Considering Curriculum

You’ve narrowed down your list of colleges. You’ve picked your major — or at least identified a few possible majors. Now it’s time to learn what classes you will need to take to complete your degree.

Wait, what? Isn’t college just about taking classes in my major? Don’t worry – you’re not the only one thrown for a loop at this stage. Many students entering college believe they will only take classes in their major – but did you know that major courses typically only make up a 1/3 of your required coursework?

What classes you will take will vary from college to college, and the way colleges and universities develop their curriculum and required course plans also varies from school to school. There are three primary ways schools develop their curriculum: core, distributional, or open approaches.

Some colleges, such as St. John’s College and the University of Dallas, are very structured around a specific core curriculum. At these institutions, you may be required to take specific writing classes, math, physical education and foreign language (Yes, you may have to take foreign language classes after high school if your college requires it!) in addition to your major courses.

Other schools have more flexible requirements known as a distributional curriculum in which students are not required to take specific courses, but instead must fulfill specific categories, such as Humanities, Science, or Language Arts. You’ll find this structure at many colleges and universities.

Many colleges have a combination of Core and Distribution curriculum approaches. At these schools, you may have a small number of required course (such as foreign language and a first-year seminar class, and even maybe a physical education requirement) along with flexible broad requirements (such as three classes of your choice within each of the core academic disciplines – Humanities, Social Sciences, and Math/Science)

Most colleges and universities fall into the one of the above approaches, but a few take a more open approach to their curriculum by allowing students to choose whatever classes they want outside of their major. Some universities with this open curriculum approach include Hamilton College, Grinnell College, Amherst College, Smith College, and Eugene Lang College.

The open curriculum approach works best for students who are interested in a variety of subjects and want to freedom of academic exploration. This curriculum approach also allows students to avoid some subjects entirely. Note: even with this high degree of flexibility, it’s impossible to avoid lots of reading and writing in college!

Also, professional degree programs such as nursing, pharmacy, engineering, and education will always include lots of required courses.

While it may be surprising to hear that you will likely have to take courses outside of your major, it is for your benefit. Taking a range of courses will help ensure your education is well-rounded and that you develop critical and quantitative thinking skills. Taking a range of courses will also open you to new experiences and interests, too!

First, I suggest you take inventory of your interests. Look beyond your major or program for other areas or subjects you would like to study.

Next, think about what doesn’t interest you, too. While you’re considering subjects you may be interested in, you should also think about what classes or subjects that you would rather avoid.

Then, take stock of your personality. During your self-analysis, think about if you’d like to chart your own course or if you’d prefer more structure to determine what classes you will need.

Once you’ve determined what you want and need, it’s time to see if the colleges you are interested in can meet your needs.

Researching curriculum before you apply is a critical part of the college search. Understanding the curriculum requirements can determine if the college is right for you and ensure you have a successful academic experience!

Don’t overlook this important step!

If you have questions, I am happy to talk with you. Click here to schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call to get started, https://www.creativecollegeconnections.com/preliminary-conversation.

By Hannah Serota

Hannah Serota, M.Ed, is a Certified Educational Planner and three-decade college admissions professional. She is the founder of Creative College Connections, an educational consulting practice providing teens and their families exemplary professional guidance, tools, and strategies that inspire confidence and joy on the path to acceptance at best-fit colleges.