What Are College Concentration Courses?

College concentration courses are courses that are specific to your major, unlike the core courses, which are usually the required courses you'll have to take before taking the concentration courses. These courses depend on your major and the school you attend.

Types

College concentration courses vary by major and university. A student who majors in political science may take classes in economics and American government while a biology major may take courses botany and physics.

Size

The number of concentration courses per semester vary by school, but in general a full-time student may take up to 18 credit hours while a part-time student may take less than 10 credit hours.

Features

In addition to taking the concentration courses in their majors, students are often required to complete an internship at an off-campus site to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Also near the end of the semester, students will have to complete a final research paper.

Fun Fact

Concentration courses can also be fun because you're learning new concepts. For example, if you're a visual arts major, you get to learn 3-D animation, oil painting techniques or the history of your favorite art movement.

Considerations

When choosing your major, be sure to choose one that suits the kind of career you want. Talk with your parents, friends and your college career counselor about your options. They can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses and give you honest assessments.

References

• Harvard School of Public Health
• University of Illinois
• University of Alaska Anchorage