types of college coursework

Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

If you ever find yourself lost in the sea of abbreviations for degrees, you're not alone. This quick guide is here to clear the air regarding the types of degrees available to you and what each one means.

Guide to College Degrees, Professional Studies & Certifications

Associate degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

AS degrees are generally more narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts.

Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch).

Because bachelor’s degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many job opportunities and increase your potential income.

Some institutions offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. This is a type of dual degree in which a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study. In the end, students earn two bachelor’s degrees, usually a BA and a BS.

An example of this is Columbia University’s 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years.

Some colleges also let you earn a teacher certification by combining bachelor's degree study with state certification requirements. State requirements vary, but these programs usually feature professional education courses, including student teaching.

Graduate Degree

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The two most common are master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS). Other examples include master of fine arts (MFA) and master of business administration (MBA). A graduate degree is like an extension of a bachelor’s degree whereby a student further enriches their knowledge of their field and narrows their f ocus of study .

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

Professional Degree

Students earn professional degrees to become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law. The M.D. degree is an example. Professional programs generally require a college degree before you start them and then at least three years of study to complete.

Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree

The doctorate and professional degrees are the highest levels of education one can attain. They signify mastery of a subject and often come with the coveted title “doctor.” Although the two are similar, there are some important differences.

A doctorate or doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree focused on scholarly development. The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Despite the name, a PhD covers many disciplines, not just philosophy.

A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. There are many types of professional degrees. Some examples are: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), and doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and juris doctor (JD) and doctor of juridical science (SJD) in the field of law.

A graduate degree does not need to precede a doctorate or professional degree. Often, students will go straight into a doctorate or professional program following their bachelor’s, however some programs will require a master’s degree to gain entry. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Many doctoral students work either full-time or part-time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a bachelor of arts (BA) at Harvard and a master of music (MM) or master of arts (MA) at Berklee.

Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate. For example, the University of Southern California offers a program leading to doctor of pharmacy and master of public health degrees.

How do academic degrees go in order?

There are four types of degrees. In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

How many degrees are there in college?

Most community colleges offer only two-year associate degrees, while most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s, graduate, and doctorate or professional degrees. Some four-year colleges may also have associate degree programs.

How many years do you have to be in college to achieve certain degrees?

Though it will vary between academic disciplines, associate degrees usually take two years to achieve, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctorate or professional degrees can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What is an eight-year degree?

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects. Students in these programs often must defend a dissertation while already working a professional job.

What are the four years of college called?

The first four years of college are the undergraduate years, and a student studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate. The four years refer to the total accumulated credit hours; a student may take fewer or more than four years to attain their undergraduate degree.

What does a graduate degree mean?

A graduate degree or master’s degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor’s degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain.

What do you call a master's student?

A master's student is called a graduate student or “grad student” for short. A student still studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student or “undergrad student.”

How many years is a master's degree?

From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

Genevieve Carlton

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated January 4, 2024

Hannah Muniz

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Stephanie DeBord

Contributing Reviewer

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you'll have to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees prepare you for different career paths. For example, you can't become a psychologist with just a bachelor's degree — you'd need a master's or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can't become an engineer without at least a bachelor's degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases, and the unemployment rate decreases. That's one more reason it's important to understand the different types of degrees.

What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order, from lowest ranking to highest:

Associate degree (undergraduate)
Bachelor's degree (undergraduate)
Master's degree (graduate)
Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master's. The phrase "terminal degree" refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Associate Degree

Typical Program Length: 1-2 years
Typical Number of Credits: 60

Most associate degrees prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor's program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

Featured Associate Programs

What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal , or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for salary information on other popular associate degree jobs.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Science (AS)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences fields often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you're planning to transfer into a bachelor's program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

Business Administration
Business Management
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Early Childhood Education
Graphic Design
Healthcare Management
Information Technology
Medical Assisting
Medical Billing and Coding
Pre-Nursing
Social Work

Bachelor's Degree

Typical Program Length: 4 years
Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor's degree prepares you for many career paths. You'll generally spend four years earning a bachelor's degree at a college or university. You'll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor's programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor's degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as that of an in-person degree.

You'll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Featured Bachelor's Programs

What can you do with a bachelor's degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor's degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. The table below introduces some popular jobs with a bachelor's degree.

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

You can earn a bachelor's degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor's degrees you'll see include:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor's Degrees

Civil Engineering
Communication
Computer Programming
Health Informatics
Health Sciences
Human Resources
Mathematics
Organizational Psychology
Political Science
Public Policy
Supply Chain and Logistics

Master's Degree

Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master's degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you'll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master's degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master's programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor's-to-master's program to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in less time.

Most master's programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master's programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

Featured Master's Programs

What can you do with a master's degree.

With a master's degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master's degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master's degree jobs below.

Types of Master's Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master's degrees you can earn:

Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Science (MS)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master's degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master's Degrees

Creative Writing
Data Science
Engineering
Healthcare Administration
Library and Information Science
Network Security
Public Health
Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
Typical Number of Credits: Varies

A doctorate represents the highest degree you can get in academia. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can get.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — by far one of the most common types of doctorates — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you'll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master's degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor's degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

Featured Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you'll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common you can get:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Administration
Educational Leadership
Human Services
Legal Studies
Organizational Leadership
Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor's degrees as undergraduate degrees and master's and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees.

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor's level, you could earn a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS), or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor's degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor's degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you'll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master's and bachelor's degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master's degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it's a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master's degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master's degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master's degree to your bachelor's through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor's-to-master's program. In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you'll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master's degree.

Explore More College Resources

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Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

4.2 Planning Your Degree Path

Questions to Consider:

What types of college degrees or certifications can I pursue?
What is the difference between majors and minors?
How do preprofessional programs differ from other majors?
Do some majors have special requirements beyond regular coursework?

To set goals for your academic and career path, you must first have an understanding of the options available for you to pursue and the requirements you will need to meet. The next section provides an overview of academic programs and college degrees that are common among many colleges and universities in the United States. Please note that each institution will have its own specific options and requirements, so the intention of this section is both to help you understand your opportunities and to familiarize you with language that colleges typically use to describe these opportunities. After reviewing this section, you should be better able to formulate specific questions to ask at your school or be better prepared to navigate and search your own college’s website.

Types of Degrees

Whereas in most states high school attendance through the 12th grade is mandatory, or compulsory , a college degree may be pursued voluntarily. There are fields that do not require a degree. Bookkeeping, computer repair, massage therapy, and childcare are all fields where certification programs—tracks to study a specific subject or career without need of a complete degree—may be enough.

However, many individuals will find that an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is a requirement to enter their desired career field. According to United States Census data published in 2017, more than one-third of the adult population in the country has completed at least a bachelor’s degree, so this may be the degree that is most familiar to you.

Not every job requires a bachelor’s degree, and some require even higher degrees or additional specialized certifications. As you develop your academic plan, it is important to research your field of interest to see what requirements might be necessary or most desirable.

To distinguish between the types of degrees , it is useful to understand that courses are often assigned a number of credits, sometimes called semester hours as well. Credits relate to the calculated hours during a course that a student spends interacting with the instructor and/or the course material through class time, laboratory time, online discussions, homework, etc. Courses at all degree levels are typically assigned a value of one to six credits, although students often need to complete a developmental education course or two, often in English or math. These requirements, which cost as much as typical college courses but do not grant college credit, are meant to provide some basic information students may have missed in high school but that will be necessary to keep up in college-level coursework.

The minimum or maximum number of credits required to graduate with different degrees varies by state or institution, but approximate minimum numbers of credits are explained below. Keep in mind that although a minimum number of credits must be completed to get a certain degree, total credits completed is not the only consideration for graduation—you must take your credits or courses in particular subjects indicated by your college.

To determine your best degree option, it might make sense to do some research to determine what kind of career you’re most interested in pursuing. Visit your campus career center to meet with a counselor to guide you through this process. These services are free to students—similar services can be pricey once you’ve graduated, so take advantage. There are other tools online you can investigate.

Get Connected

These free, online self-assessments help you narrow down your choices.

MyPlan identifies your motivations by having you rank different aspects of work, then creating a ranked list of different possible jobs.
MAPP Test helps you determine what you love to do and what you don’t love to do and then creates a list of jobs that might be a good fit for you.
The Career Cluster Interest Survey is a quick tool to let you create career clusters based on personal qualities and school subjects and activities you especially enjoy.

Associate’s Degrees

To enter an associate’s degree program, students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Associate’s degree programs may be intended to help students enter a technical career field, such as automotive technology, graphic design, or entry-level nursing in some states. Such technical programs may be considered an Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, though there are other titles as well.

Other associate’s degree programs are intended to prepare a student with the necessary coursework to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program upon graduation. These transfer-focused programs usually require similar general education and foundational courses that a student would need in the first half of a bachelor’s degree program. Transfer-focused associate’s degrees may be called Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS), or other titles, depending on the focus of study.

An associate’s degree is typically awarded when a student has completed a minimum of 60 credits, approximately 20 courses, meeting the requirements of a specific degree. Some technical associate’s degrees, such as nursing, may require additional credits in order to meet requirements for special certifications. You may find that your college or university does not offer associate’s degrees. Most associate’s degrees are offered by community or junior colleges, or by career and technical colleges.

What to Ask

If you’re planning your associate’s degree, here are some specific questions you may want to research.

If you intend to enter a technical career that requires special certification:

Does your college prepare you to take a certification exam, or will you be meeting those requirements through your courses?
Does your college have any special internship or employment placement arrangements with employers to help you gain experience or get started in the field?

If you intend to transfer upon graduation:

Is your college regionally accredited?
Does your college have any special transfer agreements for guaranteed transfer of credits or perhaps for discounted tuition?
Does your state have special transfer agreements or requirements that make it easier to transfer to colleges or universities within the same state?

Bachelor’s Degrees

When someone generally mentions “a college degree,” they are often referring to the bachelor’s degree , or baccalaureate degree. Because it takes four years of full-time attendance to complete a bachelor’s degree, this degree is also referred to as a “ four-year degree .” Similar to an associate’s degree, to enter a bachelor’s degree program a student must have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent. Both associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees are considered undergraduate degrees , thus students working toward these degrees are often called undergraduates . A student with an associate’s degree may transfer that degree to meet some (usually half) of the requirements of a bachelor’s degree; however, completion of an associate’s degree is not necessary for entry into a bachelor’s degree program.

A bachelor’s degree is usually completed with a minimum of 120 credits, or approximately 40 courses. Some specialized degree programs may require more credits. (If an associate’s degree has been transferred, the number of credits from that degree usually counts toward the 120 credits. For example, if an associate’s degree was 60 credits, then a student must take 60 additional credits to achieve their bachelor’s degree.)

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) are the most popular degree titles at this level and differ primarily in their focus on exploring a broader range of subject areas, as with a BA, versus focusing in more depth on a particular subject, as with a BS, BSN, or BFA. Regardless of whether a student is pursuing a BA, BS, BSN, or BFA, each of these programs requires a balance of credits or courses in different subject areas. In the United States, a bachelor’s degree comprises courses from three categories: general education courses, major courses, and electives . A fourth category of courses would be those required for a minor, which we will discuss in more detail in the section on majors and minors.

General Education

General education , also called core curriculum , is a group of courses that are often set as requirements by your state or by your individual college. These courses provide you with a foundation of knowledge across a breadth of fields and are also intended to help you further develop college-level critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities. You may be able to select courses from a general education menu of courses available at your institution. More than half of your bachelor’s degree program is likely made up of general education courses.

Major Courses

Major courses are courses in your field of interest and provide you with the foundational knowledge required for further study in that field or with the skills necessary to enter your career. Some schools may refer to these as career studies courses. Major courses often have a series of prerequisites , or courses that must be taken in sequence prior to other courses, starting with an introductory course and progressing into more depth. Major courses usually make up about a fourth or more of a bachelor’s degree (30 credits, or approximately 10 courses). A BS or BFA degree may require more major courses than a BA degree. Colleges and universities usually require students to select a major by the time they’ve completed 30 total credits.

Electives are free-choice courses. Though you may have a choice to select from a menu of options to meet general education and major requirements, electives are even less restricted. Some students may be able to take more electives than others due to their choice of major or if they are able to take courses that meet more than one requirement (for example, a sociology course may be both a major requirement and a general education social science course). Some colleges intentionally allow room for electives in a program to ensure that students, particularly those students who are undecided about their major, are able to explore different programs without exceeding the total number of credits required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. In other cases, students may have taken all of their major courses and fulfilled their general education requirements but still need additional credits to fulfill the minimum to graduate. The additional courses taken to meet the total credit requirement (if necessary) are considered electives.

Graduate Degrees

According to United States Census data published in 2018, 13.1 percent of the U.S. adult population have completed advanced degrees. 3 Whereas associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are considered undergraduate degrees and require high school graduation for entry, advanced degrees called graduate degrees require prior completion of a bachelor’s degree. Some professions require graduate degrees as a minimum job qualification, such as pharmacists, lawyers, physical therapists, psychologists, and college professors. In other cases, students may be motivated to pursue a graduate degree to obtain a higher-level job or higher salary, or to be more competitive in their field. Some students are also interested in learning about some subject in greater depth than they did at the undergraduate level. Because graduate degrees do not include general education or free elective courses, they are very focused on career-specific knowledge and skills. Graduate degrees include master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. Master’s degrees often require 30–60 credits and take one to two years of full-time attendance to complete. Some master’s degrees , like those for counselors, require supervised job experience as a component of the degree and therefore require more credits.

Doctorate and professional degrees are the highest level of advanced degrees. Approximately 3.5% of the U.S. adult population has completed a doctorate or professional degree. Very few careers require this level of education for entry, so fewer individuals pursue these degrees. Doctorates are offered in many subjects and primarily prepare students to become researchers in their field of study. This in-depth level of education often requires an additional 90–120 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, and may or may not require a master’s degree prior to entry. (A master’s degree as an entry requirement may reduce the number of credits required to complete the doctoral degree.)

Professional degrees are a specific type of doctorate-level degree that focus on skills to be applied in a practical , or hands-on, career rather than as a researcher. The most common professional degrees are Doctor of Medicine (MD) for aspiring medical doctors, Juris Doctor (JD) for aspiring lawyers, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for aspiring pharmacists, and Doctor of Education (EdD) for aspiring school and college or university administrators. If the career you are pursuing requires a graduate degree, you should keep this end goal in mind as you plan for the timeline and finances required to meet your goals. You may also want to inquire about special agreements that your college or university may have to expedite admission into or completion of graduate degrees. For example, some universities offer 4+1 master’s programs , wherein students take both bachelor’s and master’s level courses during their last year as an undergraduate to accelerate the completion of both degrees.

Draft an Education Timeline

Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics online Occupational Outlook Handbook to search for occupations that interest you, and note the level of education that these jobs require. Refer to your college’s academic catalog (frequently located on the college’s website) or curriculum maps to see the suggested sequence of courses for majors that relate to your career or careers of interest.

Select three interesting jobs and sketch a timeline for each, starting with your first semester of undergraduate study (whether you’re getting an associate’s or a bachelor’s) and ending with the point when you will meet the minimum requirements to be qualified for that job. Keep in mind that the timeline of students attending full-time may differ from those who are attending part-time.

Majors and Minors

One of the most common questions an undergraduate college student will be asked is “What’s your major?” As we already noted, your major is only one part of your undergraduate (associate’s or bachelor’s) degree, but it is the part that most demonstrates your interests and possible future goals. At some point during your studies you will be asked to decide on, or declare , a major. You may also be able to select a minor or additional concentration. Whereas a major comprises approximately 10–12 courses of a bachelor’s degree program and is required, a minor is usually 5–8 courses, is often optional, and may count toward or contribute to exceeding the total number of credits required for graduation. Rather than take elective courses, some students will select courses that meet the requirements for a minor. When selecting a major and possibly a minor, you’ll want to consider how the knowledge and skills you gain through those fields of study prepare you for a particular career. Majors and minors can be complementary. For example, a major in business might be well-matched with a minor in a foreign language, thus allowing the student to pursue a career in business with a company that hires bilingual employees. It is important to research careers of interest to you when selecting your major and/or minor to determine what will best help you to meet your goals.

Preprofessional Programs

Some undergraduate degrees are specifically designed to prepare students to later pursue professional degrees (such as the MD or PharmD) at the graduate level. Such programs are called preprofessional programs , preprofessional majors, or preprofessional tracks. The most common preprofessional programs are premed, prelaw, and prepharmacy, but you may see other offerings. Although some preprofessional programs are structured as majors that you can declare, many preprofessional programs are a sequence of recommended courses and activities that a student can follow alongside a related major. While following a preprofessional program may not guarantee your admittance to a professional program, it does increase the likelihood of acceptance to and preparation for a graduate professional program.

Consider Loretta’s story as an example of how a student might be on a preprofessional track. Loretta has decided that she would like to become a medical doctor. She has declared biology as her major and is taking the courses required to graduate with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her university does not have a premed major, but it does have a premed track. She informs her academic advisor of her career goals, and her advisor provides her information about the premed track. The premed track includes a list of courses that students should take to prepare for the medical school entrance exams, called MCATs. Some of these courses are biology courses that overlap with Loretta’s biology major, while others are higher-level chemistry courses that are not required for her major. She can take these chemistry courses, and any other premed-track courses, as her elective courses. The premed track at Loretta’s university includes opportunities to attend MCAT study workshops and premed student club meetings. It also provides recommendations for summer volunteering and internships that will strengthen Loretta’s resume and application to medical school following the completion of her bachelor’s degree.

Special Requirements of Majors

While preprofessional programs prepare students for entrance into graduate professional degree programs, some undergraduate majors involve special requirements beyond the usual courses and classroom experience to prepare students for entrance to their career. Such requirements provide students practical experience or prerequisites for licensure necessary for a particular job. When requirements are major-specific, it is often because the requirement is state-mandated for that job. Majors that often include state-mandated special requirements are education, social work, and nursing. Some colleges and universities may require all students to participate in additional experiences beyond their regular coursework. You will want to ask your college about details specific to your major or institution. In this section we will generally discuss four such special requirements and experiences: fieldwork and internships, clinicals, student teaching, and service learning.

Fieldwork and Internships

Fieldwork and internships may also be referred to as practicums and field experience. These requirements provide hands-on work experience in a career, or field . When fieldwork or internships are required for your major, such as with a social work major, it is often listed as a course requirement among your major requirements. In other words, you usually receive credits for your fieldwork as you would for a lab or lecture course. Your fieldwork instructor will likely ask you to reflect on and report on your experiences. They will likely confer with a supervisor at your fieldwork site , the place where you are working, to help assess your hands-on learning. Fieldwork and internships provide students with opportunities to practice the skills they’ve learned in the classroom while also introducing them to the values and culture of the organizations and communities in which they hope to be employed. It is important to note that fieldwork and internship experiences are often available to students even if they are not required for their major. You may want to inquire with your academic advisors, faculty, or career services office to determine what opportunities might be available for you to gain this type of experience in your field of interest.

Clinicals are a type of fieldwork specifically required of nursing students. Clinicals may take place in hospitals, nursing homes, or mental health facilities. They provide nursing students who are nearing the end of their degree programs with the opportunity to practice nursing skills that cannot be learned in a regular classroom. During clinicals, students will interact with real patients to conduct physical examinations, draw blood, administer medicine, and provide other care as necessary. Because of the risk to patients, students participating in clinicals are more closely supervised by experienced professionals than those in other types of fieldwork experiences. Thus, clinicals function very much like a real-world classroom and progress to more independent work through the semester. Before undertaking clinicals, nursing students will need to complete certain coursework and pass a physical examination and background check. Because clinicals are often much longer than a class meeting, students will need to work with staff from the program to plan their schedule. It may not be feasible to work at another job while completing clinicals, so if you must work while you’re in college, it’s important to discuss this with nursing staff or academic advisors and to plan ahead.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a specific type of fieldwork undertaken by students who plan to teach at the preschool, elementary, or middle and high school levels. Education students are often required to complete a student teaching experience in order to obtain a teaching license in their state. Students must often complete core education coursework prior to student teaching and must complete a background check prior to placement in a school setting. During their student teaching experience, students are usually paired one-on-one with an experienced teacher and have the opportunity to observe that teacher, get to know the students, understand the classroom culture, and participate in lessons as a teaching assistant as needed or appropriate. Much like nursing clinicals, this highly supervised fieldwork experience usually progresses to more independent work when the student teacher is asked to deliver and reflect on a lesson plan of their own design. Keep in mind as you plan for student teaching that unlike other fieldwork experiences, student teaching is limited to fall or spring semesters and cannot be completed in the summer because most schools are closed during the summer terms. Also, it may not be feasible to work at another job while completing your student teaching experience, so if you must work while you’re in college, it’s important to discuss this with your program staff or academic advisors and to plan ahead.

Service Learning

While service learning may not be required of a specific major, you may see this special requirement for a course or as a general graduation requirement for your college or university. It’s also an excellent opportunity to try out something that interests you, something that could lead to or be part of your eventual career.

Service learning is very much like volunteering or community service. The purpose of service learning is to interact with and meet the needs of your local community. Service learning does differ from volunteering in that it is more structured to meet specific learning goals. For example, if you were engaging in service learning for an environmental science course, your activities would likely be focused on local environmental issues. Or, if you were engaging in service learning for a sociology course, you would likely be working with local community groups or organizations not only to assist these organizations, but also to observe how groups interact. Like fieldwork, service learning provides you an opportunity to observe and apply concepts learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. Students are often asked to reflect on their service learning activities in the context of what they’ve been learning in class, so if you’re engaged in service learning, be thinking about how the activities you do relate to what you’ve learned and know.

What Students Say

Fieldwork, internships, and/or student teaching
Other (write in)
Part-time job
Full-time job
Study Abroad
The advice of friends and/or family
The practical, hands-on experiences I’ve had outside of the classroom
The knowledge and skills I’ve learned in class
The advice I’ve gotten from mentors, advisors, or college faculty

You can also take the anonymous What Students Say surveys to add your voice to this textbook. Your responses will be included in updates.

Students offered their views on these questions, and the results are displayed in the graphs below.

Does your major have any special requirements that must be completed outside of the classroom?

While in college, which of the following do you think you are most likely to do?

What has influenced your academic and career plan the most?

2 Minimum degree qualifications may vary by state.
3 United States Census Bureau. (2019, February 21). Number of People with Master’s and Doctoral Degrees Doubles Since 2000. Retrieved from: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/02/number-of-people-with-masters-and-phd-degrees-double-since-2000.html

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Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-introduction

Authors: Amy Baldwin
Publisher/website: OpenStax
Book title: College Success
Publication date: Mar 27, 2020
Location: Houston, Texas
Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/1-introduction
Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/college-success/pages/4-2-planning-your-degree-path

© Sep 20, 2023 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.

Your guide to the different types of college classes

Many teens envision stepping onto their dream campus, but what about stepping into college classrooms? Undergraduate majors, average class size, and other academic programs factor into every student’s college application process, so it’s worth taking a look at the different types of college classes.

Along with questions to ask an academic advisor and on a tour of a college campus , it’s helpful to ask not just about the typical course load and class offerings, but also about what types of classes are offered. After all, a lecture-style class with potentially over one hundred students is a very different experience than a small-group seminar or online class.

That’s all the more reason to know about the myriad of different college course formats!

Often, students will have the choice of several college class formats when they register each semester. Your student may need to take a range of different kinds of classes during their undergraduate years. It’s useful to know not only the basics of what to expect, but what strategies can help students succeed.

7 Types of College Classes (and How to Succeed in Them)

Every college experience is different, so as you look ahead to your teen’s future, it’s good to know the ins and outs of the academic component of that experience. No matter what their major is, however, it’s likely that they will take a mix of different types of classes.

Whether the class is a graduation requirement, a core part of their college major (or two college majors ), or an elective, it’s good to know what students are signing up for! Here are the essentials of what they can expect in seven types of college classes.

Picture a hundred seats facing a lectern and a screen, and you can learn a lot about a lecture-style class. Most often, these large classes consist of entry-level and/or requisite classes for specific majors or for graduation from the university.

Lectures are professor-led, and often require copious amounts of note-taking. Some may involve a participation element, either through traditional Q&A or an electronic participation system (which we’re seeing more and more of these days), but this element is not always present in lectures. These classes often involve working from a textbook or a relatively small number of texts.

At times, it’s easy to feel anonymous in a lecture class, but to succeed in them, it’s important to devote as much attention as to any other type of class. These professors often don’t meet all of their students personally, so attending office hours is particularly important.

2. Sections

Sections go hand in hand with lecture-style classes. In a section, a subset of students enrolled in a lecture meet in smaller groups to discuss course material and complete assignments. Often, sections are led by a teaching assistant or graduate student.

In a typical lecture, students may meet for a professor-led class once per week and meet with their section once or twice per week. These sections are critically important for asking questions, deepening understanding of the content, and collaborating with peers.

3. Independent study

If colleges offer the opportunity for students to take on an independent study, it’s usually at the upper-division level. Students may be able to pursue an independent study as a capstone senior project, or to work through advanced material at their own pace.

In an independent study, students either complete a series of projects, assignments, and readings that are pre-agreed with a professor advisor or of their own design. They may meet weekly or monthly with that advisor, but students will complete the vast majority of the work on their own.

Students should bear in mind that, while the freedom and flexibility that goes with an independent study can be appealing, this type of course won’t work for everyone. It goes without saying that a high level of organization, discipline, and self-direction is essential to success in an independent study.

4. Seminar

These small-group classes, think 25 students or fewer, are usually discussion-heavy and are designed to encourage a high level of engagement from students. Seminars usually consist of a higher number of short readings, the better to explore a specific set of material in depth.

A staple of many humanities departments, seminars are offered at both introductory and advanced levels of study. For a great seminar experience, students should focus on quality (over quantity) of in-class participation and thoughtful written responses on assignments and projects.

5. Online and hybrid courses

More and more common nowadays, online classes can be offered both during the typical academic year and during summer sessions. Most often, online courses at the college level cover introductory-level material.

It is worth noting that online classes offer a higher degree of flexibility for students balancing jobs and other commitments with school. If completing a for-credit internship or study abroad program, for instance, it’s worth looking into the university’s online course options.

Similarly, a hybrid college class involves a combination of online and in-person instruction. Offering the flexible benefits of online courses with a collaborative element, hybrid courses can be a great option for students looking to take on jobs, internships, volunteer work, independent study, or other projects.

Essential to many STEM classes, labs are opportunities for students to conduct extended research and explorations of subject matter. They are often paired with a lecture-style class.

During lab sessions, students will work individually or in groups to gather data, conduct experiments, and solve complex problems. STEM enthusiasts will be familiar with labs from high school, and they will find similarities in the format of college-level labs. In college, labs most often meet at a different time than the lecture and will be longer in duration.

These project-based classes focus on hands-on work and are common in the arts. In a studio class, students will follow an instructor as they learn various techniques and complete assignments that demonstrate mastery of the material.

On a class to class basis, students will likely encounter a mix of short lectures, discussions, and independent work. As coursework for studio classes are often graded holistically in a portfolio format, it’s essential that students keep up with the pace of the course.

Prepare for college with expert guidance

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iD Tech Privacy Policy

Id tech privacy policy publish date: 10/26/2023.

internalDrive, Inc. (“iD Tech”) respects your privacy and recognizes the importance of your personal information. We are committed to protecting your information through our compliance with this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy applies to all individuals who visit and/or use iD Tech/internalDrive, Inc.'s websites, services, and products that collect data and/or display these terms ("iD Sites & Services"). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we may collect when you visit an iD Tech website, open an account or receive iD Tech Services and our practices for using, maintaining, protecting and disclosing that information.

All references to "us," "we," or "our" refer to iD Tech/internalDrive, Inc.

All references to "child" or "children" refer to children under the age of 13.

By accessing or otherwise using any of our iD Sites & Services, you consent to the terms contained in this privacy statement, including the collection, use, and disclosure of data as described below.

California Residents: iD Tech’s PRIVACY NOTICE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS supplements the information contained in this Privacy Policy and applies solely to visitors, users, and others who reside in the State of California.

I. Information We May Ask You To Provide

Through our iD Sites & Services, we collect information about you and/or your student when you choose to provide it to us. For example, we collect information from you so you can use iD Sites & Services, purchase products and services, register for and obtain an account, request information, apply for a job, register for one of our programs, or verify your age. In general, we may ask you to provide us with the following types of information about you and/your student:

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Note to Parents/Guardians : We only collect the information described above, from someone we know to be a child, after the child's parent or guardian provides us with verifiable consent, unless one of the limited exceptions discussed below applies. For more information and/or to review these limited exceptions, please see the " Our Commitment to Children’s Privacy " section below. II. Information Collected Automatically Cookies and other Tracking Technologies We may use cookies, web beacons, pixel tags, log files, Local Storage Objects, or other technologies to collect certain information about visitors to and users of iD Sites & Services, such as the date and time you visit iD Sites & Services, the areas or pages of iD Sites & Services that you visit, the amount of time you spend viewing or using iD Sites & Services, the number of times you return to iD Sites & Services, other click-stream or usage data, and emails that you open, forward or click through to iD Sites & Services. For example, we may automatically collect certain information, such as the type of web browser and operating system you use, the name of your Internet Service Provider, Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, software version, and the domain name from which you accessed our iD Sites & Services. We use this information to monitor and improve our iD Sites & Services, support the internal operations of our iD Sites & Services, personalize your online experience, verify e-signatures, and for internal analysis.

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iD Tech partners with Rakuten Advertising, who may collect personal information when you interact with our site. The collection and use of this information is subject to Rakuten’s privacy policy located at https://rakutenadvertising.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/ . Our Sites & Services may also use other third-party plug-ins to provide additional services and benefits. These third parties may collect information about you as well. When we use a third-party plug-in we will attempt to provide you with the identify the plug-in, so you can visit the sites of the third-parties to view the privacy policy under which the information they collect is identified and controlled.

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When we interact with you through our content on third-party websites, applications, integrations or platforms, we may obtain any information regarding your interaction with that content, such as content you have viewed, and information about advertisements within the content you have been shown or may have clicked on. Information from Third Party Services We may also obtain other information, including personal information, from third parties and combine that with information we collect through our Websites. For example, we may have access to certain information from a third-party social media or authentication service if you log in to our Services through such a service or otherwise provide us with access to information from the service. Any access that we may have to such information from a third-party social media or authentication service is in accordance with the authorization procedures determined by that service. If you authorize us to connect with a third-party service, we will access and store your name, email address(es), current city, profile picture URL, and other personal information that the third party service makes available to us, and use and disclose it in accordance with this Policy. You should check your privacy settings on these third-party services to understand and change the information sent to us through these services. For example, you can log in to the Services using single sign-in services such as Facebook Connect or an Open ID provider.

III. Your Ability To Control Cookies And Similar Technologies As noted, we may use cookies or similar technologies to monitor and improve iD Sites & Services, support the internal operations of iD Sites & Services, personalize your online experience, support the e-signature process, and/or for internal analysis. This includes the use of third-party cookies. We use these technologies to keep track of how you are using our iD Sites & Services and to remember certain pieces of general information.

You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. Check the “Tools” or “Help” tab on your browser to learn how to change your cookie and other tracking preferences.

If you choose to decline cookies, you may not be able to fully experience the functions of iD Sites & Services and/or some of our services will function improperly, in particular the inability to log in or manage items in your shopping cart. We do not share cookie data with any third parties. IV. How We May Use Your Information We may use the information we collect from and about you and/or your student for any of the following purposes:

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As required by law.

V. How We Share Information We do not sell or otherwise share your or your student’s information with any third parties, except for the limited purposes described below. Parents/guardians of children under the age of 13 have the option of consenting to the collection and use of their child's personal information without consenting to the disclosure of that information to certain third parties.

1. Law Enforcement And Safety

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Our iD Sites & Services are intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly permit anyone under 13 years of age to provide us with personal information without obtaining a parent's or guardian’s verifiable consent, except where:

the sole purpose of collecting the name or online contact information of a parent or child is to provide notice and obtain parental consent;
the purpose of collecting a parent’s online contact information is to provide voluntary notice to, and subsequently update the parent about, the child’s participation in our iD Sites & Services that do not otherwise collect, use, or disclose childrens' personal information;
the sole purpose of collecting online contact information from a child is to respond directly on a one-time basis to a specific request from the child, and where such information is not used to re-contact the child or for any other purpose, is not disclosed, and is deleted by us promptly after responding to the child’s request;
the purpose of collecting a child’s and a parent’s online contact information is to respond directly more than once to the child’s specific request, and where such information is not used for any other purpose, disclosed, or combined with any other information collected from the child;
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we collect a persistent identifier and no other personal information and such identifier is used for the sole purpose of providing support for the internal operations of iD Sites & Services; or
otherwise permitted or required by law.

If we receive the verifiable consent of a child's parent or guardian to collect, use, and/or disclose the child's information, we will only collect, use, and disclose the information as described in this privacy statement. Some features of our iD Sites & Services permit a child user to enter comments, such as forums and chat rooms, through which the child could provide personal information that would be visible to other users. If you are the parent or guardian of a child user, please advise your child of the risks of posting personal information on this iD Sites & Services or any other site. VII. Parental/Guardian Rights If you are a parent or guardian, you can review or have deleted your child's personal information, and refuse to permit further collection or use of your child's information. To exercise any of these rights, please email us at [email protected] or send your request to:

iD Tech ∙ PO Box 111720 ∙ Campbell, CA 950011 Client Service Toll Free Number: 1-888-709-8324

VIII. Restrictions On Child Users Children under 13 years of age are prevented from accessing areas of iD Sites & Services which include, but are not restricted to, client account information, unless approved by their parent or guardian and any course content defined as age inappropriate by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). IX. Forums And Chats We may offer forums and chat rooms. Please be aware that anyone may read postings on a forum or in a chat room. Furthermore, any information which is posted to a forum or chat room could include personal information, which would be disclosed and available to all users of that forum or chat room, and is therefore no longer private. We cannot guarantee the security of information that any user discloses or communicates online in public areas such as forums and chat rooms. Those who do so, do so at their own risk. We reserve the right to monitor the content of the forums and chat rooms. If age-inappropriate content or potentially identifiable information is seen, it may be removed or edited by us for security, privacy, and/or legal reasons. We will not republish postings from forums or chat rooms anywhere on the Web. X. Links And Third Parties

At our discretion, we may include or offer third-party websites, products, and services on iD Sites & Services. These third-party sites, products, and services have separate and independent privacy policies. You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third parties. We have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of linked sites, products, or services.

Our iD Sites & Services may contain links to other third-party websites, chat rooms, or other resources that we provide for your convenience. These sites are not under our control, and we are not responsible for the content available on other sites. Such links do not imply any endorsement of material on our part and we expressly disclaim all liability with regard to your access to such sites. Access to any other websites linked to from iD Sites & Services is at your own risk.

XI. Legal Basis for processing Personal Data and Your Data Protection Rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), iD Tech’s legal basis for collecting and using your personal information as described in this policy depends on the personal Data we collect and the context in which we collect it. ID Tech may process your personal data:

To provide the services which you requested or purchased;
Because you have given us permission to do so;
To provide you with better services, including conducting audits and data analysis;
For payment processing;
For marketing; and
To comply with the law

You have certain data protection rights. iD Tech aims to take reasonable steps to allow you to correct, amend, delete or limit the use of your Personal Data.

If you wish to be informed about what Personal Data we hold about you and if you want it to be removed from our systems, please contact us at [email protected] .

In certain circumstances, you have the following data protection rights:

The right to access, update, or delete the information we have on you. Whenever made possible, you can access, update, or request deletion of your Personal Data directly within your account settings section. If you are unable to perform these actions yourself, please contact us to assist you.
The right to have your information corrected if that information is inaccurate or incomplete.
The right to object. You have the right to object to our processing of your Personal Data.
The right of restriction. You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information.
The right to data portability. You have the right to be provided with a copy of the information we have on you in a structured, machine-readable, and commonly used format.
The right to withdraw consent. You also have the right to withdraw your consent at any time where iD Tech relied on your consent to process your personal information.

Please note that we may ask you to verify your identity before responding to such requests.

You have the right to complain to a Data Protection Authority about our collection and use of your Personal Data. For more information, please contact your local data protection authority in the European Economic Area (EEA). XII. International Visitors (non GDPR Locations) Our iD Sites & Services are operated and managed on servers located in the United States. If you choose to use our iD Sites & Services from the European Union or other regions of the world with laws governing data collection and uses that differ from the United States, then you recognize and agree that you are transferring your personal information outside of those regions to the United States and you consent to that transfer. XIII. Data Security Commitment To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place reasonable physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. We also use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol on your account information and registration pages to protect sensitive personal information. Sensitive data is encrypted on our iD Sites & Services and when stored on the servers.

XIV. How You Can Access, Request A Copy, Correct, Or Ask For Information To Be Deleted Access to certain personal Information that is collected from our Services and that we maintain may be available to you. For example, if you created a password-protected account within our Service, you can access that account to review the information you provided.

You may also send an email or letter to the following email or call the number provided to ask for a copy, correction, or ask us to delete your personal Information. Please include your registration information for such services, such as first name, last name, phone, and email address in the request. We may ask you to provide additional information for identity verification purposes or to verify that you are in possession of an applicable email account. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-888-709-8324 XV. How To Contact Us/Opting Out Of Electronic Communications If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or if you have provided your email and/or address and prefer not to receive marketing information, please contact us via email or call at the number provided below. Make sure you provide your name as well as the email(s) and address(es) you wish to have removed.

If you have signed up to receive text messages from us and no longer wish to receive such messages, you may call or email us at the address provided below. Please provide your name, account email, and the number(s) you want removed. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-888-709-8324 XVI. Terms And Conditions Your use of our iD Sites & Services and any information you provide on our iD Sites & Services are subject to the terms of the internalDrive, Inc. (referred to as “iD Tech”) Terms and Conditions. XVII. Privacy Statement Changes We will occasionally amend this privacy statement. We reserve the right to change, modify, add, or remove portions of this statement at any time. If we materially change our use of your personal information, we will announce such a change on relevant iD Sites & Services and will also note it in this privacy statement. The effective date of this privacy statement is documented at the beginning of the statement. If you have any questions about our privacy statement, please contact us in writing at [email protected] or by mail at PO Box 111720, Campbell, CA 95011. XVIII. Your Credit Card Information And Transactions For your convenience, you may have us bill you or you can pay for your orders by credit card. If you choose to pay by credit card, we will keep your credit card information on file, but we do not display that information at the online registration site. For your security, your credit card security number is not stored in our system.

We use state-of-the-art Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology to safeguard and protect your personal information and transactions over the Internet. Your information, including your credit card information, is encrypted and cannot be read as it travels over the Internet. XIX. Social Networking Disclaimer iD Tech provides several opportunities for social networking for both participants and staff on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube. These sites are not affiliated with iD Tech and offer their own individual social networking services. Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as well as the Terms and Conditions of the sites in which iD Tech has created a forum ("Group"). These Terms and Conditions are a legal agreement between you and iD Tech and apply to you whether you are a visitor to these sites or any site with an official iD Tech affiliation. iD Tech is a member of several pre-existing sites (as mentioned above). There may be, however, portions of www.iDTech.com that include areas where participants can post submissions. Any of the above-mentioned "Sites" (or other similar sites) have their own distinct rules and regulations. iD Tech reserves the right to take action to remove any content deemed inappropriate by the sites or by iD Tech standards. iD Tech will not be held liable for any loss of content or disagreements that may arise between the individual social networking site and the user. You understand that by registering for an iD Tech program, your participant(s) may access and upload content to social networking sites. In order to access certain features of the social networking sites or pages on iDTech.com, and to post Member Submissions, the majority of these sites require that the user open an account with them. Please note that these sites have their own individual Terms and Conditions that must be followed. Age requirements are outlined within each Site's Terms and Conditions. You hereby authorize your participant to access social networking sites while at camp and create an account if they choose to do so and if they meet the requirements listed by each site to create an account. Interaction with other users:

iD Tech is merely providing a medium in which to socialize online with fellow participants. Users are solely responsible for interactions (including any disputes) with other Members and any volunteers that may advise and assist participants with projects and activities via your use of the iD Site & Services.
You understand that iD Tech does not in any way screen Members or review or police: (i) statements made by Members in their Member Submissions or the Member Submissions in general; or (ii) statements made by Users or any information a User may provide via the iD Site & Services.
You understand that your participant(s) is solely responsible for, and will exercise caution, discretion, common sense, and judgment in using the various iD Sites & Services and disclosing personal information to other Members or Users.
On behalf of your participant(s), you agree that they will take reasonable precautions in all interactions with other Members, particularly if they decide to meet a Member offline or in person.
Your participant's use of the social networking sites with which iD Tech is affiliated, their services, and/or Content and Member Submissions, is at your sole risk and discretion and iD Tech hereby disclaims any and all liability to you or any third party relating thereto.
On behalf of your participant(s), you agree that they will not harass, threaten, intimidate, bully, stalk, or invade the privacy of any individual in connection with your use of the social networking sites with which iD Tech is affiliated and their services, whether or not an individual is an iD Tech Member; and you further agree not to advocate such activities or to encourage others to engage in any such activities.
On behalf of your participant(s), you agree they will not give their social networking information to an iD Tech staff member.
You and your participant(s) should also be aware that under no circumstances are iD Tech employees allowed to give personal contact information for social networking sites. This must be arranged by the participant's parent/guardian through the People Services Department.

XX. Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy: You agree that you and your participant will not use the social networking sites to offer, display, distribute, transmit, route, provide connections to, or store any material that infringes copyrighted works, trademarks, or service marks or otherwise violates or promotes the violation of the intellectual property rights of any third party. internalDrive, Inc. has adopted and implemented a policy that provides for the termination in appropriate circumstances of the accounts of users who repeatedly infringe or are believed to be or are charged with repeatedly infringing the intellectual property or proprietary rights of others. XXI. Disclaimer: BY USING THE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES OR SUBMITTING A MEMBER SUBMISSION, YOU AGREE THAT INTERNALDRIVE, INC. IS NOT RESPONSIBLE, AND WILL IN NO EVENT BE HELD LIABLE, FOR ANY: (A) LOST, ILLEGIBLE, MISDIRECTED, DAMAGED, OR INCOMPLETE MEMBER SUBMISSIONS; (B) COMPUTER OR NETWORK MALFUNCTION OR ERROR; (C) COMMUNICATION DISRUPTION OR OTHER DISRUPTIONS RELATED TO INTERNET TRAFFIC, A VIRUS, BUG, WORM, OR NON-AUTHORIZED INTERVENTION; OR (D) DAMAGE CAUSED BY A COMPUTER VIRUS OR OTHERWISE FROM YOUR ACCESS TO THE SITE OR SERVICES. THE SITE, SERVICES, INTERNALDRIVE, INC., CONTENT, AND MEMBER SUBMISSIONS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITH NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. INTERNALDRIVE, INC. AND ITS SUPPLIERS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE SITE, SERVICES, INTERNALDRIVE, INC., CONTENT AND MEMBER SUBMISSIONS, WHETHER THE PROVISION OF SERVICES OR YOUR SUBMISSION OF A MEMBER SUBMISSION WILL PRODUCE ANY LEVEL OF PROFIT OR BUSINESS FOR YOU OR LEAD TO ECONOMIC BENEFIT, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF QUALITY, AVAILABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN ADDITION, INTERNALDRIVE, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT THE SITE OR SERVICES WILL BE ERROR FREE OR THAT ANY ERRORS WILL BE CORRECTED. SOME STATES OR JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES. ACCORDINGLY, SOME OF THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. XXII. Indemnification: You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold iD Tech, its officers, directors, employees, and agents, harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with: (i) your access to or use of social networking sites, their services, iD Tech Content and Member Submissions; (ii) your violation of these Terms of Use; (iii) your violation of any third-party right, including, without limitation, any intellectual property right, publicity, confidentiality, property, or privacy right; or (iv) any claim that one of your Member Submissions caused damage to a third party or infringed or violated any third-party intellectual property right, publicity, confidentiality, property, or privacy right.

iD Tech Terms & Conditions

Id tech general terms & conditions publish date: october 26, 2023.

These Terms and Conditions apply to all pages found at www.idtech.com and all Programs operated by internalDrive, Inc. (referred to as "iD Tech") including but not limited to iD Tech In-Person programs and iD Tech Online Programs. These terms apply to all lessons, classes, courses, and options offered by iD Tech (hereinafter referred to individually as “Program” or collectively “Programs”).

Privacy Policy: By using iD Tech’s website, registering you or your student for a Program, and/or affirmatively giving your agreement, you are agreeing on your own behalf and that of your student to abide and be bound by the Privacy Policy found HERE and the Terms and Conditions contained and referenced herein.

Online Programs: If you are purchasing, or you or your student is participating in an Online Program you also agree on your own behalf and on behalf of your student, to be bound by the additional terms and conditions found HERE .

On-Campus Programs: If you are purchasing, or you or your student is participating in, an On-Campus Program, you also agree on your own behalf and on behalf of your student to be bound by the additional terms and conditions found HERE .

I. Code of Conduct

To promote the best learning environment possible, all students and parents will be held to this Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or engaging in actions or attitudes that seem to be harmful to the atmosphere, other participants, or staff, in the opinion of iD Tech can lead to removal from a Program or Program(s). iD Tech reserves the right to dismiss students from a Program and prevent a student from attending additional Programs without any prior warning for (1) violating any of the terms of this code of conduct, or (2) if iD Tech determines that a Program is not a suitable and/or productive environment for a student (this includes incidents in which a student does not have sufficient English language skills to participate in the Program; participation in courses requires a high level of English understanding). Refunds will not be given for students dismissed for failure of the student or the parent to abide by the Code of Conduct, or if it is determined that a Program is not suitable for a student. While iD Tech strives to maintain excellent relationships with students, in some rare cases, we may determine that iD Tech is not a compatible environment for every student.

Students and parents/guardians may NEVER:

Disrupt, bully, intimidate, or harass others;
Use inappropriate language (for example, students cannot use of swear or curse words, racial, gendered, homophobic/transphobic, stereotypical, or culturally insensitive words, even if done in a joking manner);
View, display or post any inappropriate material (including sexual content, material depicting inappropriate violence, racism, bullying, etc.) during a Program;
Share Program information (including lesson plans, etc.) with third-parties, without permission from iD Tech;
Impersonate another person; or
Contact instructors outside of the Program.

Students also may NEVER:

Engage in Internet hacking;
Create an account on or log into third-party websites without the permission of their instructor;
Use false information to create an account on or log into third-party websites;
Share personal information with staff members or ask staff members for their personal information;
Share or create video or audio recordings of iD Tech staff or another student without the permission of iD Tech.

Students and parents/guardians MUST:

Follow directions/instructions of iD Tech personnel;
If online, ensure the student attends the Program in an appropriate, private setting;
Dress appropriately during the Program;
Adhere to the terms of use of any sites used, including following the specified age policies; and
Only share material that is related to lessons and appropriate.

II. Age Policy

iD Tech offers Programs for students ages 7-19. Therefore, students may interact and/or room with a student that is within this age range including 18 or 19 years old. Please note the age range of the Program being registered for.

If a student is 18 or 19 years old and participating in an On-Campus Program, they must successfully pass a criminal and sexual offender background check prior to being allowed to attend. Clients are responsible for all costs and fees associated with any background checks required for a student to attend.

III. Special Accommodations

If a student requires an accommodation to participate, or needs an aid to attend in an iD Tech Program, a parent/guardian must call iD Tech at 1-888-709-8324, no less than three weeks prior to your student’s first day of the Program to make needed arrangements.

If a student requires an aide to participate in an iD Tech Program, the aide must be age 18 or older, may not be a family member, and if it is an On -Campus Program, the aide must successfully pass a criminal and sexual offender background check prior ro being allowed to attend with the student. Aides may also be subject to fingerprinting. Clients are responsible for all direct costs, including background check processing fees, parking, and compensation for the aide’s attendance.

IV. Payment Policy

Unless otherwise noted, all financial transactions are made and quoted in U.S. Dollars.
All Payment Plan Fees, fees paid for Online Programs, and the $250 per week deposit for On-Campus Programs are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Other than if iD Tech needs to cancel a class, there are no refunds, credits or replacement days for classes missed. If iD Tech needs to cancel a class, iD Tech will either provide you a pro rata credit or reschedule the canceled class(es).
If iD Tech cancels an entire Program for any reason, the fees paid for the Program will be refunded, less the non-refundable fees, as set out above. Non-refundable fees (other than the Payment Plan Fee, if any) will remain in your account as a fully transferable credit that is valid for three (3) years.
iD Tech has the right to charge a $25 late fee on any payments not paid by the due date. For balances that are over 30 (thirty) days past due, iD Tech has the right to charge a 1% monthly finance charge and send the balance to a collection agency for collection (collection agency and legal fees may apply).
All fees (registration, administrative, late, etc.) must be paid prior to the start of a Program, unless a payment plan has been agreed to. Students will be withdrawn from a Program if the Program has not been paid in full prior to the start of the Program, or if at any time a payment is not paid by the due date. No refunds, credits, or make-up classes will be provided if a session is missed due to a delinquent payment.
By agreeing to a subscription or payment plan, you are authorizing iD Tech to auto charge the credit card on file as agreed at the time of purchase and as set out in My Account.
A $35 returned check fee will be assessed for any checks returned or card transactions that are not honored.

V. Reservation Changes

To provide outstanding Programs, we may have to limit your ability to make changes (such as registering for a different course or changing attendance dates) and/or cancel a Program. Please reference the Terms and Conditions for specific Programs (linked above) for the rules and restrictions for changes and cancellations for that Program.

VI. Promotions and Discounts

Promotional discounts are limited to one discount per student. There may be other limitations as to how they apply, and codes must be submitted at the time of registration. iD Tech will not honor retroactive adjustments, and the total discounts received cannot exceed the total cost of the products purchased.

The Refer-a-Friend Program is a voluntary Program that applies to Small Group Classes and In-Person Programs.

Each Referral Code can be used a maximum of 10 times. The code can only be used by students attending iD Tech for the first time (may be limited to certain Programs) and must be applied at the time of registration.
A tuition credit will be given for each new student that registers for an In-Person Program or Small Group Class using a referral code and attends the course for which they registered.
The Refer-a-Friend Program does not apply to siblings.
Students may not refer each other to both qualify for the Refer-a-Friend Discount.
Tuition credit will be applied after the referred client registers, pays in full and attends the Program. If the referred friend cancels his/her Program, the credit will be removed, and you will be responsible for any account balance that is created as a result of the lost credit.
All tuition credits must be used in the Program term in which they are earned, can be used to offset Program tuition and other fees incurred, but do not entitle you to any form of payment.
Tuition credits have no cash value.

VII. Certificates/Vouchers

All certificates/vouchers are non-refundable, non-transferable, and not redeemable for cash. Certificates/vouchers must be redeemed at the time of registration. Certificates/vouchers are valid until the specified expiration date, without exception. They are valid for up to the amount issued, and any amounts not used are forfeited.

VIII. General Releases

Media Release: As a condition of participation, you authorize iD Tech and its partners to take photos, videos, images, audio, and testimonials of and/or from you and your student and agree that said content may be used by iD Tech in promotional materials, marketing collateral, and online media. These images, testimonials, photos, videos, and audio may be shared and used by corporate partners, the media, or other organizations that work with iD Tech. You also agree that all projects and work created by your student during an iD Tech Program may be used by iD Tech in promotional materials, online, and other print media, and may be shared and used by corporate partners, the media, or other organizations that work with iD Tech. You understand that iD Tech, its owners, agents, partners, facility providers, and employees will not be held liable for damages and injuries associated with use of any content released herein, including any and all claims based on negligence. You agree that all images, testimonials, photos, video, and audio taken at or in connection with an iD Tech Program are the sole and exclusive property of iD Tech, and that iD Tech has a royalty-free, perpetual license to use copies of all student work and projects created at an iD Tech Program.
Name and Likeness Release: As a condition of participation, you authorize iD Tech and the press to use your student's full name and likeness in print, radio, TV, and other mediums.
Project/Hardware Release: Some iD Tech Programs are project-based. In such instances, iD Tech will attempt to provide your student with the knowledge to produce a working project. Some iD Tech Programs include take home hardware. In those instances, iD Tech will send home a product or voucher for a product. However, there will be instances when a project or product or product voucher cannot be sent home, posted, or delivered, and you agree that iD Tech is not responsible if the game, project, product or voucher does not work properly and/or is not compatible with outside systems. You release iD Tech from any responsibility for failure to provide a copy of the project or product voucher, or a non-functioning/non-compatible/non-complete game, project, product voucher or product. Refunds will not be issued for not receiving products, product vouchers, or being provided a copy of the project, and/or non-functioning/non-compatible/non-complete projects, product vouchers or products. If you have issues with a product voucher or product, you must contact the manufacturer directly. Product vouchers only cover shipping within the continental U.S. Therefore, if you require the product to be shipped outside the continental US, you are responsible for all shipping and handling costs.
Software Accounts: Some iD Tech Program activities require creation and/or use of an online account or require an online account to be created for your student. You consent to create or have iD Tech create account(s) as needed for your student to participate in Program activities. During non-instructional time, students may have access to websites that require accounts to be set up. While it is against iD Tech rules for students to set up accounts without their instructor’s permission, there may be instances where a student may create an account without the knowledge of iD Tech or its employees. In such instances, you release iD Tech and its employees from any and all responsibility and liability for accounts created by your student without iD Tech’s knowledge.
Game Ratings: iD Tech takes its corporate responsibility and iD Tech family values very seriously. However, we cannot guarantee that younger students at iD Tech will avoid all contact with or mention of games rated "T" for Teen, or "M" for Mature. iD Tech will make a concerted effort to minimize both direct and indirect exposure to any games not rated for a student’s age group. Students attending courses designed for older ages have a greater chance of being exposed to materials rated for that older age group. If a student is attending a course for ages 13+, they may be exposed to games rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). You voluntarily assume any and all risks, known or unknown, associated with your student’s exposure to game content at an iD Tech Program.

IX. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold internalDrive, Inc.,iD Tech, its officers, directors, employees, and agents, harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with your student’s participation in an iD Tech Program.

X. Arbitration Agreement

You agree that any dispute other than collection matters, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, you or your student's participation in a Program with internalDrive, Inc., or otherwise arising between the parties, including, without limitation, any statutorily created or protected rights, as permitted by applicable state/provincial or federal laws, shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Santa Clara County, California, in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to recover expenses including costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees associated therewith. Should any part of this contract be found invalid or not enforceable by a court of law, then the remaining portion shall continue to be valid and in force. You hereby acknowledge that you understand the terms of this ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, and you agree to comply with all of its terms and provisions.

XI. Rights Reserved

internalDrive, Inc. reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. iD Tech is not a university-sponsored program. iD Tech reserves the right to cancel or modify any and all classes, lessons, Programs or courses for any reason.

XII. Release of Liability

ON BEHALF OF MY SON/DAUGHTER/WARD, I, THE PARENT/GUARDIAN, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE RIGHT OF MY SON/DAUGHTER/WARD TO PARTICIPATE IN ID TECH PROGRAM(S), HEREBY RELEASE INTERNALDRIVE, INC., ITS OWNERS, AGENTS, PARTNERS, FACILITY PROVIDERS, AND EMPLOYEES FROM LIABILITY (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED UPON NEGLIGENCE) FOR ANY AND ALL DAMAGES OR INJURIES TO MY SON/DAUGHTER/WARD OR DAMAGE OF ANY PERSONAL PROPERTY. I AGREE TO BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL SUCH DAMAGES OR INJURIES WHICH MAY RESULT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY NEGLIGENT ACTS OR ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNALDRIVE, INC. HOWEVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT RELEASING INTERNALDRIVE, INC., ITS OWNERS, AGENTS, PARTNERS, FACILITY PROVIDERS, AND EMPLOYEES FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONALLY TORTIOUS CONDUCT. TO THE EXTENT THIS RELEASE CONFLICTS WITH STATE/PROVINCIAL LAW GOVERNING RELEASES, THIS RELEASE IS TO BE GIVEN THE FULLEST FORCE AND EFFECT PERMITTED UNDER STATE/PROVINCIAL LAW. SHOULD ANY PART OF THIS CONTRACT BE FOUND INVALID OR NOT ENFORCEABLE BY A COURT OF LAW, THEN THE REMAINING PORTION SHALL CONTINUE TO BE VALID AND IN FORCE. XIII. Copyright

iD Tech partners with and uses the intellectual property of some amazing companies. You and your student agree to uphold the copyright and trademark rights of iD Tech, their partners, and any company whose products are used at an iD Tech Program.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the ultimate college majors list: 295 degrees to consider.

General Education

When you get to college, you'll need to pick a major—a specific area of study that you'll specialize in. Your major can have a big impact on what you decide to do for work, as well as, obviously, how you spend your time in school.

In this article, we'll give a comprehensive college majors list so you can see what options there are. Review this list of majors (we have hundreds!) so you're well informed on all the different routes you can take as a college student.

What Majors Will My College Have?

While most colleges and universities have similar majors, the specific majors you can choose from depends on the college you go to. Some places have similar types of majors that have different names (for instance, Biology vs Biological Sciences).

If you're curious whether or not your college has a specific major, the best thing to do is check your college's course catalog. You'll be able to see all of the specific majors you can choose from, as well as what courses you can take in of the different majors.

The Complete List of All College Majors

Whatever degree you're thinking about, it's probably on this list of majors. Here's the complete list of college degrees.

List of Majors: Agriculture & Natural Resources Conservation

Agriculture, General
Agribusiness Operations
Agricultural Business & Management
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Mechanization
Agricultural Production
Agronomy & Crop Science
Animal Sciences
Food Sciences & Technology
Horticulture Operations & Management
Horticulture Science
Natural Resources Conservation, General
Environmental Science
Natural Resources Management
Wildlife & Wildlands Management

List of College Degrees: Architecture

Architecture, General
Architectural Environmental Design
City/Urban/Regional Planning
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture

College Majors List: Area, Ethnic, and Multidisciplinary Studies

Area Studies, General (e.g., African, Middle Eastern)
Asian Area Studies
European Area Studies
Latin American Area Studies
North American Area Studies
Ethnic & Minority Studies, General
African American Studies
American Indian/Native American Studies
Latino/Chicano Studies
Women's Studies
Liberal Arts & General Studies
Library Science
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

College Majors List: Arts: Visual & Performing

Art, General
Art History, Criticism & Conservation
Fine/Studio Arts
Cinema/Film
Cinematography/Film/Video Production
Design & Visual Communications, General
Fashion/Apparel Design
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Music, General
Music, Performance
Music, Theory & Composition
Photography
Theatre Arts/Drama

List of College Majors: Business

Accounting Technician
Business Administration & Management, General
Hotel/Motel Management
Human Resources Development/Training
Human Resources Management
International Business Management
Labor/Industrial Relations
Logistics & Materials Management
Marketing Management & Research
Office Supervision & Management
Operations Management & Supervision
Organizational Behavior
Purchasing/Procurement/Contracts Management
Restaurant/Food Services Management
Small Business Management/Operations
Travel/Tourism Management
Business/Management Quantitative Methods, General
Actuarial Science
Business/Managerial Economics
Finance, General
Banking & Financial Support Services
Financial Planning & Services
Insurance & Risk Management
Investments & Securities
Management Information Systems
Real Estate
Sales, Merchandising, & Marketing, General
Fashion Merchandising
Tourism & Travel Marketing
Secretarial Studies & Office Administration

College Majors List: Communications

Communications, General
Advertising
Digital Communications/Media
Journalism, Broadcast
Journalism, Print
Mass Communications
Public Relations & Organizational Communication
Radio & Television Broadcasting
Communications Technology, General
Graphic & Printing Equipment Operation
Multimedia/Animation/Special Effects
Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology

List of College Degrees: Community, Family, and Personal Services

Family & Consumer Sciences, General
Adult Development & Aging/Gerontology
Child Care Services Management
Child Development
Consumer & Family Economics
Food & Nutrition
Textile & Apparel
Parks, Recreation, & Leisure, General
Exercise Science/Physiology/Kinesiology
Health & Physical Education/Fitness
Parks/Rec/Leisure Facilities Management
Sport & Fitness Administration/Management
Personal Services, General
Cosmetology/Hairstyling
Culinary Arts/Chef Training
Funeral Services & Mortuary Science
Protective Services, General
Corrections
Criminal Justice
Fire Protection & Safety Technology
Law Enforcement
Military Technologies
Public Administration & Services, General
Community Organization & Advocacy
Public Administration
Public Affairs & Public Policy Analysis
Social Work

College Majors List: Computer Science and Mathematics

Computer & Information Sciences, General
Computer Networking/Telecommunications
Computer Science & Programming
Computer Software & Media Applications
Computer System Administration
Data Management Technology
Information Science
Webpage Design
Mathematics, General
Applied Mathematics

List of College Degrees: Education

Counseling & Student Services
Educational Administration
Special Education
Teacher Education, General
Curriculum & Instruction
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Junior High/Middle School Education
Postsecondary Education
Secondary Education
Teacher Assisting/Aide Education
Teacher Education, Subject-Specific
Agricultural Education
Art Education
Business Education
Career & Technical Education
English-as-a-Second-Language Education
English/Language Arts Education
Foreign Languages Education
Health Education
Mathematics Education
Music Education
Physical Education & Coaching
Science Education
Social Studies/Sciences Education

List of College Majors: Engineering

Engineering (Pre-Engineering), General
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
Agricultural/Bioengineering
Architectural Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Construction Engineering/Management
Electrical, Electronics & Communications Engineering
Environmental Health Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering

College Majors List: Engineering Technology and Drafting

Drafting/CAD Technology, General
Architectural Drafting/CAD Technology
Mechanical Drafting/CAD Technology
Engineering Technology, General
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technologies
Architectural Engineering Technology
Automotive Engineering Technology
Civil Engineering Technology
Computer Engineering Technology
Construction/Building Technology
Electrical, Electronics Engineering Technologies
Electromechanical/Biomedical Engineering Technologies
Environmental Control Technologies
Industrial Production Technologies
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Quality Control & Safety Technologies
Surveying Technology

List of College Degrees: English and Foreign Languages

English Language & Literature, General
American/English Literature
Creative Writing
Public Speaking
Foreign Languages/Literatures, General
Asian Languages & Literatures
Classical/Ancient Languages & Literatures
Comparative Literature
French Language & Literature
German Language & Literature
Linguistics
Middle Eastern Languages & Literatures
Spanish Language & Literature

College Majors List: Health Administration and Assisting

Health Services Administration, General
Hospital/Facilities Administration
Medical Office/Secretarial
Medical Records
Medical/Clinical Assisting, General
Dental Assisting
Medical Assisting
Occupational Therapy Assisting
Physical Therapy Assisting
Veterinarian Assisting/Technology

List of College Degrees: Health Sciences and Technologies

Chiropractic (Pre-Chiropractic)
Dental Hygiene
Dentistry (Pre-Dentistry)
Emergency Medical Technology
Health-Related Professions & Services, General
Athletic Training
Communication Disorder Services (e.g., Speech Pathology)
Public Health
Health/Medical Technology, General
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Radiologic Technology
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Respiratory Therapy Technology
Surgical Technology
Medicine (Pre-Medicine)
Nursing, Practical/Vocational
Nursing, Registered
Optometry (Pre-Optometry)
Osteopathic Medicine
Pharmacy (Pre-Pharmacy)
Physician Assisting
Therapy & Rehabilitation, General
Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling
Massage Therapy
Mental Health Counseling
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy (Pre-Physical Therapy)
Psychiatric/Mental Health Technician
Rehabilitation Therapy
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinarian)

College Majors List: Philosophy, Religion, and Theology

Theology, General
Bible/Biblical Studies
Divinity/Ministry
Religious Education

College Majors List: Repair, Production and Construction

Aviation & Airway Science, General
Aircraft Piloting & Navigation
Aviation Management & Operations
Construction Trades (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, electrical)
Mechanics & Repairers, General
Aircraft Mechanics/Technology
Autobody Repair/Technology
Automotive Mechanics/Technology
Avionics Technology
Diesel Mechanics/Technology
Electrical/Electronics Equip Installation & Repair
Heating/Air Conditioner/Refrigeration Install/Repair
Precision Production Trades, General
Machine Tool Technology
Welding Technology
Transportation & Materials Moving (e.g., air, ground, & marine)

List of College Degrees: Sciences: Biological and Physical

Biology, General
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Cell/Cellular Biology
Marine/Aquatic Biology
Microbiology & Immunology
Physical Sciences, General
Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology
Geological & Earth Sciences

List of College Majors: Social Sciences and Law

Legal Studies, General
Court Reporting
Law (Pre-Law)
Legal Administrative Assisting/Secretarial
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Social Sciences, General
Anthropology
Criminology
International Relations & Affairs
Political Science & Government
Psychology, Clinical & Counseling
Psychology, General
Urban Studies/Urban Affairs

List of College Degrees: How to Choose

Now that you know what your major options are, here's how to choose a major.

#1: Think About Your Interests

First, consider what you're interested in. You'll spend most of your time taking courses in your major, so you'll want to pick something you actually like studying. If you're not interested in taking Biology classes, then don't major in Biology! Pick something you enjoy and want to learn more about.

#2: Think About Your Job Prospects

While not everyone ends up taking a job in their major's field (I didn't!), many do. The training you receive in your major will help you when you're applying for jobs, especially if you're in a science or technology field where you'll need specific practical skills.

#3: Remember You Can Change

Finally, don't stress about your major! You can always change it. And, as I mentioned before, your major doesn't always align with your job. Ultimately, your major is something that you'll study and (hopefully) enjoy during your time at college. It doesn't have to determine your entire future!

Final Thoughts: List of All College Majors

Your college major is the specific area of study that you'll focus on throughout most of your college career. There are hundreds of college majors you can choose from. Consult this list of all college majors and your college's course catalog to see what your options are. Remember, if you don't like your major, you can always change later!

What's Next?

Wondering what the worst majors are? Our in-depth guide lists the majors with the lowest salaries and highest unemployment rates.

What are the easiest majors ? The hardest majors ? Read all about which majors you might have an easier or more difficult time with here.

Considering double majoring ? We tell you what a double major is and go over the pros and cons of having two majors in college.

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools .

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Higher Education: Types of Course Work

Types of course work.

Awards & Degrees
Distance Learning
Preparation for College
The College Application Process
Find a College
Financing College
The Gap Year
AFTER COLLEGE...

Included on this page...

Discipline vs. Interdisciplinary
Matriculated vs. Non-Matriculated
[ ✔️ ] Adult Education Courses
Joint / Combined Bachelor's and Graduate Degree

Discipline - An academic area of study. Literature, history, social science, natural science, mathematics, the arts, and foreign language are disciplines; each discipline takes a certain approach to knowledge.

Interdisciplinary - Programs taught by groups of faculty members from several departments.

Matriculated - A matriculated student has been accepted for admission to the college, has registered in a major and is pursuing courses toward a degree or certificate.

Non-Matriculated - Non-degree courses designed to allow any interested individual to attend college level courses without enrolling, declaring a major or seeking a degree, these courses are often taken for fun or to learn a specific skill.

✔️ Adult Ed ucation Courses - Also known as Continuing Education or Professional Development courses. Classes can be completed in a year or less and are frequently offered in the evenings and on the weekends. The cost of training is usually moderate. These cla sses will provide training for work and fulfill the requirements to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certification, which is the equivalent to a high school diploma.

Dutchess Community College - Click on the Continuing Education tab to view course information.

Major / Minor

Major - In layman's terms your major is the subject that you will take the most courses in and learn the most about. Your major is the area of study that your degree will be in, after you complete the required (or "core") courses.

Applied Majors - Programs that prepare students for a specific career by giving the knowledge and skills needed in a particular line of work (ie: food science, landscape, architecture, finance, graphic design, special education, engineering, veterinary technology, forensic science, etc.). Applied majors also prepare students for special licensing, certifications and other credentials. The disadvantage of committing to an applied major is that there may be fewer job options once you graduate and you may have to worry about job cycles and economic slumps in your field, or the possibility of your education and training becoming outdated.

Academic Majors - These majors don't provide specific job training and therefore, don't necessarily lead to specific careers. As a result, you may have to accept a job with a lower starting salary. Academic majors prepare you for graduate studies or for professions in which a wide range of skills and creative talents are valued including: the ability to communicate, understand people, read, think about the world, or work with numbers. Future employers should note that academic training helps enable a person to understand texts, express themselves verbally, and analyze and solve problems, which ultimately helps adapt to change.

Concentration - Specialization in a certain area within a particular major (ie: a Business major with a concentration on Marketing). Concentrations are generally not available until grad[uate] school.

Double or Dual Major - Completing course work for two majors at the same time. The two majors can be related or unrelated to each other, they can also combine an academic and an applied major (ie: Major in Art History and Fine / Studio Arts or, Anthropology and Native American Studies).

Minor - A minor is course work in which you explore another field, but not as widely or as deeply as for your major. This is additional course work that is usually pursued at the same time as your Major. You might choose to minor in a subject that complements, or adds strength to your major (ie: a Minor in Business Administration with a Major in Public Relations). Or, you could minor in a subject that's not related but may exercise the opposite side of your brain.

Joint / Combined Bachelor's and Graduate Degree - For many joint degrees you are accepted into both programs when you apply to college. A joint degree often includes three years of study for a bachelor's degree, then during the fourth year you begin the graduate program. The advantage is that you can complete both degrees in less time than it would take to earn the two degrees the traditional way (often saving a year).

Some colleges also offer their graduate master's and Ph.D. programs as joint degrees.

A Guide to Choosing Your College Major [study.com] - Trends shift over time and with so many areas of study there really is no way to create an all-inclusive and completely objective resource. With that in mind, Study.com has compiled information that might be considered a spring board when beginning your research into college degrees.

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Types of College Degrees — The Ultimate Guide

All types of college degrees are earned by completing a certain number of credits in a given program at a specific educational level. That said, there are certain factors you need to consider when deciding on the next step in your education.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re providing an in-depth description of the four main types of academic degrees available in the US, followed by the most common programs at each level, the entry requirements, and the cost of obtaining each degree.

What’s the Difference Between College Degree Levels?

Different college degrees equip students with diverse knowledge and skills. Some provide technical knowledge and prepare students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Other degree types emphasize developing critical thinking and productivity skills.

Furthermore, different degree types will provide you with various career opportunities. For example, some careers require a minimal college education, whereas others require more intensive study and multiple degrees.

Levels of Degrees in Order

There are multiple types of degrees to choose from, so if you feel unsure about what’s the best educational path for you, read on to discover how college degrees rank from lowest to highest. Additionally, we’re sharing important educational details like the benefits of each degree, the potential career path with that specific education, the requirements to enter the program and obtain the degree, and more.

Undergraduate Types of College Degrees

Undergraduate degree programs are more general compared to graduate programs. Typically, students have five to six courses every semester.

Undergraduate studies are also more flexible than graduate studies, allowing students to switch majors even when they are one or two years in the program. Career-wise, these programs enable students to apply for entry- or manager-level positions. Below, we’re diving deeper into the types of undergraduate degrees.

Associate’s Degree

Community colleges , vocational schools, and junior colleges offer associate degrees. These degrees require a completion of 60 semester credit hours which should take about two years.

After completing the associate degree, graduates are prepared for technical and entry-level roles in the workforce. Also, they can continue their education. About 57% of associate degree recipients who continue their education do so in academic schools, whereas 42.7% attend vocational schools.

Generally, students who earn this type of degree in college and complete their general education courses go to a four-year university to complete their bachelor’s degree program. If the community college is regionally accredited, this can be a great plan for attaining a bachelor’s degree at a significantly lower cost.

The Most Common Types of Associate Degrees

Predictions are that in the 2029-2030 school year, there will be 615,000 female and 392,000 male associate’s degree holders in the US. This stat confirms that associate’s degrees continue to be some of the most popular community college degree types. Read on and discover the most popular types of degrees that can be earned at this level.

Associate in Applied Science

The AAS degree program focuses on one career field, usually technical. It’s perfect for students who want to immediately start building a high-paying career. Potential working positions include web developer, chemical technician, radiologic technologist, geological and petroleum technician.

Associate of Arts

The AA degree studies are focused on liberal arts, general, or pre-professional studies. It’s the broadest of all associate’s degrees. Common AA majors include business administration, law, and psychology. In addition, these types of college degrees prepare graduates for work across a broad range of industries instead of a specific one. As a result, the career options for AA graduates are plenty. They can work as paralegals, customer service representatives, HR managers, art directors, and more.

Associate in Science

The AS degree has broad but more specific scope than an AA degree. Typically, students who intend to pursue education in science-related fields choose AS studies. Earning this degree can pave the way to working in an in-demand field like IT, web development, and healthcare, to name a few.

Entry Requirements

Compared to the requirements for other types of degrees in college, the entry prerequisites for an associate’s degree are less competitive. Considering that the deadlines for these programs are usually longer, it’s not a surprise that they are often an alternative for students who don’t meet the requirements for entering a bachelor’s degree program. Admissions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some colleges might require a minimum GPA and a completed state’s pre-college curriculum, including math, English, and science courses.

Associate Degree Cost

Comparing the college degrees in order from lowest to highest cost-wise shows that associate programs are the most affordable. The total cost of a degree for in-state students pursuing an associate degree in a public college is $31,496, including $6,754 in tuition costs and $24,742 in additional expenses.

Students would have to pay $68,038 in private, non-profit colleges and $64,758 in private for-profit colleges. These include $33,796 and $30,666 in tuition and $34,242 and $34,092 in additional expenses, respectively.

However, according to college graduation rates , only 13% of students actually graduate within two years, which means the cost is usually much higher than the average.

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s degree is the most popular of all types of degrees in college. It has a completion rate of 60% and allows graduates to enter the workforce, taking entry- or management-level positions. This undergraduate degree is earned in colleges and universities, and it takes four years to complete. Typically, the program is divided into two years of general education and two years of specialized education.

The general education courses often include English, foreign language, mathematics, and social science. Those enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program need to choose a major area of study like history, biology, finance, or communication.

Bachelor Types of Degrees in College in Order of Popularity

Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in multiple fields. Below, we outline the most popular ones.

Bachelor of Arts

BA lets you focus on specific areas of study in the humanities and social sciences fields like languages, journalism, communication, and international relations. Possible majors in BA programs are English, foreign language, history, fashion merchandising, interior design, psychology, sociology, and political science.

Bachelor of Science

The BSc is a common bachelor degree’s type. It’s very similar to the BA program. The main distinction is in the additional course requirements, with the BSc requiring more science and math courses than BA. BSc also focuses more on combining theoretical knowledge with research practice. BSc programs are offered in numerous fields like natural sciences, mathematics, computer science and IT, and engineering and technology fields.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The BFA is one of the professional types of college degrees, proving that graduates have gained specific skills to enter the world of fine arts and be actors, singers, authors, dancers, or sculptors. The main difference between BA and BFA is that the program focuses more on majors rather than general studies. The coursework is dedicated to performing or visual arts and may also involve studying liberal arts like psychology, literature, and history.

Bachelor of Business Administration

As one of the basic types of college degrees in business, the BBA programs cover accounting, management, business operations, marketing, and economics courses. At the core of the program are business theory and practice, so students can learn how to analyze complex business issues, approach them from different perspectives, and overcome problems within and between organizations.

Bachelor of Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) involves hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge courses to prepare graduates for employment in the building industry as interior designers, architects, city planners, industrial designers, or other related roles. Students gain fundamental skills and knowledge of architecture while combining theory and history and acquiring digital, technological, legal, artistic, and financial expertise.

Different types of degrees in college involve different requirements. The conditions for enrolling into bachelor’s degree programs might differ from course to course. Generally, students need to have completed high school education and GED or be transfer students from another accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Bachelor Degree Cost

The total cost of a degree for a student living on campus at a public, in-state school is $25,487 per year, which amounts to $101,948 for four years.

As with other types of degrees you can get in college, the cost is higher for out-of-state students who pay on average $43,161 per year or $172,644 for four years. Keep in mind that only 33.3% of students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs graduate on time—a whopping 57.6% graduate within six years, which increases the cost of attendance to $152,922.

In private schools, the total cost of earning a bachelor’s in a private non-profit institution is estimated at $212,868, whereas in a private for-profit organization is $140,500.

Graduate Types of College Degrees

Graduate degrees provide specialized education on a particular subject or discipline. These studies usually take about three advanced level courses and require higher academic performance.

The studies are fast-paced, more hands-on, and very competitive. Students in graduate programs can work closely with professors and have access to more advanced tools for research purposes. A graduate degree gives better career opportunities and market favorability.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is one of the two highest college degrees. It proves the student has a high level of mastery in a specific subject area. The program demands the completion of 30-60 credits which usually takes between one and two years.

The program’s goal is to improve students’ knowledge and technical skills in a specialized area. Students usually decide to pursue a master’s degree to advance in a particular field, boost their job appeal, or find a better-paid role in a senior position.

Master’s Types of College Degrees in Order of Popularity

There are two main types of master’s degrees — course-based and thesis-based. The course-based degree programs are based on structured modules taught through lectures, seminars, or practical work, whereas research-based degree programs require students to do their own research projects in the focus field of study. Additionally, master’s degree programs can be categorized based on the subject matter, specialization level, coursework type, and more.

Master of Arts

A Master of Arts degree is one of the most common types of college degrees in master’s programs. It’s awarded in disciplines that fall under the arts and social sciences category like languages, linguistics, communication, history, geography, and music. The program involves a combination of lectures and seminars and culminates with a student’s dissertation based on a research project.

Master of Science

The Master of Science degree is awarded in science for disciplines like biology, engineering, health, and chemistry. Students enrolled in these kinds of degrees learn through lab work, analysis, and scientific research. The degree holders have high prospects for working in one of the best jobs for the future.

Master of Research

An MRes degree provides training on how to become a researcher. Usually, students pursue this degree if they want to implement research skills and knowledge in their careers or prepare for a PhD program. The MRes program involves courses that focus on research principles, methods, and tools. They need to conduct research and write a thesis to earn the degree.

Professional Master’s Degrees

Professional master’s degrees are specialized kinds of degrees that are more hands-on than traditional master’s degree programs and heavily concentrate on giving students practical skills and knowledge.

Master of Laws

The Master of Laws degree program allows students who have earned a professional law degree to combine basic skills with specialized knowledge acquired through researching specific law areas. Earning an LLM provides great career benefits and helps boost career prospects.

Master of Business Administration

The MBA is one of the most common types of business degrees in college. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for career advancement in business and management roles. Students go through extensive training in all business aspects. The majority of programs require at least three years of professional experience.

Master of Education

The MEd degree prepares students to pursue a career in education, as well as get certified or specialize in specific areas like special education, curriculum, counseling, instruction, and administration. The programs usually combine both coursework and internship.

Master of Architecture

The MArch degree is one of the most extensive types of degrees you can get in college. It assesses students through internships and a final thesis or project. Students are also required to produce coursework in subjects like building science, architectural history, design, theory, and professional practice. In the end, students get licensed and can consider wide career possibilities.

Postgraduate master’s degrees are open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree or an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject. Additionally, schools usually require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Some schools might also require students to take entrance exams. The professional master’s degrees generally have additional prerequisites like having professional experience or holding specific bachelor’s degrees.

Doctoral Degree

A doctorate is the highest college degree. The standard title for students obtaining a doctorate is Ph.D, which stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It’s the final degree available in a specific discipline.

A doctorate follows the completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. That said, some programs also admit students who don’t hold a master’s degree.

The doctorate programs are designed to help students get advanced knowledge and skills and reach the highest level of academic mastery in their chosen field. It takes about four years to complete doctoral types of college programs.

Studies are complex and require a great deal of commitment, focus, energy, and money. In the first year of the program, the content is standard. However, in the next few years, students move toward in-depth analysis and research. Finally, before earning the doctoral degree, students need to defend a thesis in front of an expert panel.

After the program’s completion, the Doctor of Philosophy can work as a university professor, a professional researcher, or take an executive leadership role. Thus, a doctorate often leads to significant professional advancement and tremendous earning potential. In fact, Ph.D holders earn a median weekly pay of $1,885.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest degree in college, and there are several different types of degrees available at this level. If you’re unsure where to start, here are the four key programs available in the US.

Research-Based Doctorate

Research-based doctorates are also known as academic doctorates and are usually awarded for original research in traditional academic subjects. The main focus is on expanding the theoretical understanding of a subject rather than advancing professional practice.

Professional Doctorate

A professional doctorate program focuses on applying research to practical issues, designing effective professional practices, and creating solutions to complex problems in a specific profession. Examples of such types of college programs include Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Public Health, and Doctor of Nursing Practice, to name a few.

Professional doctorates are awarded to candidates who directly contribute to a specific vocational field by conducting research and analysis. These programs might require the candidate to have specific field experience.

Higher Doctorates

Usually awarded later in one’s career, higher doctorates aim to recognize esteemed practitioners and researchers. They are one of the highest types of educational degrees that candidates don’t need to enroll in; the degree is awarded based on a published scholarly work that establishes the candidates as making a significant contribution to the advancement of the specific field. Examples of higher doctorate degrees might include Doctor of Science, Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Business, and Doctor of Music.

Honorary Doctorates

Honorary doctorates are awarded to celebrate one’s achievement in a specific field. It’s one of the highest college degrees that aren’t rewarded for academic achievements but for lifetime accomplishments that benefit humanity. Some institutions allow candidates to apply for an honorary degree, whereas others require third-party nominations.

These schools also create their own criteria for acceptance. They may present different types of degrees like Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Fine Arts, Doctor of Humane Letters, and Doctor of Divinity, to name a few.

The Cost of Doctoral Degree

When comparing the college degrees in order from lowest to highest, doctorates are the most expensive. According to the latest data published by Education Data, a doctorate costs on average $114,300. The average cost is higher for some fields like Psychology ($132,200) and Education ($111,900). That said, some programs might offer financial aid in the form of fellowships and assistantships or work within the academic department.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for getting a doctorate vary from program to program. Usually, the research-based doctorate programs require specific coursework, whereas requirements for professional degree programs typically include fieldwork, residencies, or at least internships. It’s important to note that internships increase job offers by 16% . Often, the final step to a doctorate is a comprehensive research work or a dissertation thesis.

How to Choose From the College Degree Levels

When preparing for college and considering which degree level to pursue, the first and most important step is to identify your interests and the career path you want to follow. While you can start working with an associate degree, the higher degree level you reach, the more advanced career opportunities you’ll have.

Furthermore, make sure to do comprehensive research on the position you’d like to have and take note of the job requirements to ensure the degree will make you competitive. Finally, consider your budget and whether you can afford the potential debt. Keep in mind that advanced degrees will cost you more, but the potential salary you’ll earn often outweighs the tuition cost.

Your Guide to Conquering College Coursework

Getting good grades in college can be a lot tougher than in high school. For many students, it requires building new skills and establishing new habits. Learning those skills now—before starting college—will help make your transition as easy and as successful as possible.

Mary Sharp Emerson

The transition from high school to college is a big one. Meeting new friends, living on your own, and creating your own schedule are just some of the new, exciting challenges that await you.

In the excitement of starting a new life on campus, college coursework can sometimes become a second priority.

However, adjusting to college coursework is often the biggest challenge of all. Even the best students may be surprised at how difficult college courses are. The subject matter is more complex. The workload is larger. And instructors’ standards are higher.

Mastering college-level courses requires a new level of independence, advocacy, engagement, and time management.

You can prepare yourself to succeed before you even get to campus. Identifying the skills you need, and building those skills into established habits, will help make your transition to college academics, and college life, easier, less stressful, and more successful.

Be engaged in your college coursework

College courses require your full attention and active participation.

And the more you engage with your teachers, teaching assistants, and classmates both in and out of the classroom, the easier it will be for you to succeed in that class.

The importance of active listening

Active listening is one of the most critical parts of engaging in a course, according to Gina Neugebauer, assistant director of Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program.

“Professors and teaching assistants can tell if you’re actively listening. They notice if you’re taking notes and making eye contact. They also notice if you’re distracted by your phone or computer,” notes Neugebauer.

Active listening means not checking your social media accounts or texting friends during class.

It also means really giving the instructor and your classmates your full attention.

It sounds easy in theory but it takes practice. It can be tough to not think about all the work you have or your next party. But the more you work on actively listening, the easier it will be to not get distracted and miss important information in class.

Different ways to actively participate

Beyond active listening, there are many ways to participate in a course. And you can tailor your level of engagement to your personality and comfort level.

“It’s all about gauging what you’re comfortable with,” says Neugebauer.

“You may not be the person who raises their hand all the time but you actively respond to online discussion posts, for example. You may not feel comfortable talking in front of hundreds of students in a large lecture hall but you take advantage of TA office hours and email the instructor with questions.”

But don’t be afraid to push yourself if you aren’t someone who usually speaks up in class.

It’s ok to start small. Work on raising your hand in small seminars or discussion sections. As you gain confidence, you’ll find it gets easier to answer questions and share your opinions.

Build independence and advocate for yourself

In college, you are responsible for your own success. You will need to advocate for yourself and know when—and how—to ask for help. That requires a level of independence that you may not have needed in high school.

The good news is that instructors and teaching assistants want to help you.

“Instructors, on the whole, enjoy hearing from you. And they’d rather hear from you right from the start, rather than have you struggle on your own for three weeks,” says Neugebauer.

If you have a question about an assignment, send your instructor an email. Are you upset about a grade you got on a recent test? Visit your instructor or TA during office hours to discuss what went wrong and how you can improve.

But remember, says Neugebauer, professors are busy and you are only one of many students.

“Your email should include your full name, what course you’re taking, and a brief description of your question or concern. And you cannot expect an answer at 2 a.m. because that’s when you’re studying. When you reach out to an instructor, give them 24-48 hours to respond.”

And remember, always be respectful and non-confrontational.

Challenge yourself in a college course. Get a sneak peak at college life.

Explore summer programs for high school students.

Don’t be afraid to seek help

If you have excelled in high school without extra help, you might be tempted to persevere on your own.

In college, Neugebauer points out, asking for help is the norm.

“Once you get into your undergraduate program, you’ll find that almost everyone has, at some point, asked a TA for extra tutoring, gone to a tutoring center, or a writing or math center for extra help. It’s part of the learning process of an undergraduate program,” Neugebauer says.

Colleges have a variety of support systems in place to help you succeed.

TA office hours are a great place to start if you find yourself struggling with a specific concept or assignment. Peer tutoring programs enable you to learn from students who have been through the course themselves. Academic coaches can help with more general study tips or exam-related stress.

The key is seeking out help proactively, before you get too far behind. As the courses become more difficult, catching up becomes increasingly difficult.

Build time management techniques

Balancing everything that comes with life on a college campus can be difficult for many incoming college students.

“The biggest challenge we see facing high school students who are trying to adapt to college life is overcommitment. Students want to engage in every activity, a full course load, and even sometimes a part-time job. They don’t schedule enough time for self-care, quiet time, doing laundry, and plenty of study time. All those things take time,” Neugebauer says.

Good study habits and time management are key to avoiding the stress that comes from getting overcommitted.

Neugebauer recommends getting into the habit of keeping an accurate and up-to-date calendar.

“The best thing I can recommend is a calendar, such as Google Calendar. Use it to schedule everything: your class, your lunch time, time at the gym. It may seem counterintuitive, but work on scheduling literally everything, even sleep.”

Be sure to include assignments, tests, and other deadlines, as well as office hours for your instructors, TAs, and academic coaches.

Use your calendar to block off dedicated study time. And once you schedule it, stick to it! Avoid the temptation to procrastinate or use that time to hang out, play video games, or scroll on your phone.

Your calendar should also include dedicated time for self-care.

Regular mealtimes, good exercise habits, and a full night’s sleep are not only critical for your physical and mental health. You’ll also be surprised at how much they contribute to your academic success.

Challenge yourself as you engage in college coursework

Getting outside your comfort zone is a critical part of preparing yourself for the exciting challenges that await you in college.

“Being uncomfortable allows for growth. It means saying to yourself, ‘this is new. I want to try it. I want to see how it feels.’ This is all about adapting to a new environment but also examining yourself as a person,” says Neugebauer.

Taking on a new challenge—regardless of the ultimate outcome—builds resilience, mental toughness, and confidence, all of which you will need to succeed in your college courses.

But, warns Neugebauer, it’s also important to know your limitations.

“That uncomfortable feeling should be manageable. It should be a challenge but not so challenging that you feel panicked and wake up in cold sweats every night. It should be something that gets you a little nervous but also excited about what you’re involved in every day.”

However you decide to challenge yourself, it’s never too early to start if college is in your future. The sooner you start identifying and mastering the skills you need in college, the better prepared you’ll be to succeed right from day one.

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About the Author

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Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

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Types of College Courses

Catherine capozzi.

When a new freshman is looking at a college course catalogue, the dizzying array of available classes can be daunting. Understanding the structure of college classes can ease the transition from a formulaic high school schedule to a flexible college schedule. Which professors to take, on the other hand, are choices best made using the advice of older classmates. Regardless, all students will experience these various types of college classes within their academic career.

Explore this article

Orientation Classes
General Education Classes
Elective Classes
Weed-Out Classes
Major-Specific Coursework

1 Orientation Classes

Orientation classes are usually conducted as a one-credit, pass-fail course. The goal of these incredibly easy, large-sized classes is to acquaint students with the university or with the desired major. An example of such a class might be called “The ASU Experience” or “The School of International Service Seminar.”

2 General Education Classes

Students from nuclear physics majors to dance majors must all take general education classes. No one is exempt from taking a wide variety of classes that seldom have anything to do with their chosen major. Most students take the bulk of these classes their first two years of college.

Most universities require 32 to 40 credit hours (usually 10 to 15 classes) of coursework that teaches basic science, math, economics, foreign language or cultural studies, history and writing. The purpose is to make students “well rounded” and provide a glimpse of various disciplines offered by the school.

3 Elective Classes

Elective classes are designed to save the sanity of stressed college students while offering some college credit. Many students take advantage of these courses as means of socializing. Examples of electives are yoga, choir, bowling and marching band. Some students, however, choose to take more rigorous courses for elective classes based on an interest in the subject.

4 Weed-Out Classes

Each major usually has a course or two that test the desire of a student to pursue that field. As explained by the Yale Daily News publication “The Insider’s Guide to Colleges,” weed-out classes are notoriously, yet intentionally, difficult. They have smaller class sizes and are often upper-level. These classes usually come in the early part of a student’s coursework in his major. This ensures he can switch majors with little ground lost if he finds he dislikes the field.

To avoid a weed-out class, students can usually opt to take the class at a sister school of the university where the class might be easier. They can also try to select an easier professor.

5 Major-Specific Coursework

At least eight major-specific 300- to 400-level classes must be completed. These in-depth classes analyze the chosen major through a variety of lenses. For example, an economics major at Arizona State might have major-specific coursework called “History of Economic Thought” and “Econometrics.” Though one assesses economics from a philosophical view, another class on the same subject might rely entirely on math and statistics.

The goal of these courses is to provide a well-rounded view of one subject. The student can decide on a career path based on one facet of the study, be it as an academic researcher of economics or a forecaster for a Fortune 500 company.

1 “The Insider’s Guide to Colleges;” Yale Daily News: 2009
2 Arizona State University: “Catalog of Economics Classes” 2010

About the Author

Since 2008 Catherine Capozzi has been writing business, finance and economics-related articles from her home in the sunny state of Arizona. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in economics from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, which has given her a love of spreadsheets and corporate life.

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How Long Are College Classes?

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Types of College Courses

College and university policies and accreditation requirements, how to manage your time in college, frequently asked questions about college classes.

Wondering how long are college classes? Several factors affect how long college students will spend in the classroom and how many courses a full-time student might take per semester. It's essential to understand the unique structures of different types of courses before building your class schedule so you can manage your time effectively.

At Bold.org , drawing from our extensive background in educational support and scholarship provision, we're happy to provide detailed guidance on navigating college course schedules , including discussing the right mix and number of classes each semester for optimal academic progress.

Let's dive into the different types of class schedules found at most universities, factors influencing the length of a college course, and the impact of a shorter or longer class time on student learning.

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college courses to enroll in students studying

Colleges and universities structure their courses in different ways to accommodate the needs of students and the requirements of the curriculum . When selecting classes, it's essential to consider the format in which the material will be delivered.

The structure of a course can significantly impact your learning experience and overall academic success. Understanding these various structures will help you choose the classes that align with your learning style and goals.

Learn what happens if you fail a college class to avoid any potential repercussions of a failing grade!

The Traditional College Class Format

The traditional college class format typically consists of a few sessions spread throughout the week. Each session lasts for around 50 minutes to an hour, or just over an hour. This format allows for in-depth lectures and engagement with the material.

Meeting more than once per week ensures that enough time is allocated to revisit a topic and reinforce what was already taught. In this format, two of the weekly meeting times are usually lecture classes, while a third meeting time might be reserved for group discussions, quizzes, and reviewing homework and other major assignments with TAs.

Students in these traditional courses often benefit from the regularity of meeting times, which can help establish a routine and facilitate consistent study habits.

This structure is common among math and science courses requiring regular practice of the material. Additionally, the shorter sessions provide opportunities for frequent interaction with professors and peers, fostering a sense of community within the classroom.

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Foreign Language Courses

Typically, a language learning class meets four to five times per week for at least one hour each weekday. Though this may seem like a large time commitment for one class, many colleges prefer to structure language learning courses in this way so that students have ample time to practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking the language.

While language courses are typically worth the same amount of credits as courses that meet less frequently, the expected hours of work outside of the classroom are reduced so that students are not spending a disproportionate amount of time and effort per semester on one course.

Learning a language under this intensity of immersion ensures significant progress in language proficiency over the course of one semester or academic year.

Some specialized language courses may even require a commitment of more than one semester or specialized winter or summer courses. Though this course load may seem like a daunting, hours-long commitment, it is a worthwhile pursuit if you are seeking to master a language.

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The Block Schedule Format

In contrast, the block schedule format condenses the course into fewer but longer sessions. A class might meet twice a week for two and a half to three hours each session. This format provides an immersive learning experience and allows for more in-depth exploration of complex topics.

A student may prefer meeting once a week in a longer block of classroom time, as opposed to three times a week throughout the semester, since this format encourages deeper focus.

Block schedule classes are designed to encourage academic deep dives, enabling more intensive engagement with the material. Meeting for more hours at a time can facilitate sustained focus and in-depth discussions, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the course material.

Typically, readings and assignments are due once per week in these courses, as opposed to at multiple points throughout the week. This can be a major benefit in planning out workloads and managing time, depending on a student's preferences.

Major-Specific Classes

Major-specific classes are those required for your major. Gen ed courses, on the other hand, fulfill general educational requirements and do not necessarily pertain to a student's major. Such required classes have minimum grade requirements in order to count towards your major and minimum GPA requirements in order to graduate with that major.

Usually, you must also take these classes in a specific order, and their start dates almost always align with the school-wide fall and spring semester calendar as opposed to the special winter and summer terms.

In some cases, a major-specific class might span two semesters, depending on the school and the field of study. Some major-specific classes also might exclusively meet in the fall semester or in the spring semester. Oftentimes, your school's department of your major will have an outline of typical major schedules on its website.

Consulting other students in addition to these recommended major schedules can help you plan your time at your four-year institution, especially if you are pursuing a double major or multiple minors.

Studio-Style College Courses

Studio-style courses involve dedicated time spent each week in a studio setting, along with additional open studio access throughout the week. Students must spend sufficient hours in the studio per week in order to receive credit. Studios are common in art classes requiring hands-on skills like sculpture, metalwork, filmmaking, or music.

Lab Classes

Lab classes have a longer block of time in which a student must attend a lab to perform experiments. These labs are mandatory for many natural sciences, for example, biology and chemistry. Though you may be tempted to take a lab during your first semester, it can be helpful to allow yourself time to adjust to college and speak with other students about their lab experiences before signing up for one.

A lab is a significant time commitment during the week and throughout the semester, so it may be better to take one during the spring semester of your freshman year or later.

Classes with mandatory labs are a significant time commitment. As a full-time student, it can be challenging to take more than one lab per semester since these classes are typically more time-consuming and worth more credits, and labs for different sciences may fall at the same time during the week.

Though the instructor may not supervise the lab time themselves, teacher's assistants will track attendance to make sure each student achieves sufficient hours in the lab. If you miss too many labs throughout the semester, you may not receive credit for the course. Thus, it is essential to carefully plan when building a semester schedule with labs.

Accelerated Classes

Accelerated classes meet in shorter time frames, often in half-semester or eight-week sessions, for more weekly hours than a typical class. An accelerated class is usually worth the same number of credit hours as a regular class, but the material is condensed into a shorter period, which is why they meet for more hours.

Most winter and summer classes utilize this format, though it is sometimes possible to take an accelerated class during a regular fall or spring semester.

The Hybrid Class Format

Hybrid classes combine in-person and online instruction, where you attend face-to-face sessions while also completing online coursework. The structure of hybrid classes can vary, with some meeting less frequently in person while others follow a more frequent schedule, mixing online and in-person sessions multiple times per week.

The hybrid format offers flexibility for students who may have conflicting schedules, busy workloads outside of school, long commute times, or those who prefer a blended approach to learning.

The combination of in-person interactions and the convenience of online learning can support diverse learning styles and preferences. The integration of technology also provides opportunities for innovative teaching methods and interactive online resources to enhance the learning experience.

college course length girl studying with book

Factors such as credit hours or scheduling constraints may influence college and universities' policies regarding class hours. Accreditation bodies also may set guidelines on class length to ensure the quality and rigor of education.

These requirements vary across disciplines and institutions, ensuring consistency and standardization. The availability of resources such as classroom facilities, equipment, and support staff can impact the duration of college classes.

Classes that require specialized equipment or technology may have longer sessions to allow sufficient time to utilize these resources effectively. Conversely, classes that rely primarily on textbooks and traditional teaching tools may have shorter durations as more learning is done outside of the classroom.

Create a schedule that allows you to allocate dedicated time for both attending classes and studying while participating in extracurriculars throughout the academic year.

Prioritize your most challenging classes and distribute your study time evenly throughout the week. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and take short breaks to maintain focus. Work-life balance is essential to success in college.

Engaging in student life or other extracurricular activities outside of school can enrich your college experience and help you develop new skills, paving the way for success in your future career.

However, it's important to strike a balance between academic commitments and extracurricular involvement. Prioritize your academic responsibilities and set realistic goals for your participation in activities outside the classroom.

While it can be tempting to pull all-nighters or sacrifice sleep to meet academic deadlines, it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Establish healthy routines, including adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and regular exercise. Taking care of your physical and mental health will enhance your concentration, productivity, and overall academic performance.

College is a time to broaden your horizons and embrace new experiences. Take advantage of s tudy abroad programs , internships, and research opportunities that your college offers. Such experiential learning opportunities are a great example of how college can provide valuable insights, expand your network, and help you gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Can you take college courses in the summer or winter?

Whether you can take classes during the summer or winter seasons depends upon your school's academic calendar and programs offered, as well as whether you are trying to graduate early . Winter classes are less commonly offered than summer courses since many schools have relatively short winter breaks.

Check with your institution whether it is possible to take classes during the summer or winter seasons. Studyaway programs may also follow a different calendar than the main campus's calendar, especially if these programs are hosted at other universities.

How many classes can you take per semester?

Most colleges and universities have maximum course load rules for undergraduate students. How classes count towards these maximums varies by institution and by major.

At schools where a full-time schedule is considered at least 12 credits, generally, you will not be able to take more than 18 to 20 credits at a time without special permission from the school.

However, many schools measure classes in different ways, even with requirements varying by major, so it is essential to check with your advisor for the policies specific to your institution and your major.

How can you plan your courses around holidays?

Calendars for the academic year are generally published one to three years in advance of the current school year. This makes it easy to plan your course schedule for upcoming semesters around the holidays and special breaks .

Also, many schools accommodate reasonable requests for time off from classes due to religious holidays if these requests are made at the beginning of the semester. If you plan to take time off to observe a religious holiday, make sure to inform your professors as soon as possible.

Take care to create a plan to get lecture notes on the material you will miss and arrange to complete any coursework or assignments on a separate date, ideally in advance of or immediately after the holiday.

At Bold.org , we are committed to helping students eliminate student debt. Check out our Scholarship Blog for more information and learn how to apply for scholarships today !

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List of 200 College Majors: Which Is Right For You?

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What’s Covered:

How to pick a major, will your major impact your college chances, ultimate list of college majors, how to find the right school for your major.

With so many majors and programs available, how do you know which one is the best pick for you? It can be hard to decide when you’re still in high school, honing your interests and figuring out your career goals.

But, knowing what major you’re interested in can play a role in determining the right college for you – so it’s an important factor to consider. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 200 college majors.

NB: Few schools offer all the majors on this list. Use our school-search tool to find colleges with the program that interests you.

So, among these 200 majors (and more, if you can find them), how do you decide on a program ? Here are factors to consider.

Your personal interests, strengths, and experiences

This combination of factors is probably most important in finding the right major for you. What are your passions? Where do you thrive? What have you achieved in both your academic and extracurricular life? While you can certainly change course in college and try something new, your background can play a pivotal role in shaping your path forward.

Your career goals

Hand-in-hand with your passions are your career goals. What do you want to do after you graduate? While some students end up pursuing careers that are wholly unrelated to their majors in college, others adhere to the same path and find that their undergraduate programs provide ample preparation for their careers.

The requirements

Of course, just because a program seems appealing to you doesn’t mean it’s without its hitches. When you ultimately declare a major in college, you will have looked at the requirements, but it’s also a good idea to study up on what’s typically required while you’re still applying. Take a look at requirements for the same major across different colleges, too, because they often vary, depending on the school. This can also help you narrow down your college list.

The Return on Investment (ROI)

In today’s competitive job market, ROI is critical — especially since college is so expensive. Often, you can find data on how many graduates from a particular program find employment within a certain period of time after graduating. You can also find statistics on the earning potential for specific majors. While this shouldn’t be the sole determining factor in choosing a major — after all, graduates of different majors often go into a variety of careers — it’s certainly something to consider.

Usually, your choice of major won’t have much of an effect on your overall chances of admission to a specific college. One exception is if the college has particularly selective programs or schools that you need to apply to directly. For example, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business tends to be more selective than the larger university and some other colleges or schools within it, so if you choose to apply to this school, then it will impact your chances of admission.

We advise against trying to apply under a supposedly “easier” major that you believe offers higher chances of admission just because you think you’re more likely to get in. Adcoms are likely to see through this tactic because the major you select won’t align with your profile. Also, bear in mind that at some colleges, such as Cornell University, it can be difficult to transfer internally after you’re accepted if the major you really wanted is in another school within the larger institution.

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Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
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Public Relations
Public Relations/Image Management
Radio and Television
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Composition
Spanish Language and Literature
Speech and Rhetoric
Talmudic Studies

Law and Politics

Community Organization and Advocacy
International Relations
International Studies
Legal Assistant
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Political Science
Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis
Social Work

Social Science

Anthropology
Behavioral Sciences
Child Development
Criminology
Experimental Psychology
Human Development and Family Studies
Aerospace Engineering
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Architecture
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Criminal Justice
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Sport and Fitness Administration

Program availability is one factor in choosing the right college for you, but there’s plenty more to consider. Using our school-search tool , you can find the best fits for you, filtering by criteria like major, finances, location, size, and more. Find out your real chances of getting into your dream school with CollegeVine’s chancing engine .

Not sure what you want to study? Check out our list of the best colleges for undecided students .

Delivery Modes and Teaching Approaches

Understand how course delivery and instructional approaches will affect design choices.

Choosing a teaching approach, or a combination of approaches, is directed by one's beliefs about learning. Further, whether you plan to teach online, in person or through another mode, this will influence your teaching approach and affect the experiences you provide to your students. Because these factors impact each other as well as the broad scope of your course, we must first explore these options and their potential tradeoffs.

Delivery Modes

There are several modes or ways that instruction can be delivered. Each provide different opportunities for learning.

Considerations

Situational Factors : The context of your teaching situation, as well as the learning situation of your students, will also help identify the appropriate instructional mode. While your instructional mode may be pre-determined, several factors may be within your control. For example, while teaching a face-to-face course, you may build in asynchronous online learning.
Learning Outcomes : The mode of learning can also be differentiated by the complexity of learning outcomes. For example, in a hybrid course, learning outcomes related to understanding new information can be completed by students in an online asynchronous module. During the next in person class session, students could then work in groups to apply these concepts to more complex learning.

Keep in mind possible teaching modes as we next consider how you will teach your students.

Teaching Approaches

There are two main approaches to instruction in higher education: teacher-centered and student-centered. Your approaches will significantly impact your students’ learning experiences as well as their ability to understand new concepts and transfer knowledge.

Choosing an Approach

Teacher-centered and student-centered approaches are neither good nor bad. Their use depends on your learning outcomes and context. For example, modeling a chemistry experiment may be the best way to demonstrate processes in the lab, while in other parts of your course, students use guided practice to complete lab experiments with a partner. Further, both approaches may be evident within a single lesson or module.

Keep the following considerations in mind when you choose an approach:

1. Tradeoffs: The following are pros and cons for each approach:

2. Learning Outcomes: Always consider your learning outcomes and how students will best achieve these.

3. Meaning Making and Prior Knowledge : Constructivism asserts that while instructors can deliver information, only students can make meaning of it. How difficult this meaning making may be will determines how much guidance, feedback, or support should be provided. This will be determined both by the complexity of the topic and students’ prior knowledge. A student-centered approach will allow you to determine prior knowledge and adjust guidance accordingly.

These considerations will be guided throughout the course design process. For now, remember that there are several approaches to teaching and that their use will depend on various factors. It is best to be open to diverse approaches, exploring their effectiveness in supporting student learning while building your teaching toolkit. As we continue through the course design process, it is important to keep in mind how your delivery mode can influence your teaching approaches and vice versa. Both aspects can create opportunities and limitations within your course and its design.

Now that you have considered the mode you might deliver in and how to approach instruction, next we need to consider the remaining situational factors that will influence course design.

Types of College Courses

Types of college courses according to the nature of the course:

The nature of the course can refer to various aspects, such as whether a course is credit bearing or non-credit bearing, or whether it is a certificate course, a diploma course, an advanced diploma course or a short course. In South Africa, FET courses are also regarded as a particular type of course.

Accredited courses

A credit bearing course is a course for which credits are awarded in relation to a course’s contribution to a programme, unit standard, part qualification or qualification. In other words, credit bearing courses are courses that count towards earning a type of qualification or part qualification. If you want to complete different parts of the same qualification at different educational institutions, you need to check whether all of the credits that you have already earned will be transferred.

Certificate courses

Certificate courses are usually designed for people who would like to update their skills, to acquire certain new skills, to earn credentials, or to change careers. They are mostly shorter in duration than diploma courses, but this is not always the case.

Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses

In South Africa, diplomas are generally career-oriented qualifications. This means that they are aimed at preparing students for a particular line of work and at equipping them with the knowledge and skills that they require in practice. The work covered in a diploma course usually builds on knowledge and skills gained in a prior qualification, such as a certificate. Diploma courses are normally shorter than full degree programmes. An advanced diploma course usually builds on what was covered in the corresponding diploma course.

Short courses

Short courses are designed to meet specific workplace needs, to teach specific skills, or to allow students to acquire certain knowledge. Short courses therefore usually have a very narrow focus, and, as the name suggests, they are short in duration. They make it easier for students to gain access to education, and help to save time, money and other resources. Short courses are associated with “just in time” and “just enough” learning. This type of course can be either credit bearing or non-credit bearing.

FET (Further Education and Training) courses

FET courses are post-school courses that are either vocational or occupational by nature. They prepare students for a specific range of jobs or employment possibilities by providing the necessary training and education. FET courses aim to provide students with marketable skills. FET courses can also cover Grade 10-12, which means that students who leave school at the end of Grade 9 can complete their senior certificates through an FET college. Students must be 16 years of age or older to do an FET course. There are FET courses available in a wide range of study fields.

Types of college courses according to method of tuition:

The type of course can refer to either the method of tuition or to the nature of the course.

Colleges offer courses in various ways. Because there are different methods of tuition available for students to choose from, college courses are more accessible to students. Students can choose a study option that suits their own schedule and can easily combine studying with their other commitments if they need to do so. The different methods of tuition are:

Full-time (classroom-based)

Full-time classroom-based courses usually require students to attend classes during the day on most week days.

Part-time (classroom based)

Part-time classroom-based courses also require students to attend classes. However, the classes often take place during the evenings and over weekends in order to accommodate people who are working while studying.

Distance learning

Distance learning courses, also referred to as home study courses, are offered via correspondence like Matric College and Skills Academy . Students are usually not required to attend any classes. This allows students to work and study at the same time, as well as to adapt their schedules to their personal situations. There are fully accredited courses you can take to improve your skills, and the good news is that you can do these courses from home. This is generally a very flexible study option.

With Matric College you can study the following courses without Matric :

ICB Courses
Matric Courses
Accredited Courses
NATED Courses
Adult Matric Course
Beauty Therapy
Educare and Childcare
Tourism and Guesthouse
Events and Wedding Planning

Choosing to study an Educare qualification can be one of the most important career fields.

This is because you are helping to build the lives, confidence, and education of young children. Having a National Qualification (NATED) in Educare also means that you can further both your studies and increase your employment opportunities. With an N4 National Qualification, you can apply to study an N5 National Qualification Course. After which, you are eligible to apply for the N6 National Qualification. With an N6 National Certificate, you can complete 18 months of industry work-related experience and apply for a National Diploma certificate. Matric College have the following Educare courses to offer:

N4 National Certificate Course in Educare
N5 National Certificate Course in Educare
N6 National Certificate Course in Educare

Study O nline Matric through Matric College and get that dream career you always wanted. Adult Matric is commonly referred to as Senior Certificate (Amended) .

Online study

Online study allows students to complete their courses via the Internet. Online study courses usually involve participation in virtual classroom sessions or online tutorials. In order to do courses online, students are often required to have access to a fast, stable Internet connection.

Different Types of College Classes

Last Updated: 12 January 2022

Where To Study

8 Types of College Campus Visits

Campus tours can be self-guided, virtual or even on golf carts.

Getty Images |

College visits

Often the first step a student can take to determine whether a college is the right fit is visiting its campus. While walking tours led by current students are common, many schools offer several other ways to explore and learn about campus, including through self-guided and virtual tours or open houses and overnight stays. Here's a look at eight different types of campus visits – which aren't always available at every school – that a student may encounter during their college search process.

Female teacher is walking down the school hall with a group of male teenagers. She is giving them a tour of the school as it is their first day.

Getty Images | iStockphoto

Walking tours

Most colleges offer at least a guided walking tour led by current students. Prior to the tour – which takes prospective students and their families to various academic buildings, dining halls and dormitories across campus – there's usually a short information session to provide an overview of the school and its admissions process . These types of campus visits are typically offered on weekdays and most Saturdays, and may require advance registration because space is often limited.

Beautiful young woman learning by watching video tutorial on the internet.

(Getty Images) |

Virtual tours

While college tours are free, students and their families often have to factor in travel expenses, including gas, airplane tickets and hotel stays. But through virtual tours – which became more popular as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – students can still get a feel for a campus without leaving their bedroom. Virtual tours can be interactive, allowing students to "walk" around campus by clicking arrows, or are videos led by students or faculty members on bikes, skateboards, golf carts or other modes of transportation.

Self-guided tours

For students looking to explore a campus at their own pace, many colleges offer self-guided walking or drive-through tours. While some schools post information booklets on their website, providing insight into each building, others offer audio tours that can be downloaded through an app so students can follow along at their leisure. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , for instance, even offers an accompanying song playlist to listen to on the drive around campus.

golf cart in the hotel for serving guests at the entrance

Golf cart tours

A walking tour is not always the only formal option to see a college campus. High Point University in North Carolina, for instance, has a personalized tour option, where a student ambassador drives families around the campus in a golf cart. Students also receive information about the school's college transition programs, including the Freshman Success Coach Program and the Project Discovery Program, which provides guidance on how to choose a major . Like other tours, prospective students must sign up ahead of time.

Stylish college students talking together outdoors on campus

Foreign language tours

For students with family members who aren't as comfortable speaking in English, there may be options to take a tour in another language. Some schools, like Old Dominion University in Virginia, have Spanish-language campus tours led by Spanish-speaking students and admissions counselors. These tours are often hosted on certain days of the month. Other colleges may require students to make a request in advance. The University of California, Berkeley , for instance, offers Spanish and Mandarin language tours with a two-week notice.

Young women having a good time and hanging out, at youth hostel with bunk beds

Overnight visits

Some colleges offer an overnight option for prospective students looking to have a more immersive campus life experience. At Reed College in Oregon, for instance, current high school seniors – alongside a host student – can stay overnight in one of the residence halls and eat in a dining hall. Overnights are usually offered only during the week.

Travel, education and a teacher with students on school field trip, on urban tour. Woman, city guide and group of happy tourists, pointing at local architecture and learning on international holiday.

Group tours

Many students choose to visit a college with their parents or siblings. However, some high schools , community colleges or nonprofits organize group visits to nearby campuses. These visits typically include a short information session and student-led walking tour – during which prospective students are encouraged to ask questions – as well as possibly a meal at an on-campus dining hall.

Open houses

While walking tours allow students to see different academic buildings, dorms and dining halls, open houses provide opportunities to ask specific questions and dive deeper into a school's campus life and undergraduate education. Although the structure of open houses varies by college, visiting students often meet with current students, faculty members and staff to learn about available majors and minors, campus activities, the application process and financial aid , among other things. Advance registration is required, as schools may host these daylong events only once a semester.

Resources for campus living

Learn about college living by checking out the U.S. News guide to campus resources . Connect with U.S. News Education on Facebook and X/Twitter to get more advice on making the college decision.

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Bay College

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Bay College Invites the Public to an Artist Panel Discussion in Celebration of Women’s History Month

Work by Lindsey Heiden and Caitlyn Swift

By Kristine Granger Published March 11, 2024

Bay College announces two exhibitions, featuring artist Lindsey Heiden and artist Caitlyn Swift. These exhibitions will be on view from March 12 through April 18, 2024 in celebration of Women’s History Month. A panel discussion with Heiden and Swift will take place in the Besse Center Auditorium on Thursday, March 14 at 2pm, with a reception in the Besse Gallery to follow. This event is free and open to the public.

“When curating for the Celebration of Women’s History Month, I look for female artists whose work inspires me, as well as work that creates a conversation between the two gallery exhibitions,” says Kristine Granger, Bay College Art Faculty and Fine Arts Coordinator. “I love the curatorial challenge and the visual discussion that occurs. It is during the panel discussion that the artists then share their perspectives so that we as viewers can make those deeper connections.”

Lindsey Heiden’s work will be on display in the Besse Gallery, and Caitlyn Swift’s work, “Restless,” will be on display in the Hartwig Gallery. For more information on the artwork and the artists, please visit Bay College Women’s History Month Exhibitions.

Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success. Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing certificates and associate degrees, transfer credits to universities, and workforce training programs which develop skillsets and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay

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