Selecting a school



The first step in selecting a school for your continuing education is to know what's important to you. While everyone's priorities may be different, consider the following when making your choice.

  • Location
  • Quality of faculty
  • Size of student body
  • Ratio of faculty to students
  • Individual or group project work and discussions
  • Availability of online courses
  • Teaching methods (case study, lecture)
  • Core and elective course offerings
  • Library, computer labs, and facilities
  • Job placement rate and recruitment opportunities

Applying

  • Visit the school website. Review programs offered. Download a course catalog, or request one be mailed to you.
  • Schedule an appointment with a college counselor to discuss courses or program direction.
  • Verify that class times will fit your schedule.
  • If you plan to transfer in the future, check which colleges will accept earned credits from this school.
  • Review costs and determine availability of student financial aid for courses of interest.
  • Submit course selection and application; complete enrollment process.

Enrollment status

To attend full time, or to take certain classes, you must:

  • Complete the application process
  • Submit transcripts.
  • Be officially accepted into a program of study leading toward a certificate or degree.

Full-time students are usually required to take a course load of at least 12 credit hours a semester.

For part-time study, in many cases, no application is required. It's possible to take courses for credit but not yet pursue a degree.

To pursue a bachelor's degree, you must apply to the school and be accepted into a degree program.