What counts as college? Students sitting at tables with computers and notes.

Sept. 23, 2016

 

All this talk about college, but what actually counts? 

 

Let’s break it down.

 

When it comes to continuing your education, a number of options are available - from four-year universities to two-year community colleges to vocational, technical and trade schools. The good news is, all of these count as college.

 

The type of school and educational program you choose will determine the types of jobs for which you will be qualified.

 

Do your research.

 

Deciding what kind of career you want to pursue is a good first step for deciding what’s next. You can learn about hundreds of career options with Missouri Connections. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has developed 16 career cluster videos that can help you identify areas of interest that complement your academic abilities and talents.

 

After you have spent some time exploring your options, begin to narrow your choices. Evaluate your skills and abilities. Consider past experiences and classes you have enjoyed. Write down your interests and explore possible careers that are directly related.

 

Consider all your options.

 

Once you have identified a few ideas, find out what kind of education is required. Do you need a professional certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree? Answering that question will help you get started on choosing a school. Many schools offer seamless transfer options as well, so you can start out at a community college and continue on to a four-year university.

 

Missouri is home to a variety of higher education institutions – 13 public four-year universities, 14 public two-year colleges, 25 independent colleges, 10 specialized/technical colleges, 17 theological institutions and more than 150 proprietary and private career schools. Each of these schools offers a unique college experience. You can learn more about Missouri colleges and the type of degrees they offer by using the Department of Higher Education’s online college and degree search.