By Todd Siben, Senior Program Advisor
Having a difficult time selecting an area of study that you feel comfortable with or one that complements the degree you already have in progress?
You are not alone.
Colleges and universities typically process thousands of degree changes per term, with some students changing their degree a number of times before finally settling in.
I often explain to potential and current students that their choice of a degree is not as crucial as it may have been when they were fresh out of high school. Those just embarking on adulthood have a tendency to link their personal identity to their college major or the first field that they fall into. Consider the typical conversation you likely had around age 18 when discussing your future:
"So what are you doing with yourself?"
"I’m going to school."
"Really? Which school?"
"State University!"
"Great! What's your major?"
Now consider that the typical Thomas Edison State College student is many things beside just a 'student.'
Personally, I'm an academic advisor, a husband, a father, a brother, a son-in-law, an uncle, a coach, a musician, a project manager, a friend, a neighbor; and, oh yes, I’m also a student.
Why is this important?
Selection can be easier if you take advantage of some significant factors you already have in your favor. For adult learners, degree selection can often be viewed as "goodness of fit" – the fit between credits you have already earned, the balance of credits needed, potential credits that can be earned through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or testing and how those entities fit into your degree plan.
Initially, many students considering their degree plan ask if a bachelor of science is "better" than a bachelor of arts. The answer is no, they are just different types of degrees with unique components.
Once you have applied to Thomas Edison State College and received your Academic Evaluation, you may find that you need significantly more credits to complete one type of degree than another. It also pays to weigh the impact that potential course work for each program will have on your daily life and how one degree might be a better fit after you have considered PLAs and testing.
A significant number of our students have enjoyed success in the College's BA in Liberal Studies program because of the program’s flexibility and degree completion options.
So, which area of study is best for you?
The best degree is an individual choice that depends on how many credits you have already, whether you want to get through your program quickly or take your time, whether you're able to complete a significant number of credits through some form of PLA or testing, which courses you would prefer to take, and how the degree program you select fits with potential graduate-level study and your career objectives.
Whichever options you consider, an academic advisor can help.
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Siben recently celebrated his 21st year with Thomas Edison State College. He has served on the staff of Mercer County Community College, the University of Rhode Island, Northern Arizona State University, The University of Buffalo and Columbia University. He earned his Master of Arts degree at the Teachers College of Columbia University in adult and higher education. Siben has also been known to take online and PLA courses at Thomas Edison State College just to see things from a student's perspective.
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