Not Sure? A College Search For Flexible Programs

By Mohammed Jamali

While some people may know exactly the college they would like to attend, they may be undecided as to their exact degree program or field of study. For these individuals many schools provide a Major as well as a Minor degree or focus. For those who aren't sure about the career path they want to enter or the school they should attend, a college search can be a bit more complicated.

In order to meet the academic needs of an individual unsure of their future professional needs, many colleges and universities provide an "undecided" option, or a "general studies" program. This allows a student to begin earning the credits that every graduate needs to complete any degree program, while also considering and exploring their future plans and goals.

A college search for schools with such flexible programs usually begins with state colleges and universities, though most community colleges also provide flexible options. These schools will allow a student to receive high-quality educational experiences at a lower cost than a private four year school, while living free of the pressure of picking a set program or field of study.

Many other students at these schools will also be entering into their four year degree in the same circumstances, "undecided" or "general studies", and this presents a nice opportunity for a student to interact with others trying to figure out their futures as well.

Any four year degree has a large portion of study dedicated to liberal studies, meaning an opportunity to choose from almost any class or course that is open to a student. For example, a history major could sign up for an astronomy course, a drafting class, or a graphic design course to meet some of their general degree requirements. In this way a student is able to encounter potential career paths, or spark an interest that could lead to a choice in degree or field of study.

Guidance counselors are an important connection for students beginning a college search for flexible programs and degrees. They will be able to recommend the appropriate school to meet the student's budget, preliminary goals and deadlines. They are also excellent at analyzing a student's existing strengths and interests and offering advice, support and suggestions for potential degree programs or fields of study.

Many state, public and community colleges or universities have an open enrollment opportunity, which eliminates the need for an application essay, or competitive acceptance requirements. They will however adhere to strict deadlines and class limits. This means that any student interested in applying should do so as early as possible to guarantee their place in the class and have access to as many enrollment opportunities as possible.

These schools will generally be at a significantly lower cost than a private college or university and can allow a student to build up their transcript at an accredited school without committing to a large amount of college debt or school loans.

For more visit our college search resource center for the most comprehensive article database we can provide, whether you're searching for the perfect college, doing a scholarship search or a career search. College is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life and it's important that you make an educated one.