College Versus a University Education

men and women in college

The idea and plans for colleges and universities came to America from England. Our ancestors drew many of our customs from our mother country. When higher education first started in America, it primarily involved colleges. A college generally focused on one type of degree, mirroring the one-on-one teaching that Oxford practiced at the time, resulting in a more elitist form of education.

As time passed, more subjects and interests were added to the schools. Education expanded to include a wider variety of classes and research, leading to the emergence of universities. Today in America, the distinction between college and university is primarily academic. It is common to hear someone ask, “What college did you attend?” Rarely does anyone mention that they attended a university.

To explain the difference between a college and a university, I will use Western Kentucky University as an example, as I witnessed its growth from a college to a university. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, it started as Glasgow Normal School in the 1800s in Glasgow, Kentucky, before moving to Bowling Green in 1909. Upon its relocation, Henry Hardin Cherry purchased it and renamed it Western Kentucky Normal School. A normal school meant it trained teachers. After a few years, the name changed to Western Kentucky State Teachers College, marking its status as a public university and state school. As the institution grew and added more degrees, they dropped “Teachers,” becoming Western Kentucky State College. The first additional degree was in Business, followed soon by Nursing, along with several others.

To attain university status, Western had to offer higher degrees and more colleges within the institution. Western now includes the following colleges as part of the university:

  • The Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University
  • The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • The Gordon Ford College of Business
  • Ogden College of Science and Engineering
  • Potter College of Arts and Letters
  • University College
  • College of Health and Human Services

As seen, the Teachers College evolved into the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. For instance, a student earning an English degree graduates from Western Kentucky University and technically from the Potter College of Arts and Letters. The Community College and University College are the last two colleges added to the university.

Currently, WKU offers eighty majors and seventy minors. The Community College offers seventeen associate degrees and five certificate programs. The academic offerings include the following Bachelor’s degrees:

  • Bachelor of Engineering
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of General Studies
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Music

For higher degree programs, the Graduate Office offers the following Master’s degrees:

  • Master of Arts
  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Health Administration
  • Master of Public Health

Looking at these degrees illustrates how a college can grow into a university. The Teachers College became one of several colleges. In the 1800s, the Normal School awarded certificates to teach, primarily to unmarried women. The Normal School later added more requirements, allowing students to earn a four-year degree. As the College of Education expanded, it offered more courses, and students’ work and research led them to earn Master’s degrees in teaching.

The question of college versus university often arises for students. Are they eager to learn? Are they interested in upgrading through summer studies? Do they want a more diverse education?

A college offering a four-year degree typically requires more hours in various classes beyond the major. For example, an English major at a college requires 120 semester hours, with about 40 of those in English. Students also take courses from other colleges and electives that pique their interest. This applies to all colleges within the university. Some students may see no need for biology or physics but must still complete certain science and math courses. This ensures they have a broad knowledge base before graduation. Only in a Master’s program can students select classes focused solely on their subject.

If a student is unsure about pursuing a college degree due to poor performance in high school, they might consider attending a Community College. A Community College affiliated with a university allows students to transfer the first 66 credit hours to the university if they choose. It is also a great option for adults who realize they need a college education, as it helps them adjust to studying and evaluate if this path suits them.

There are also colleges outside the university system. Many Bible Colleges focus primarily on biblical and preaching subjects, often including some English courses for business and sermon writing. These private institutions do not require accreditation, which means credits may not transfer, but they provide the necessary education for specific denominations.

There are other private colleges that might focus solely on vocational training. For instance, if you want to learn about diesel engines or mechanics, you would study only those subjects, often earning a certificate rather than a degree. Many specialized schools offer training in specific fields for those not seeking an academic diploma.

If a student aspires to pursue an academic degree, they must find an accredited college or university. They should also inquire whether their credits will transfer to other institutions. With today’s technology, students even have the option to earn degrees online. Credible institutions offer a variety of courses, such as a family nurse practitioner program, making it easier to advance in higher education. Always check with the university you plan to attend to confirm whether they will accept your earned credits. Remember, college credits cost money, so avoid wasting it on non-transferable courses.

College can mean many different things. Clearly define what you want before visiting too many schools. Understand the difference between an academic college and a career college. Which one are you looking for?

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