Degree Fast Track

Taking a few college courses as an enrichment experience while in high school can be fun - and a great start to college ahead. Wise choices will ensure the courses also count towards a degree track. This page advises on the fast track to a college degree.

Start with two courses for dual credit

Find out what college courses are accepted by your high school, if any. Begin your college experience with one or more classes that will meet high school requirements as well as earn college credit.

Choose courses that will transfer well

Choose courses that that would help meet the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). These will most likely be accepted as transfer credit to the university or college of your choice, and will positively contribute to degree admission. Here are a few popular classes (see the MTA page for a full list):

College Writing I
Communication Skills
Civilization and Ideas I
Enjoyment of Music
Environmental Science
General Physics
Introduction to Architecture
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Macroeconomics
Principles of Biology

See more recommendations by discipline

Select the right math course for your degree path

Elementary Statistics is required for degrees in business and nursing
Precalculus is required for physical therapy, architecture and other professional degrees
Calculus courses are foundational to degrees in science, math, engineering, or other technology (STEM) field

Consider science classes best for STEM majors

General Chemistry and Physics classes are foundational to math, engineering, and chemistry degrees
Anatomy and Physiology is a two-semester 8-credit journey for most pre-med and health science programs
Foundations of Biology is a 10-credit commitment across two semesters, worth doing if biology is your choice of major

Take a foundational religion class

Jesus in His Time and Ours is a great faith foundation if planning to attend any Adventist or other Christian college or university. God and Human Life and Fit for Life are more great choices for Andrews University undergraduate degrees.

Take one or two introduction courses

Explore career options by taking one or two "introduction to" courses. These courses can often fulfill general education or elective requirements, and could save investing one or more years before changing direction. Look for courses with the word 'introduction' on the list of Courses Approved for High School Registrations

Take courses that lead to certifications

These can improve your earning power, to better pay your way through college.

Microsoft Office Specialist - take two information systems courses as preparation for standardized exams
Welding - build skills towards further training and certification on the job, in a high demand field
Flight training - Andrews offers all the classes you need to earn your pilot's license
Adobe Certified Expert - take web and graphics design courses to prepare for certification in specific adobe softwareA

Meet with an enrollment counselor or recruiter

After taking several classes, meet with an enrollment counselor or recruiter to consider degree options in the area you are currently interested. In less than an hour, you will gain much information that will help you make the most of your pre-college experience.

So how is this a degree fast track?
Completing 4 or 5 college courses during high school may save you one semester of college and increase your admission opportunities at many universities. With Andrews University's great summer options and tours, and no major changes, you could complete a bachelor's degree in three years instead of four!