What Is a Degree Course in College?

Earning your bachelor's degree involves declaring a degree course, which is the field of study you choose to pursue after completing your general education requirements. A few examples of popular undergraduate courses include engineering, computer application, finance, and design.

Learning more about college degree courses can help you make the decision process easier. Consider when and why to declare a degree course, and discover examples of popular areas of study and their corresponding coursework to assist you with your decision.

Examples of college degree courses you might choose

When pursuing your undergraduate degree, you have many options to choose from. As one of the largest higher educational systems in the world, India has roughly 1,100 universities, 45,500 colleges, and 12,000 stand-alone institutions [1]. Degree courses range from advertising or archaeology to biology, law, or environmental science. Reviewing examples of popular college degree courses and understanding their specific requirements may assist in your decision. 

Business

A business degree can lead you towards many career paths, including that of a marketing executive, accountant, business owner, and financial analyst. The coursework you might have in your college programme may include:

• Accounting

• Business management

• Economics

• Entrepreneurship

• Finance

• Human resources

• Marketing 

Communications

With a degree in communications, you'll have various career choices. Consider a job in advertising, media, human resources, or public relations. Classes you might take when pursuing a communications degree include:

• Public speaking

• Verbal and nonverbal messaging

• Fundamentals of presentation

• Persuasion 

• Workplace communication

Computer science

When studying computer science, you'll learn about computer hardware and software, as well as their applications in the workplace. Jobs related to this course include computer programmer, web developer, software engineer, or systems analyst. Specific areas of study in computer science can include:

• Artificial intelligence

• Cryptography

• Gaming technology

• Machine learning

• Programming languages

• Robotics

Education

As an education student, you'll learn how to manage a classroom and design a curriculum, which are the lessons and academic content teachers provide to their students. Depending on your interests, you can teach primary or secondary education or specialise in a particular field like art, music, or special education. When studying education, you might complete coursework about:

• Child psychology and development

• Behaviour management

• Education theory

• Childhood assessment

• Curriculum development

Psychology

When pursuing psychology, you'll study the human mind and human behaviour. This field includes different aspects of social and natural sciences, and classes you might take include experimental psychology, cognition, and statistics. With an undergraduate degree in psychology, you can pursue various careers in areas such as:

• Advertising

• Sales

• Writing

• Market research

• Childcare

Highest-paying college degree courses

While placing a high value on your potential earnings when choosing an undergraduate course is unnecessary, it may play a role for you, especially if you've paid for college with student loans. 

These are the top-paid degree courses among those who graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2024, according to the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science [2]

Tips for choosing a degree course

Many factors influence the choice of a field of study in college. For help making this important decision, consider these tips:

• Explore your values and interests.

• Consider strengths like problem-solving, public speaking, or empathy for others.

• Think about what you want to pursue as a career.

• Consider the longevity of your desired career.

• Determine whether you'll need education beyond an undergraduate degree, such as a master's or doctorate.

When should you decide on your degree course?

Many universities are specialised, so you must study a specific field, such as technology, management, or language. It is important to research your options carefully to find an institution that aligns with your academic and personal goals. 

Many students begin this journey in their 12th year of study. If you are happy and successful in your current stream of study in year 12, it may be beneficial to continue on that path and pursue higher education in the form of a degree course. If you wish to change your stream of study after year 12, it may be beneficial to research college requirements, as many institutions require previous knowledge in a stream of study. 

You can change your degree course in college, although this might be difficult. If you are considering switching degrees, it is important to research the entry requirements for your desired course to make sure you are eligible. Each university has its own guidelines on switching degree courses, so it is important to speak with the head of your department to discuss the process.

When switching undergraduate courses, consider possible credit transfers, seat availability, tuition changes, and duration of the programme. 

How to satisfy degree course requirements

Before you choose a degree course, determine if any prerequisites are required. For example, some fields of study require taking specific secondary school classes and having a certain level of English proficiency. Other degrees require minimum secondary school or college GPA and a Higher Secondary Certificate.

You must have 120 to 128 college credits to earn a bachelor's degree. Around half are general education courses like algebra, English composition, and a foreign language. Your major coursework will comprise another one-third to one-half of the credits you earn. The remainder of the credits will be elective courses. Several factors can influence your choice of electives, including personal interest, professional goals, class size, and options for online instruction. 

Benefits of choosing a degree course

Declaring a degree course is an important decision that you should make carefully. Here are some benefits of declaring a degree course: 

• Deciding on a degree course is the first step towards getting a bachelor's degree. 

• Having a plan for your education helps reduce stress in college.

• Enrolling in classes specific to your course saves you time and money. 

• The earlier you choose your degree course, the more time you'll have to get to know your academic advisors.

• Deciding on a degree course gives you access to scholarships, activities, and organisations within your chosen department.

Earn your online degree on Coursera

Choosing a degree course is an essential step towards getting your college degree. Now that you've learned more about choosing your field of study and the benefits of doing so, you can start thinking more about where you want to study. On Coursera, you can earn your bachelor's degree in many popular courses from storied universities. Discover degree options in Applied Arts and Sciences, Marketing, and Business Administration.