How to Choose a Degree Program
Guest Writer, Dunnigan MacIlwaine, Enrollment Counselor at CCU Online
Choosing a college degree program is a life-changing decision. It can open amazing doors for you but you will want to consider your options carefully.
How to Choose a College Degree
Passion
It's been said that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. What are you passionate about? Is it helping those in need? Perhaps seeing an organization run well or working with numbers sparks your interest. If you don't know what your passion is, ask a trusted, close friend, or mentor to tell you what they see in you. Then, think of your passion in terms of a degree program like Psychology, Leadership & Management, Healthcare, Education, Technology, or Accounting.
Research
Study your options. Ask yourself: Does it meet your expectations for advancement opportunities? Will the potential income allow you to live independently, buy a home, save for retirement, or even raise a family? A great resource to explore is the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics. They provide detailed information about specific career options including how much a particular profession is expected to grow in the near future. Along with this, speak with someone who is already working in your desired field. This will not only answer questions you have but also give you the inside scoop of that industry and recommendations for your education.
Experience
One of the reasons professional resume writers are popular is because most of us aren't very good at seeing our experience and skills objectively. Many of us tend to downplay the true value of our accomplishments. Consider choosing a degree program that fits well with what you already know and have done well in the past. Look through your resume. If possible, get your hands on the job descriptions of past positions you've filled. This may just help you see your experience in a fresh light. Choosing a degree program that makes use of what you already know and understands can make the learning easier — and even fun!
Job Requirements
Research the industry you are interested in. This will help you to know the type of education employers are seeking and what can make you competitive in the job market. Ask yourself: Does my dream role require a degree? What type of degree is required or recommended for my chosen career path? CCU includes careers you can qualify for with specific degree programs. Find the best degree program for your career path here.
Degree Diversity
If you can't decide on just one area of study in a degree program, consider combining subjects. At Colorado Christian University, the undergraduate degree programs come with elective credits. This includes anywhere from 18-42 elective credits. These are credits you can dedicate to the coursework you choose.
You can use the elective credits to add another subject to your major by doing a minor or dual-major. Some programs at CCU Online have areas of concentration in addition to the chosen major. Having the additional academic focus can put you head-and-shoulders above other job candidates and colleagues. This will show employers your dedication to your professional growth and that you can accomplish the goals that you set. Managers admire and value these skill-sets.
Colorado Christian University does not guarantee any job placement as a result of earning this or any other degrees offered by the university.