Flexible Curriculums at US Universities: Freedom of Choice

Is it reasonable to expect young college students to know what career they want? This is a common question that many students and parents ask themselves. There is no right or wrong answer, as some students may know exactly what they want to do with their lives, while others may need more time to explore different subjects and find their passion.

Universities in the United States understand that it can be challenging for students to commit to one field of study right away. This is why they offer flexible curriculums that allow students to tailor their coursework to their individual interests, goals, and schedules. Students at four-year universities typically take a variety of courses in their first two years before choosing a primary field of study, known as a “major,” and a “minor,” which is a secondary field of study that complements the major.

Alternative Routes

Deborah Rosario, a senior EducationUSA adviser at the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) in Mumbai stated that students can change their major if they find that they are not passionate about their original choice. He further added that they can start university without choosing a major. They can take different courses to find their interests and choose a major later. In some cases, students can work with a professor to design their own major.

Here are some of the benefits of a flexible curriculum:

• Before choosing a major, it is advisable to explore various subjects and identify areas that pique your interest. This approach can assist in narrowing down options and making well-informed decisions regarding your future.
• To enhance expertise in their chosen field of study, students can expand their knowledge by enrolling in elective courses related to their major, in addition to the obligatory ones.
• By combining courses from diverse departments, students have the opportunity to craft a personalized interdisciplinary major that aligns with their specific goals and interests. This enables them to create a program uniquely tailored to their needs.
• Explore the possibility of pursuing a minor in a subject that captures their interest, as this can offer them additional knowledge and skills to complement their major field of study.
• Engage in independent research projects with the guidance of a faculty member to acquire research experience and contribute to their chosen academic discipline.
• Embark on a dual-degree program to simultaneously work towards two degrees, such as an engineering degree and a degree in psychology.
• Obtain practical experience by participating in internships or cooperative education programs relevant to their area of study.
• Alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with making long-term decisions about their future careers.
• Acquire a comprehensive education that broadens their knowledge base and enhances their versatility, which can prove advantageous in the competitive job market.
• Graduates who possess a diverse range of knowledge and skills in multiple areas are highly valued by employers.

Having a flexible curriculum doesn’t imply randomness. Universities that offer flexible curricula also ensure that students receive a solid educational grounding.

Sujana Mayreddy, regional officer with the USIEF in Hyderabad elucidated that, in the United States of America, many four-year universities require students to take a broad range of courses in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and mathematics during their first two years. This is known as a liberal arts curriculum. Implementing this approach allows students to receive a well-rounded education, enabling them to cultivate essential skills such as critical thinking, writing, and communication.

Prior to making a decision, it is crucial for students and their families to proactively investigate whether a university provides a flexible curriculum and to what extent. Some colleges adhere to a predetermined structure, while others grant students the freedom to essentially tailor their own academic path.