“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

-      Abraham Lincoln

“All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.”

-      Aristotle

Much is known about the importance of education, especially in this era of very rapid economic development and fast changing technologies. Good education can easily be equated with survival in this era of continuous advancement and financial struggle.

College is an important part in the educational system’s ladder, it is where specialization is emphasized and a field mastered to complete and graduate with a degree. A college degree is often considered a necessary credential when applying for a job in the field of your expertise.

College, therefore, is a very critical part of education that can severely affect and shape our professional career after school. Consideration of what course or college major to take is often a dilemma of many students entering college and even second timers. Wrong choice of college major almost always results to waste in time and resources, students may end up graduating with no available jobs waiting after school, or simply losing interest of the course or shifting from one course to another.

There are maybe a thousand reasons for deciding a college course and factors that needed to be considered. Most common of these considerations involves personal interest, financial capability, intellectual capacity, and how badly you needed a job right after graduation.

Here are some college courses that may have an appeal to you.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering is not an ambitious course for students with strong aptitude for math and sciences as it involves many core mathematical subjects. It deals with the study, design, architecture, operation, and construction of spacecrafts and aircraft. Completing this course may lead you to a position as Missile Design Engineer, Astronaut, Automotive Design, Spacecraft and Aircraft Engineer, Avionics, Pilot, and similar other jobs.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is not a new college course, but rather one of the oldest professions that deals with design, development, maintenance, and construction of infrastructure like buildings, roads, and bridges among others. Knowing this, a job opportunity is high in this field like Wastewater Engineer, Geodetic and Geotechnical Engineer, Materials Engineer, Drafting, and many others.

Computer Engineering and IT courses

With the unprecedented boom in computer usage globally and reliance to computers as a tool in industries and establishments, Computer Engineering is the perfect choice for a college course. Aside from the vast job opportunities available in this field; Computer professionals are highly-paid in comparison to other counterparts. Furthermore, computer knowledge may open many business opportunities and internet online ventures. Graduates may land a position as Computer Architect, Network Developer and Administrator, Computer Programmer, Web Developer, Web Design, Graphic Artist, Technical Support Specialist, Computer Systems Operator, and many more.

Medicine and Health Care

Medicine is a noble profession, deals with the delivery of medical services to people with sickness and diseases. Furthermore, included in this field are Counseling, Professional Care, Nutrition Advisory, Medical Laboratories, Mental Care, and Medical Research among others. Graduates may choose being a Medical Doctor, Nurse, Psychologist, Dentist, Nutritionist, Surgeons, Child Specialist, Women’s Health Specialist, and many others. It may also include positions in-charge of administration, financing, planning, and directing medical and healthcare facilities.

Business Management

Business Management is the best way for people with natural inclination and interest towards business. Business Management courses will prepare graduates in the world of business and its technicalities like Marketing, Accounting, Economics, and many others. Graduates will expect a position as Business Management Executives, Marketing Analyst, Human Resource Personnel, Investment Officer, Accounting personnel and many other related positions in business structure.

Journalism

This college course is for students inclined to articulate speaking and writing, reporting and other media related activities. Graduates can expect to be employed as radio and TV reporters, broadcasters, editors and writers in newspapers and magazines, or media professionals involved in planning, programming, and management of communications facilities.

These courses above are only some of many in-demand college courses in most universities and colleges worldwide. The important thing is to consider all variables and factors in deciding what course to take in college.

The journey for a college diploma starts in high school where students get exposed to many academic disciplines. It is during these years that students, aided by their teachers, counselors and parents get to identify their interest, their capabilities and their potential, so they can choose the right course for them in college. Whether in the arts, science or business, a student who gets to see what they need and want early gets to prepare more effectively.

Choosing a college or university is also another home work. There are many choices – from community colleges, state universities, and private colleges up to Ivy League schools. Each institution has a different requirement and most of them ask students to apply and be accepted first before the student can choose their courses.

It is very important that in high school a student aspiring to be enrolled in the top universities must get their grades up in order to get their chances higher. For the exemplary students, there are also so many scholarships that can help them get into top universities for the best education.

Many families take time to scout the universities. With the short list of possible courses as starting point, parents and counselors can help students identify the colleges and universities that can offer the best education for the particular field. The Internet will be a great help on these aspects, although most high schools have brochures and reading materials on many colleges and universities.

A scouting trip is recommended. Parents can accompany their children check the campus, the dormitories, academic facilities and the overall feel of the university. Sometimes photos in brochures and on the Internet are different from reality and that is where the visit is very important. A short conversation with school officials and students will also help students make up their minds.

For many students, getting into college is a life changer. Many will choose a university outside of town for a sneak preview on the world that they will soon get into. This is a natural phase in life, and they must be supported by teachers, friends and parents. Getting the right discipline and the right institution does not guarantee a great job and success in life, but it does increase the chances for better opportunities.

The higher education system in the US includes universities and colleges that offer various study areas such as engineering, business, law, vocational arts, and science. Common and popular degrees include bachelor, associate, doctorate, professional, and masters. Taking up a degree in college is a dream for most of the graduating high school students. Choosing the right college or university is critical in honing one’s skills and education.

The dilemma on what type of institution to enroll to is also very common to incoming college students. The United States College and university system is greatly equipped with public and private-owned schools. There is an estimate that about 70% of all undergraduate students will definitely attend public institutions according to US Department of Education. This means a two-year undergraduate at a community college and then a four-year college and university studies. The cost of living and education in a public institution are way cheaper than in a private one. Also, the student’s lifestyle in both public and private institutions is quite different from each other’s perspective. A recent estimate from the Education Department shows that a four-year undergraduate study in a public college cost nearly $15,000 annually as in comparison to $30,000 in a profit-based private-owned institution. It’s almost double when one tries to study in a private college university.

However, whether studying in a private or public institution, the final decision is still from the students itself. Many factors are to be considered when doing so. Some of these are the financial support and sponsorships, scholarship grants, specialized academic programs that fitted the student’s career goals, class sizes, location of the school, convenience, flexibilities of studies, school facilities and amenities, reputation, and many others.

After digesting all these and decided on what school to go, the next step is the admission of the student to that certain college or university. Every college and university in the US have their own process of admission and this varies from one US institution to another. For some vocational and undergraduate studies, they only require high school diplomas and report cards but most of the time they require the passing of the entrance examination and interviews. Tests such as the American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is given to evaluate the student’s capacity and knowledge with the qualifications set by the school. Another common procedure is to consider the student’s personal interests, coursework in high school, and school accomplishments and merits for further evaluation of the student applicant.

Furthermore, when a student is admitted in his chosen college or university, the next question now is how to support the student’s financial need. No need to worry because in the US most of the college and university students receive a sufficient amount of financial assistance for their studies from the government itself. US Department of Education states that 80 percent of full time undergraduate students receive some sort of financial aids from the government. This assistance really helps 50 percent of the student’s entire student life in the university. Of course, this financial assistance may come out from various sources such as loans, grants, sponsorships, scholarships, work-study programs, tuition waivers, tax benefits, and education programs from insurance.

Indeed, studying in a prestigious and prominent college or university is a luxury and a privilege for any student out there. Having to study in such a passion and manner is a right and every student has that right to good and quality education. Thus, selecting the best school for them is not an option but rather a responsibility that a parent should take into account; for in these premises are the pillars of the student’s education.