Does anyone know of a college that doesn't force you to take the first two years of core classes?

Question

I'm looking for a college that would let me begin my classes in my major as soon as or withing one year after I enter the college. I don't want to waste two years learning a lot of information that doesn't apply to my major. Does anyone know of an accredited college that allows this?

Thanks for the answers so far.

I want to major in electrical engineering once I leave highschool.

I understand about some core classes that are needed; I want if possible "skip" or take easier versions of classes like history or other classes that aren't such a necessity for my major.

Answer 1

Many schools allow you to mix in your major courses with the core courses. So you'd likely be taking major courses in your first semester, as well as the core classes.

However, there are some majors which are so intense that you take fewer core courses or electives. Some examples include the performing arts, fine arts, and engineering.

And there are some schools where, because of the nature of their programs, there are fewer core classes to be taken. These include art schools, music and performing arts conservatories, engineering specialty schools, and business specialty schools. Still, you'll end up taking English and Math and some other "core" types of classes. After all, any employer is going to demand that even their techies be able to write and speak with skill.

So, what do you plan to major in? I may be able to recommend some schools.

ETA: Thanks for the update. Engineering - that's great. You're in luck. Even engineering at most regular schools doesn't leave a lot of time for electives. And the good thing about electives and cores is that there are usually quite a few classes that are able to fulfill each requirement. For example, with history, there will probably be quite a few classes that will work - you can ask around and pick the one that is easiest, or has the best professor. Some schools also offer classes along the lines of "English for techies" - not that it's an easier class, but that it's focused on the type of writing you'll need to do in the engineering or IT fields.

There are also some specialty engineering schools, which, because of their mission, will even in their core courses have some focus on engineering.

Some reputable schools that you can check into, and which may allow you to either focus your cores on engineering needs, or else limit the number of cores you take, include:

- The Cooper Union
- Olin College of Engineering
- Harvey Mudd
- Colorado School of Mines
- MIT
- Rensellaer Polytechnic
- Worcester Polytechnic
- Rose Hulman Institute
- Georgia Tech
- Cal Tech
- Michigan Technological U
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- New Jersey Institute of Tech

And maybe Northeastern, and perhaps Carnegie Mellon. Both of these are broader schools, but they have a large engineering school within them. Worth investigating.

These are all schools whose primary focus is on engineering and technical disciplines. There will be core classes, but in some cases they will be fewer than at a general university. In other cases, the classes may be more focused on the needs of engineers and techies.

Schools like Devry or ITT will often have very few core classes, but they are not respected engineering schools. I'd rather you avoided them, unless you exhaust other options.

Answer 2

Every accredited University (either main campus or online) if you are going for a degree will make you take core classes; regardless, if you are going for a Bachelors or an Associates degree. The only type of school I can think of that wouldn't make you take core classes might be something like an Art school, or Dance, or something along those lines.

Answer 3

Either way you need to take them, try on-line classes for that like University of Pheonix, or Devry University. All depends on your major.