4 answers
Knija
Student
Hernando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How do I plan out the strategy for my college courses?
I'm starting college in attempts to get out of the financial struggle my family's endured and start a life for myself. To start, I was planning on going for dental hygienist, with the goal of looking forward to dermatology/veternarian/marine biologist. I have time to decide which career to achieve during the time I spend going through dental hygiene, but I'm wondering how I can save time by taking the classes they all might have in common. I'm thinking a bachelor in biology might be beneficial and something I can do while doing dental. What do you guys think of this?
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4 answers
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
6
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Charting Your College Courses: A Proactive Strategy
1. Set Your Goals:
Major and Career: Pinpoint your ideal major and career trajectory. This will steer your course choices.
Transferring Credits: If you're considering switching colleges, verify if your high school coursework is transferable.
Academic Passions: Reflect on the subjects that excite you. Seek out courses that resonate with your interests.
2. Investigate College Prerequisites:
Core Education Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the essential courses demanded by your selected college or university.
Major-Specific Courses: Investigate the particular courses required for your major. Refer to the college's catalog or department webpage.
Elective Choices: Discover elective courses that either enhance your major or expand your knowledge base.
3. Design a Course Roadmap:
Timeline: Sketch a four-year blueprint, taking into account your selected major and core education prerequisites.
Sequencing: Verify that courses are pursued in the right sequence, particularly for majors with prerequisites.
Summer Courses: If needed, arrange to attend summer courses to expedite your progress or meet specific prerequisites.
4. Evaluate Course Complexity and Workload:
Course Summaries: Peruse course summaries to assess the degree of complexity and workload.
Student Feedback: Search for online feedback or converse with current students to gain insights into the courses.
Workload Balance: Offset demanding courses with less strenuous ones to prevent exhaustion.
5. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability:
Alterations: Be ready to modify your plan as your interests or circumstances evolve.
Guidance: Regularly engage with academic advisors to confirm you're on the right path.
Explore Minors or Concentrations: Contemplate incorporating a minor or concentration to diversify your knowledge and skills.
6. Leverage Online Resources:
Course Catalogs: Utilize online course catalogs to browse for courses and their prerequisites.
Degree Tracking Systems: Numerous colleges provide online tools to assist you in monitoring your progress towards your degree.
Additional Recommendations:
Begin Early: Initiate course planning ahead of time to afford yourself ample opportunity to make well-informed decisions.
Ask for Help: Never shy away from seeking advice from professors, advisors, or senior students.
Master Time Management: Cultivate efficient time management skills to balance your academic responsibilities with other obligations.
By adhering to these steps and taking initiative, you can devise a tactical plan for your college courses that will propel you towards your academic and career aspirations.
1. Set Your Goals:
Major and Career: Pinpoint your ideal major and career trajectory. This will steer your course choices.
Transferring Credits: If you're considering switching colleges, verify if your high school coursework is transferable.
Academic Passions: Reflect on the subjects that excite you. Seek out courses that resonate with your interests.
2. Investigate College Prerequisites:
Core Education Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the essential courses demanded by your selected college or university.
Major-Specific Courses: Investigate the particular courses required for your major. Refer to the college's catalog or department webpage.
Elective Choices: Discover elective courses that either enhance your major or expand your knowledge base.
3. Design a Course Roadmap:
Timeline: Sketch a four-year blueprint, taking into account your selected major and core education prerequisites.
Sequencing: Verify that courses are pursued in the right sequence, particularly for majors with prerequisites.
Summer Courses: If needed, arrange to attend summer courses to expedite your progress or meet specific prerequisites.
4. Evaluate Course Complexity and Workload:
Course Summaries: Peruse course summaries to assess the degree of complexity and workload.
Student Feedback: Search for online feedback or converse with current students to gain insights into the courses.
Workload Balance: Offset demanding courses with less strenuous ones to prevent exhaustion.
5. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability:
Alterations: Be ready to modify your plan as your interests or circumstances evolve.
Guidance: Regularly engage with academic advisors to confirm you're on the right path.
Explore Minors or Concentrations: Contemplate incorporating a minor or concentration to diversify your knowledge and skills.
6. Leverage Online Resources:
Course Catalogs: Utilize online course catalogs to browse for courses and their prerequisites.
Degree Tracking Systems: Numerous colleges provide online tools to assist you in monitoring your progress towards your degree.
Additional Recommendations:
Begin Early: Initiate course planning ahead of time to afford yourself ample opportunity to make well-informed decisions.
Ask for Help: Never shy away from seeking advice from professors, advisors, or senior students.
Master Time Management: Cultivate efficient time management skills to balance your academic responsibilities with other obligations.
By adhering to these steps and taking initiative, you can devise a tactical plan for your college courses that will propel you towards your academic and career aspirations.
Sonal .
Lawyer
4
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Sonal’s Answer
Pursuing a career in dental hygiene, dermatology, veterinary science, or marine biology is a bold and commendable decision, and a Bachelor's degree in Biology is a wise step towards that goal. The curriculum for this degree includes essential courses such as general biology, chemistry, anatomy, and microbiology, which are fundamental to your chosen fields.
Be strategic in selecting your courses. Opt for those that fulfill multiple requirements. For instance, microbiology, a requirement for both dental hygiene and veterinary science, could be a smart choice. Electives that offer additional skills or knowledge related to your prospective professions should also be considered. If marine biology is your preference, marine ecology could be an enriching elective.
Remember, hands-on experience is invaluable. Engage in internships, volunteer work, or even part-time jobs in your desired fields. These experiences will not only provide a glimpse into the realities of each profession but also aid you in making a well-rounded decision.
As you strive to enhance your financial standing, consider exploring scholarships, grants, and part-time employment opportunities to alleviate college expenses.
Never underestimate the power of networking. Actively participate in student organizations, attend career fairs, and engage with professionals in your areas of interest. These connections could pave the way to exciting opportunities and provide you with a deeper understanding of various careers.
Wishing you the best of luck in your academic journey and future profession!
Be strategic in selecting your courses. Opt for those that fulfill multiple requirements. For instance, microbiology, a requirement for both dental hygiene and veterinary science, could be a smart choice. Electives that offer additional skills or knowledge related to your prospective professions should also be considered. If marine biology is your preference, marine ecology could be an enriching elective.
Remember, hands-on experience is invaluable. Engage in internships, volunteer work, or even part-time jobs in your desired fields. These experiences will not only provide a glimpse into the realities of each profession but also aid you in making a well-rounded decision.
As you strive to enhance your financial standing, consider exploring scholarships, grants, and part-time employment opportunities to alleviate college expenses.
Never underestimate the power of networking. Actively participate in student organizations, attend career fairs, and engage with professionals in your areas of interest. These connections could pave the way to exciting opportunities and provide you with a deeper understanding of various careers.
Wishing you the best of luck in your academic journey and future profession!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Knija
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Knija !
Yes, you are correct. A major for a Bachelors Degree in Biology would be perfect as you have thought. To be a Dermatologist or a Veterinarian or a Marine Biologist, you would also have to plan to attend Medical School or for a Masters Degree for the Marine Biology. There really is no specific "strategy" for the careers you're thinking about, just a usual course of study and perhaps certifications and or licensure.
The program for becoming a dental hygienist and the career is fabulous, however, it is not going to teach you anything about Dermatology, Veterinarian Medicine or Marine Biology. You will have to decide upon a career choice, whether it is to do the Dental Hygiene Program and do that work for some years, or go straight to Medical or Veterinarian School after you receive your Bachelors Degree. You will be about 21 when you receive your Bachelors Degree and Medical and Vet school is a long duration. You wouldn't be able to work as a Dental Hygienist while going to Medical School. So you have the time now to choose exactly what you want to do. My advice is to major in Biology as you've mentioned, obtain the Bachelors Degree and go straight to Medical School or for Masters Degree in Marine Biology. You know what your current life is like and what your supports are, so it is best that you make this decision. At least you have some choices.
It may be difficult to choose, but think about where you want to work and what you like the best. Something that your whole heart and mind is in. And it's perfectly okay if you choose to be the Dental Hygienist, too. But keep in mind that no matter what to decide on, you will have to dedicate a lot of time, energy and that also means some sacrifice. So pick something that is truly worth it.
While in undergraduate school, if you major in biology, I would advise taking no more than two heavy load classes and the rest general education courses per semester. I would also advise attending summer session, if your college offers that, to take one or two general ed requirement courses. Keep in mind that many Biology courses require lab hours and or projects that will take time to do, so you do not want to take five or six heavy classes as a time. Once you choose the career to focus on, things will seem to fall in place. They always do.
In the meantime, if you have any more questions, do feel welcomed to return here and ask whatever is on your mind. We're happy to help ! Best wishes in all you do !
Yes, you are correct. A major for a Bachelors Degree in Biology would be perfect as you have thought. To be a Dermatologist or a Veterinarian or a Marine Biologist, you would also have to plan to attend Medical School or for a Masters Degree for the Marine Biology. There really is no specific "strategy" for the careers you're thinking about, just a usual course of study and perhaps certifications and or licensure.
The program for becoming a dental hygienist and the career is fabulous, however, it is not going to teach you anything about Dermatology, Veterinarian Medicine or Marine Biology. You will have to decide upon a career choice, whether it is to do the Dental Hygiene Program and do that work for some years, or go straight to Medical or Veterinarian School after you receive your Bachelors Degree. You will be about 21 when you receive your Bachelors Degree and Medical and Vet school is a long duration. You wouldn't be able to work as a Dental Hygienist while going to Medical School. So you have the time now to choose exactly what you want to do. My advice is to major in Biology as you've mentioned, obtain the Bachelors Degree and go straight to Medical School or for Masters Degree in Marine Biology. You know what your current life is like and what your supports are, so it is best that you make this decision. At least you have some choices.
It may be difficult to choose, but think about where you want to work and what you like the best. Something that your whole heart and mind is in. And it's perfectly okay if you choose to be the Dental Hygienist, too. But keep in mind that no matter what to decide on, you will have to dedicate a lot of time, energy and that also means some sacrifice. So pick something that is truly worth it.
While in undergraduate school, if you major in biology, I would advise taking no more than two heavy load classes and the rest general education courses per semester. I would also advise attending summer session, if your college offers that, to take one or two general ed requirement courses. Keep in mind that many Biology courses require lab hours and or projects that will take time to do, so you do not want to take five or six heavy classes as a time. Once you choose the career to focus on, things will seem to fall in place. They always do.
In the meantime, if you have any more questions, do feel welcomed to return here and ask whatever is on your mind. We're happy to help ! Best wishes in all you do !
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Knija
You're welcome - have a great day !
Michelle M.
Anna Nguyen
Business owner
4
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Knija, that's a great idea to get a bachelor's in biology! It'd be best to see the pre-requisites for all dermatology, veterinary, marine biology, and possibly even dentistry (if that's a potential long term option you might consider since you're in dental hygiene right now), if you have some schools you have in mind. They're all relatively going to be similar possibly up until the end.
I also recommend joining clubs on these topics (as well as others you may be interested in) in the meantime so that you can get a clearer idea of which path you decide to take when the time comes as well as research more on the topics and understand what it is you like about all of these subject/occupations. Joining clubs, volunteering, and shadowing are all also typically important when applying for any master's in the medical field as they like to see well-rounded students, PLUS you'll learn more and see what you enjoy most!
I also recommend joining clubs on these topics (as well as others you may be interested in) in the meantime so that you can get a clearer idea of which path you decide to take when the time comes as well as research more on the topics and understand what it is you like about all of these subject/occupations. Joining clubs, volunteering, and shadowing are all also typically important when applying for any master's in the medical field as they like to see well-rounded students, PLUS you'll learn more and see what you enjoy most!