Choosing A University Based on an Academic Program

Students choose a transfer university based on many considerations. Ideally, choosing a university based on academic programs and its "fit" for you is a primary consideration. From which university degree programs can you benefit most?

The key to this element is the faculty who teach and do scholarly work in the department of your major. In finding out more about them and their academic projects, you can better define your own academic interests and generate ideas about how to gain experience related to your studies. In the end, both of these outcomes can be helpful in your transition to the university, employment, or graduate school.

Here are some questions to ask about a university campus:

• How extensive is the faculty and the course offerings in your major?
• Does the faculty offer a major emphasis or concentration that interests you?
• In what kinds of research projects are faculty involved?
• What articles or books have faculty members published?
• Do undergraduates serve as research or other project assistants?
• Does the university provide assistance with finding internships, offer a
  program in cooperative work experience, or offer career placement services?

The answers to these questions are available in university catalogs and on their websites.  In university catalogs you can find a list of faculty members and a description of the major and course offerings. It is more likely that you will have to go to a web site to find information about the activities of faculty members through links to "academic programs", "research", or "faculty". Opportunities for students to gain experience are often coordinated through a career center or student employment office that is part of "student services".

Once you decide on an academic program that interests you - you should then visit Education Connections, which provides you the opportunity to not only assess and match your own personality to several careers and programs, but also to explore up to four universities at a time to compare the size, tuition costs, accreditation, and majors offered at each university.

If you are not sure how to begin gathering information about university academic programs and faculty, either in catalogs or on the Internet, the Transfer Counseling Center can help. Come to the Transfer Counseling Center or call 530-895-2264 for help.