Can someone tell me how college works?

Question

What is the difference between college and university? When do you start majoring in stuff and getting degrees? help!

someone asked me what state i live in-- it's wisconsin

i want to be a journalist

Answer 1

In most places, the two words are interchangeable. However, universities are usually bigger and have more credibility. It is easier to transfer credits between universities, than from a community college to a university.

You don't have to claim a major right away, because you can be "undecided." That means for the first year you will be taking general education courses (stuff everyone must take). That gives you time to figure out what you want to do and to claim a major. You get a degree after you've finished the entire coursework required by that university.

For a four year college, it will take 4-5 years on average to earn a bachelor's degree. After that you can go for a master's degree (graduate school). And even after that you can try for PhD. And even after that, if you're not sick of school, there is a Post-Doctoral degree.

Answer 2

Hello. I'm a former college advisor. College typically refers to a 2 year school whereas a university is a 4 year school. The difference is with a 2 year school you can earn certificates and associate degrees. At a 4 year school, you can earn a Bachelor's degree, and at most universities, you can go on over 4 years and get your Masters or go even longer for a doctorate.
There's a lot more to it, but that's the simple answer.
You start majoring when you feel it is right, as long as it is 2 years before you graduate. So if you want to complete your associate's degree, you need to pick your major within a semester or two. If you want your bachelor's degree, you need to pick it by year 2 or 4 semesters in.
Just because I call it a 2 year or 4 year, doesn't mean you have to complete the degree in that time. an associate's degree is about 60 credits and takes anywhere, on average, from 1.5 years to 3 years. A Bachelor's takes 3-5 years and is about 120-150 credits.
You can go to your local community college and ask to speak to an advisor. He/she should be happy to explain things in detail. I recommend a community college because the universities are often too busy to help with questions like yours.
I'm curious, what state do you live in?

Answer 3

The two terms are kind of interchangeable. There are 4 year schools that use the term college (not just 2 year schools use that terminology as another answerer said). University status is higher than college status. Where I live the school in town was once a 4-year State College and they uped their cirriculum to meet University status (a bit tougher cirriculum) and it became a University.The advisors at the schools help you decide on your course of study. After awhile you will figure out what you really want to major in if you don't know for sure when you start. After alot of listening to lectures, studying, doing homework, working on class projects, taking tests, and making friends you will earn your degree. Start at the Junior College (2-year schools) level if you can, it is a good stepping stone to higher education and the classes are easier than at the University.

Answer 4

University is just a college that gets more funding. You should start thinking about a major as soon as you can, for two reasons. For one thing, you want to pick a major that is offerred at your school of choice. If you really don't have an idea of what to study, go to a county college for the first two years and take the "liberal arts" and "general education" courses out of the way. (They're the same everywhere). But pick a major you like and something you can do.

Answer 5

Universities are merely larger colleges. Universities usually have a more diverse curriculum but most will offer both Bachelor's and Masters as well as Doctorates. The only way to know which one you want is to write and ask for a brochure or go for a visit.