College or University? The
Choice is Yours
by Terrance Malkinson
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What's the difference between
a college and a university?
College: An institution
of higher learning that offers undergraduate
programs, usually of a four-year duration, that
lead to the bachelor's degree in the arts or
sciences (B.A. or B.S.). The term "college" is
also used in a general sense to refer to a
postsecondary institution. A college may also be
a part of the organizational structure of a
university.
University: An
educational institution that usually maintains
one or more four-year undergraduate colleges (or
schools) with programs leading to a bachelor's
degree, a graduate school of arts and sciences
awarding master's degrees and doctorates
(Ph.D.s), and graduate professional schools.
As defined by
EducationUSA, a global network of more than
450 advising centers supported by the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S.
Department of State. |
|
Frequently,
students discover they are unhappy with
their chosen educational path. Motivation
level decreases, grades drop, their
self-esteem and confidence decreases.
Changing programs results in additional
expense and delays in graduation. When you
decide to pursue your educational dreams,
you must find a program that works best for
you and your lifestyle. Post-secondary
education is expensive and choosing your
educational provider is a decision requiring
careful thought. A decade ago the decision
was much easier. Today, the choice of an
educational provider is complex; a wrong
decision has huge financial and time
implications. You may not have a clear idea
of exactly what you want to do with your
life.
The nature of
education has changed and is continuing to
change. In the past, a university education
was often seen as the ultimate choice, and
still is the best choice for those who have
the aptitude for an academic education.
Other educational pathways, such as colleges
and technical schools were considered to be
“second class” and not as desirable. Today
this is not true. Many colleges and
technical schools offer incredible
opportunities and may be a better choice for
you. Accrediting bodies are now expanding,
allowing colleges and technical schools to
award degrees and diplomas, and their
graduates are highly valued in the
employment marketplace. In years past, the
trades were considered to be an undesirable
and low-skilled occupation. Today, this is
not true. The complexity of materials and
construction techniques, and increasing
regulation requires considerable knowledge
in trades that might initially appear to be
low-skilled, such as an electrician or
plumber. Today, even truck drivers need the
skills to operate complex global positioning
and logistics technology.
Universities
often speak of the increased lifetime
earnings that are attributed to an academic
degree. But financial success is only one
criterion. A career that provides you with
satisfaction and other intrinsic measures of
success may be more important to you. The
financial rewards of another choice might
indeed be equivalent or better than those you
might achieve with a university education.
In some cases, those with college degrees and
technical certificates are far more
employable than graduates from universities.
A
growing number of high school graduates are
starting their post-secondary education not
by attending university, but by attending college or a
technical (vocational) school. Perhaps you
desire a more hands-on career.
Perhaps you might consider taking a year off
to gain some “worldly experience.”
Evaluating
Your Needs
You need to
decide what you want and need from an
education program. Ask yourself many
questions, including:
-
Do you have
the appropriate academic record?
-
What is
your learning style?
-
What is
your commitment to a competitive
learning environment?
-
What do you
want to study?
-
What are
your extracurricular activities?
-
What are
your requirements for career success?
-
Will you need
financial assistance (consider tuition,
accommodation, travel, supplies)?
-
How
important is campus life to you?
-
Do you want
to study close to home?
-
Do you want
or need
to work part-time while going to school?
-
What campus
facilities are available?
-
Do you need
job placement services?
-
Are there
distance and online learning
opportunities?
-
Do you have
the opportunity to accelerate your
educational program?
Considerations
to think about:
-
Class sizes
in colleges and technical schools may be
smaller than what you might find at
university. You have the opportunity for
more face-to-face time with your fellow
students and teachers. Are your values
and attitudes congruent with those of
the teachers and fellow students? Are the
curriculum, educators and facilities
up-do-date?
-
A
bachelor’s degree is, in some cases, only
the entry stream; it may be necessary
for you to spend more years at
university pursuing a master’s, or Ph.D., and then a post-doctoral program
in order to get the job you want.
-
In many
cases, should you wish, a university
advanced placement and/or education
credit for many college courses can be
applied to your university program.
Today, there are many agreements between
colleges and universities that allow you
to transfer seamlessly among educational
providers.
-
Research
that traditionally fell within the scope
of the university is now being done at
colleges, and technical schools, and is
based on industry needs of development
and application, rather than the basic
theoretical research that is best
performed at universities.)
-
Consult
career guidance professionals, and you
might even consider seeking the advice
of a certified educational consultant to
assist you with your decision. Speak with
people employed in your career of choice
and ask them for education provider
recommendations. Speak with alumni from
institutions that you are considering.
What is the reputation of the
educational provider?
Check out the
Web site of the appropriate university or
college, or technical institution governing
association before making your choice.
Ensure that your choice is an accredited
institution. Speak with graduates of the
institution. Each type of educational
provider — university, college, or technical
school — can all offer you a good education
that will serve you well. A university
education is a valuable choice, however, you
should
consider other possibilities that may result
in careers that are a better match for you.
Engage in self-reflection, do your research,
and take the time before making this
important decision. Make an informed
decision. It’s your choice, make it wisely.
For Further
Information:
"Building a
Leadership Vision: Eleven Strategic
Challenges For Higher Education,"
Educause Review, 38(4), pgs. 25-34,
July/August 2003, Available
www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERM0341.pdf.
“The Role of
Canadian Colleges and Institutes in Meeting
Canada’s Professional, Technical & Trade
Skills Challenge," 2002, Available
www.accc.ca/ftp/pubs/CollegeCanada/CollegeCanada-v7-1.pdf.
“Investing for
Economic Prosperity,” 2007, Available
http://www.accc.ca/ftp/briefs-memoires/200708_finance.pdf.
“Research and
Development and Canada’s College and
Institutes,” 2007,
Available
www.accc.ca/ftp/pubs/CollegeCanada/CollegeCanada-v11-1.pdf.
"The Future for
Higher Education: Sunrise or Perfect Storm?"
Educause Review, 41(2), pgs. 58-71,
March/April, 2006, Available
http://connect.educause.edu/library/educause+review/
thefutureforhighereducati/40619.
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