So you’ve decided to take that important step in your life and
return to school. You’re excited and maybe a little bit nervous; but
whatever emotions you’re feeling, you definitely have questions.
When a school refers to campus-based education it can mean one of two things: either you earn a degree by taking all your courses in a classroom on a campus, or your education will take a hybrid form, consisting of both online and campus-based classes.
Traditional schooling is the term used to describe education received in a classroom setting; where professors and students meet a few times a week to learn and discuss course material. By offering a consistent and effective means of learning, traditional schooling has served as the primary form of education for centuries. Traditional schooling is the backbone of the vast majority of degree programs.
Traditional schooling incorporates a variety of teaching methods. The basic component includes a lecture in which the professor teaches the course material. Sometimes a lecture is accompanied by a discussion—a time for students to ask questions and talk about what they have learned. Classes may also include a lab, which is necessary when a subject requires hands-on experience, such as cooking or chemistry.
Obtaining your degree is important in achieving both your personal and professional goals, which is why Choice Degree's mission is to help you find the educational program best for you.
In today's competitive job industry, a degree can prove advantageous in a number of ways. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2003 that unemployment rates decrease with each level of educational attainment. You will have an easier time finding employment with a degree. In addition, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Winter 2007 Salary Survey found that wages are increasing. The following chart lists the average starting salaries for different industries. As you can see, a degree will provide the skills and knowledge necessary to get the job you want and higher pay.
| Salaries of New Graduates |
| Major | Average Salary Offer |
| Accounting Majors | $46,508 |
| Business Administration / Management Majors | $43,523 |
| Economics Majors | $51,631 |
| Finance Majors | $47,905 |
| Computer Science Majors | $51,070 |
| Chemical Engineering Majors | $60,054 |
| Civil Engineering Majors | $47,145 |
| Electrical / Electronics Engineering Majors | $54,599 |
| Mechanical Engineering Majors | $54,587 |
| Marketing Majors | $41,323 |
Winter 2007 Salary Survey
National Association of Colleges and Employers.
- Structured classroom setting.
- Face-to-face interaction between professors and students.
- Predictable, consistent schedule.
- Lots of scholarship opportunities.
- Effective for many types of students
Accreditation is the post secondary education system’s way of ensuring quality and conformity between the degrees being issued. In the United States, there is no preempting federal organization in charge of accreditation and therefore this responsibility is left primarily up to the states. The state’s control over educational bodies has been highly variable, leaving some post secondary institutions with a great deal of autonomy.
To supplement state control and create more accountability among post secondary institutions, private organizations have formed on a regional and national scale. These accrediting organizations review educational institutions through peer evaluation to determine the legitimacy of programs taught. There are two main types of accreditation in the United States: institutional and specialized/programmatic. Institutional accreditation applies to an entire educational organization and means that all branches and programs within the college meet or exceed quality standards. Specialized or programmatic accreditation applies to a specific program or section within the organization, and assures that this program has met quality standards.
The most widely acknowledged accrediting institution is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This council recognizes the following regional accrediting bodies:
Any educational institution accredited by one of these associations is widely recognized as being of good quality and consistency.
Attending an accredited institution is extremely important for a number if reasons:
- If you were ever to transfer, college credits from an accredited institution will be more likely to fulfill requirements at your next school. This is not to say that all credits are guaranteed transfer; every program is different and many transfer students end up losing a class here or there when they switch colleges.
- Students can apply for federal aid and scholarships when they attend an accredited institution.
- Accredited colleges are perceived to be better and more trustworthy by your future employers. Attending an accredited college increases your chance of being viewed as a qualified candidate.
The enrollment process differs depending on the school and program of your choice. However, one key requirement common to all schools is that you must have completed the proper prerequisite schooling for the type of degree you wish to pursue. For example: if you want to pursue an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, you need to have completed your High School Diploma or GED. Aside from that requirement, enrollment processes vary with requirements such as: applications, interviews with an admissions officer, standardized testing, GPA requirements, etc.
Each institution will have a different policy on attendance. At times the attendance policy may even vary among classes: one professor will only allow two absences for the semester, while perhaps another is more flexible as long as you’re keeping up with your work. Since there is no one common attendance policy, it is best to check with your school and professors so that poor attendance doesn’t affect your performance.
Students will have a variety of homework and exams depending on their coursework. Typical homework may include: problem sets, research papers, opinion papers, and analysis. Exams may take a variety of forms including: multiple choice, true/false, short answer, essay, or skill performance.
In addition to your coursework, many schools offer a variety of other services to enhance your educational experience. These could include things such as: Career Services, Libraries, Writing Centers, Tutoring, Financial Aid Assistance, and Tech Support.
