is based on economics. Career success can often be obtained as easily with a professional certification as it can with a traditional college degree especially in highly technical fields where employers are more concerned with your skill set than your college credential. Earning a professional certification is also a lot less expensive.
Unlike undergraduate degree programs, many of which focus on liberal arts education, professional certification programs focus almost exclusively on skills development skills that are directly relevant to performing a specific job or function. On the downside, some certification programs are so narrow in focus that they miss the depth and well-rounded education provided by a college degree. Still, one educational path is not necessarily better than the other they simply offer different benefits. If you want to become an electrical engineer, a college degree makes more sense than a professional certification. If you want to become an electrician, all you need is a professional certification.
What Are The Benefits Of Graduating With Honors
Although you dont necessarily need to graduate with honors to succeed in your future career, it can still help to make a good impression on potential employers. Also, it can help with your future academic goals. For instance, graduating from an undergraduate program with honors can impress college admissions officers and strengthen your application if you intend to pursue a masters degree.
Don’t Miss: What Colleges Have Marine Biology