Several weeks ago, my cousin received an acceptance letter from Northern Arizona University [NAU] in the BS Health Sciences: Public Health program. As an educator, I’m excited for her as it’s an enormous accomplishment receiving a college acceptance letter. As a professional in a managerial position, choosing a degree program that matters in society is more important.
My cousin will complete her bachelor’s degree and become an ultrasound technician at a local hospital or clinic. After completing 60 units, she’ll study and take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. Will she pass? I believe she will because NAU is one of many accredited ultrasound technician schools, offering quality education at an affordable cost.
Though my cousin is enrolling in an industry with sustainable and continued growth, a large percentage of college students are not.
Which Degrees are Students Getting?
In 2011, a fascinating report written by the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, showed the business subject matter area as the most popular degree in the United States at 25%. Second, was education subject matter area at 10.6%. If students chose business and education degrees, what does that mean for the remaining 13 subject matter areas? Opportunity.
Mirroring College Degrees and Job Growth
Before firing off college applications, think about job opportunities. Obtaining a college degree in an occupation growing slower than expected is a surefire method for disaster. If business calls your name, focus in a niche – specialty – versus a general business degree. Specialization is better than generalization as it pertains to a college degree. Search the Bureau of Labor for job growth.
Regional versus National Accreditation
Which is better, regional or national accreditation? Most students don’t understand the difference between the two. Let’s set the record straight, regional is better than national accreditation. Six governing bodies make up the regional accreditation body, whereas the national accreditation focuses on specialized schooling and training. One more accrediting body exists, the Distance Education and Training Council, which, accredits online schools.
Choosing a degree program requires more than a signature, it requires analysis of employment opportunities, salary and accreditation. If you’re in luck and receive a university acceptance letter, do a little research. Search some of the sites provided in this article. Don’t be lazy. Don’t wait for someone to provide you the answers.
More Articles by Joshua Cintron
- Should You Go to School Out-of-State?
- How to Deal With Awful School Teachers
- How Safe is Your College Degree from University of Phoenix?
- Why You Should Think About Going to College Even if You Feel Old
- I’m Afraid of College