Community College

[pontifex]

I'm thinking about going back to school and getting a degree. I'm thinking English major.
I was checking my local community college but they don't seem to offer any kind of English tansfer program there.

In general, is it still possible to start there and move on or do I need to find a school that does offer the English degree?

 

[krunchykrome]

Meet with their counselor. I'd rather take the advisor's transfer advice than what someone says here. Every school is different.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Most senior college's accept credit from CCs up to a certain number of hours. Check with the university that you wish to transfer to and see what classes they accept and their requirements for a english major. CCs are very cheap and you can get about two years in, get an associates of arts, and all of the prereqs and core (university's required classes for all majors) classes out of the way without having to pay two years of tuition and a university. For example, the web page for some universities in my state have charts with what they accept and what it translates to for every CC in my state.


((btw, Ponti, you are needed here))

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Most senior college's accept credit from CCs up to a certain number of hours. Check with the university that you wish to transfer to and see what classes they accept and their requirements for a english major. CCs are very cheap and you can get about two years in, get an associates of arts, and all of the prereqs and core (university's required classes for all majors) classes out of the way without having to pay two years of tuition and a university. For example, the web page for some universities in my state have charts with what they accept and what it translates to for every CC in my state.


((btw, Ponti, you are needed here))

The problem is I don't know where I want to transfer to. There's a local Penn State branch near Harrisburg but I'm not sure what else there is. I have the number of the CC's general admissions counselor but I have yet to call to set up anything.

Now, I guess there are different factors for this, but what is the general time frame it will take to get a 4 year degree by going to school part time? will it double the time or what?
This sucks because I want out of my job now, not 4-8 years from now. I don't know if I can handle much more time here.



whats with the shadowbane thread? why am I needed there? thats one of the few MMORPGs i haven't played so I can't give any input.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: pontifex
I'm thinking about going back to school and getting a degree. I'm thinking English major.
I was checking my local community college but they don't seem to offer any kind of English tansfer program there.

In general, is it still possible to start there and move on or do I need to find a school that does offer the English degree?

Usually you get a general associates or a DTA (direct transfer agreement) and then move on to a speicific major at a 4yr institution.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Most senior college's accept credit from CCs up to a certain number of hours. Check with the university that you wish to transfer to and see what classes they accept and their requirements for a english major. CCs are very cheap and you can get about two years in, get an associates of arts, and all of the prereqs and core (university's required classes for all majors) classes out of the way without having to pay two years of tuition and a university. For example, the web page for some universities in my state have charts with what they accept and what it translates to for every CC in my state.


((btw, Ponti, you are needed here))

The problem is I don't know where I want to transfer to. There's a local Penn State branch near Harrisburg but I'm not sure what else there is. I have the number of the CC's general admissions counselor but I have yet to call to set up anything.

Now, I guess there are different factors for this, but what is the general time frame it will take to get a 4 year degree by going to school part time? will it double the time or what?
This sucks because I want out of my job now, not 4-8 years from now. I don't know if I can handle much more time here.

whats with the shadowbane thread? why am I needed there? thats one of the few MMORPGs i haven't played so I can't give any input.

Time frames are pretty flexible and depend mostlly on your abilities and dedication. An associates is about 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) That's roughly 18 classes depending on specific degree requirements. Those first two years are usually ridiculously easy classes...I found it easy as hell to take 5-8 classes a quarter and kept about a 3.8gpa doing it, while working part time. The important thing is to already have figured out where you're going and what your major is going to be. That way you can take classes that will count towards later requirements as well as fulfilling your AA/AS req's. I see no reason why you couldn't finish your 2yr in a year, if you're dedicated and give up things like family, friends, sleep, summer break, and recreation.

The junior and senior years are usually a bit tougher, with classes requiring a bit more work. You'll need the same number of credits again (roughly, and again, depending on major) and you won't be able to take quite so many. Still, you can probably finish in 3-4 semesters depending on when classes are offered and if you go summers. I don't see any way you could get a 4yr degree in less than 2 - 2 1/2 years, and you'll pay a price for that much work.

 

[Linflas]

When I went to CC there was a catalogue I used to make sure that every class I took would transfer over to a 4 year school in my state.

 

[Ameesh]

can i ask why you want to get an english degree from a CC? is it just for self-improvement or are you looking to change careers?

 

[meltdown75]

Hope you like reading the classics.

 

[BoomerD]

Here in Kahleeforneeya, there are different transfer requirements for the UC system and the CSU systems, and you have to pay attention (thats what your counselor is for) to which classes you take if you plan to transfer. As a rule, you can transfer 60 units from the CC system to one of the 4 year schools, BUT, in order for them to count towards your requirements in a department, they have to meet the guidelines for that college...
Go talk to a counselor before you make your decision.
(/me is a community college student)

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Most senior college's accept credit from CCs up to a certain number of hours. Check with the university that you wish to transfer to and see what classes they accept and their requirements for a english major. CCs are very cheap and you can get about two years in, get an associates of arts, and all of the prereqs and core (university's required classes for all majors) classes out of the way without having to pay two years of tuition and a university. For example, the web page for some universities in my state have charts with what they accept and what it translates to for every CC in my state.


((btw, Ponti, you are needed here))

The problem is I don't know where I want to transfer to. There's a local Penn State branch near Harrisburg but I'm not sure what else there is. I have the number of the CC's general admissions counselor but I have yet to call to set up anything.

Now, I guess there are different factors for this, but what is the general time frame it will take to get a 4 year degree by going to school part time? will it double the time or what?
This sucks because I want out of my job now, not 4-8 years from now. I don't know if I can handle much more time here.

whats with the shadowbane thread? why am I needed there? thats one of the few MMORPGs i haven't played so I can't give any input.

Time frames are pretty flexible and depend mostlly on your abilities and dedication. An associates is about 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) That's roughly 18 classes depending on specific degree requirements. Those first two years are usually ridiculously easy classes...I found it easy as hell to take 5-8 classes a quarter and kept about a 3.8gpa doing it, while working part time. The important thing is to already have figured out where you're going and what your major is going to be. That way you can take classes that will count towards later requirements as well as fulfilling your AA/AS req's. I see no reason why you couldn't finish your 2yr in a year, if you're dedicated and give up things like family, friends, sleep, summer break, and recreation.

The junior and senior years are usually a bit tougher, with classes requiring a bit more work. You'll need the same number of credits again (roughly, and again, depending on major) and you won't be able to take quite so many. Still, you can probably finish in 3-4 semesters depending on when classes are offered and if you go summers. I don't see any way you could get a 4yr degree in less than 2 - 2 1/2 years, and you'll pay a price for that much work.

you brought up a good point i hadn't thought about - summers.
I work full time and will still work full time while going to school. i plan on going continuously, so that would help me out.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Ameesh
can i ask why you want to get an english degree from a CC? is it just for self-improvement or are you looking to change careers?

i don't want a degree from a CC, you can't get a 4 year degree from one anyway. i just want to get the most out of it that i can because it will be a lot cheaper than a 4 year university.

It is to change careers.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Most senior college's accept credit from CCs up to a certain number of hours. Check with the university that you wish to transfer to and see what classes they accept and their requirements for a english major. CCs are very cheap and you can get about two years in, get an associates of arts, and all of the prereqs and core (university's required classes for all majors) classes out of the way without having to pay two years of tuition and a university. For example, the web page for some universities in my state have charts with what they accept and what it translates to for every CC in my state.


((btw, Ponti, you are needed here))

The problem is I don't know where I want to transfer to. There's a local Penn State branch near Harrisburg but I'm not sure what else there is. I have the number of the CC's general admissions counselor but I have yet to call to set up anything.

Now, I guess there are different factors for this, but what is the general time frame it will take to get a 4 year degree by going to school part time? will it double the time or what?
This sucks because I want out of my job now, not 4-8 years from now. I don't know if I can handle much more time here.

whats with the shadowbane thread? why am I needed there? thats one of the few MMORPGs i haven't played so I can't give any input.

Time frames are pretty flexible and depend mostlly on your abilities and dedication. An associates is about 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) That's roughly 18 classes depending on specific degree requirements. Those first two years are usually ridiculously easy classes...I found it easy as hell to take 5-8 classes a quarter and kept about a 3.8gpa doing it, while working part time. The important thing is to already have figured out where you're going and what your major is going to be. That way you can take classes that will count towards later requirements as well as fulfilling your AA/AS req's. I see no reason why you couldn't finish your 2yr in a year, if you're dedicated and give up things like family, friends, sleep, summer break, and recreation.

The junior and senior years are usually a bit tougher, with classes requiring a bit more work. You'll need the same number of credits again (roughly, and again, depending on major) and you won't be able to take quite so many. Still, you can probably finish in 3-4 semesters depending on when classes are offered and if you go summers. I don't see any way you could get a 4yr degree in less than 2 - 2 1/2 years, and you'll pay a price for that much work.

you brought up a good point i hadn't thought about - summers.
I work full time and will still work full time while going to school. i plan on going continuously, so that would help me out.

*nod* Just remember that summer sessions are almost always compressed, so don't try taking the same number of classes as other terms.

Working full time you probably won't be able to push too hard, unless your job gives you lots of studying time. But you could still go to school full time as long as you're willing to sacrifice from other areas. Also be sure to look into ways to get around requirements and get easy credits...work study, clep tests, testing out of pre-reqs, online or other distance programs with easy curriculum, etc.

 

[heathertre]

I went to community college in Florida before transferring to a private college in Wisconsin. They took my transfer credits with no problem. I graduated from community college with an associates degree. I don't think you'll have a problem transferring to another college after community college but I would call the counselors and talk to them about it.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: heathertre
I went to community college in Florida before transferring to a private college in Wisconsin. They took my transfer credits with no problem. I graduated from community college with an associates degree. I don't think you'll have a problem transferring to another college after community college but I would call the counselors and talk to them about it.

i haven't even talked to anyone at the college yet, haven't applied or anything.

 

[heathertre]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: heathertre
I went to community college in Florida before transferring to a private college in Wisconsin. They took my transfer credits with no problem. I graduated from community college with an associates degree. I don't think you'll have a problem transferring to another college after community college but I would call the counselors and talk to them about it.

i haven't even talked to anyone at the college yet, haven't applied or anything.

Call around to the different community colleges you are thinking about applying to and see how their transfer credits work. Then research bigger colleges and universities that you may be interested in transferring to. Community college is cheaper than universities and I recommend taking all the classes you can at community college that will transfer to whatever university you decide into whatever major you want. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Stay away from the Associates degree courses. Usually they are non-transferable. What you should be looking at in course work is your general elective type of stuff. Math/English/Science/Writing

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Stay away from the Associates degree courses. Usually they are non-transferable. What you should be looking at in course work is your general elective type of stuff. Math/English/Science/Writing

That's partially true. The degree doesn't mean squat to the 4 year college, BUT, many of your electives can be transfer credited courses, and often, (depending on the degree) many of your core courses can be as well.

 

[clamum]

I think going to a community college and then transferring is a great idea. Just make sure your classes transfer. To do that talk to a counselor there or find some guides. I went to a CC for two years, and transferred with 60 credits... only one class didn't transfer, which was an intro CS course (which was alright, that class was absolutely useless).

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: clamum
I think going to a community college and then transferring is a great idea. Just make sure your classes transfer. To do that talk to a counselor there or find some guides. I went to a CC for two years, and transferred with 60 credits... only one class didn't transfer, which was an intro CS course (which was alright, that class was absolutely useless).

It really is a great idea. If you were a bit of a slacker in high school and didn't do any AP courses -- effectively getting rid of a good chunk of college gen eds -- it's a great way to get rid of all of your freshman and sophomore classes for very little money.

 

[Mo0o]

Depends on where yo'ure thinking of transfering from. I can't be sure but I think some higher ranked universities dont take CC transfer credits

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: clamum
I think going to a community college and then transferring is a great idea. Just make sure your classes transfer. To do that talk to a counselor there or find some guides. I went to a CC for two years, and transferred with 60 credits... only one class didn't transfer, which was an intro CS course (which was alright, that class was absolutely useless).

That sounds like my intro CS class I'm taking right now. Here we are in the 8th week of class, and we've had 3 assignments total...talk about a sleeper class...what a waste of time & money. I talked to a girl one day, who's taking the same class, but from a different instructor, and he's kicking their asses with homework and constant assignments...(she was whining about having to work so hard!)

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: clamum
I think going to a community college and then transferring is a great idea. Just make sure your classes transfer. To do that talk to a counselor there or find some guides. I went to a CC for two years, and transferred with 60 credits... only one class didn't transfer, which was an intro CS course (which was alright, that class was absolutely useless).

It really is a great idea. If you were a bit of a slacker in high school and didn't do any AP courses -- effectively getting rid of a good chunk of college gen eds -- it's a great way to get rid of all of your freshman and sophomore classes for very little money.

i was a slacker in HS, escpecially the last 2 years or so. i never took any AP courses. I'll have to do remedial math and stuff like that though because I can't do algebra or any of the other stuff to save my life.

 

[clamum]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: clamum
I think going to a community college and then transferring is a great idea. Just make sure your classes transfer. To do that talk to a counselor there or find some guides. I went to a CC for two years, and transferred with 60 credits... only one class didn't transfer, which was an intro CS course (which was alright, that class was absolutely useless).

That sounds like my intro CS class I'm taking right now. Here we are in the 8th week of class, and we've had 3 assignments total...talk about a sleeper class...what a waste of time & money. I talked to a girl one day, who's taking the same class, but from a different instructor, and he's kicking their asses with homework and constant assignments...(she was whining about having to work so hard!)

Haha... man. Sounds just like mine. There were two teachers and I had the dumb one. I'm pretty sure she needed a master's to teach there, but after having an Intro to Java class or the C++ class at the university I went to.... wow. I learned more in 3 weeks at the university than all semester at the CC class. Otherwise the CC I went to was great... just a bad teacher with no clue.

 

[everman]

Universities often have agreements with community colleges that guarantee certain classes will transfer their credits. This is something you should look for because it is all guaranteed in writing instead of just going off the word of an adviser.