Table of Contents
Preface
Why I Wrote This Book
Approach of the Book
Conventions Used in this Book
Section 1 - About College
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Main Benefits of a College Education
Alternatives
Very Important Suggestion
Chapter 2 - Terms and Credits
College Terms
College Credits
Chapter 3 - About College Courses
Types of Courses
General Education Courses
Core Courses
Electives
Course Focus
Course Levels
Transfer Courses
College Credit through Testing
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Withdrawals and Incompletes
Transcripts
Chapter 4 - About College Degrees
College Majors and Minors
Types and Levels of Degrees
The Associate Degree
The Bachelor Degree
The Masters Degree
The Specialist Degree
The Doctorate Degree
Doctorate Degree Tip
Additional Degree Types
Certificate and Diploma Programs
Chapter 5 - About Colleges and Universities
Public Colleges and Universities
Private Colleges and Universities
Ivy League Universities
Government Study
Sub-Categories of Colleges and Universities
Political Bias
Chapter 6 - Accreditation
Regional Accreditation
National Accreditation
Specialized (Programmatic) Accreditation
Other Accreditation
Caution about Accreditation
Other Acceptability Considerations
Degree Mills
Chapter 7 - About Online Education
Types of On-Line Learning Activities
Two Specialized Teaching Approaches
Chapter 8 - Cost
Tuition
In-State Tuition versus Out-of-State Tuition
Special In-State Tuition Programs for Non-Residents
Additional Fees
Large State Universities
As Seen on TV
A Financial Comparison of Public and Private Institutions
Financing Your Education
Chapter 9 - School and Course Quality
Chapter 10 - Final Thoughts about College
Section 2 - Selecting a College and Degree Major
Chapter 11 - Picking Your Degree Major
Some Real-World Stories
Government Study
Four Ideas
Final Thoughts
Chapter 12 - Selecting Your School and Getting In
College Admissions
Research the Schools
Research the Programs
Research the Instructors
Aggressive Admissions Tactics
Entrance Exams
Red Flags
Final Thoughts
Section 3 - In College and Beyond
Chapter 13 – Planning Your Degree
Degree Plan
Sequencing Your Courses
Course Load
Chapter 14 – In College
Tips for Writing Projects and Papers
Plagiarism
Internet Research and Computer Literacy
Netiquette, Email, and Respect
Additional Suggestions
Chapter 15 – After College
Continuing Education
Professional Development Courses
Continuing Education Courses
Professional Certifications
Professional Associations
Books and Periodicals
Consider Another Degree
The Bottom Line
Chapter 16 - Conclusion
About the Author
