Whether you want to further your career or investigate a new career the community college environment may be a place for you. Community colleges offer various types of educational programs to fit most adult learner's desires. Courses can range from a non-academic credit seminar, such as Upgrading to Microsoft Office 2007 from a previous version of Microsoft Office, to a three to five semester credit transferable English Composition course.

Community college educational programs are typically departmentalized into either non-credit or academic credit areas. The non-credit department, usually called Continuing Education, offers a variety of non-credit courses or seminars to the community. Students can enroll by simply completing an application and paying the course fee. These non-credit courses usually focus on a specific topic, such as Ballroom Dancing or Basic Microsoft Office. Additionally, non-credit based education programs do not require students to take placement testing before enrolling into the class. These classes are normally lower in cost and focus on providing or updating skills for the workplace or a student's leisure time.

The academic credit area within a community college provides educational programs of study that lead to a certificate or degree. A variety of degree programs, such as an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science, is offered. Students who want to enroll in these types of programs are usually required to complete an admission's packet that includes placement testing in the areas of math, English, and reading before being allowed to enroll in an academic course that requires a specific level of proficiency in the above stated areas.

Courses available under the academic area are a great source of introducing a person to a specific field of study or career program, such as Nursing, Management, or Teaching. Students who choose to follow these types of programs are required to enroll in specific courses that follow a path that will lead to an Associate degree. Courses are offered at various times to accommodate the needs of working adults.

The tuition and fees associated with credit courses are higher, but these courses are usually transferable to other colleges and universities. Students who need financial assistance to attend college can apply for financial aid programs, such as a PELL grant, to assist with costs associated with credit courses within degree programs of study. Whereas, courses within the non-credit department are cheaper, but do qualify for financial aid programs and are not transfer to other programs of study. The cost associated with either type of course will be lower than courses delivered by Universities.

The bottom line in anyone's desire to either further their education, investigate career opportunities, or just take a couple of courses, the continuing education offerings from a community college can supply options for all types of students, from working adults to senior citizens. Keeping abreast of change is a lifelong learning process that will enhance many aspects of your daily living.

Learn more about this author, Tammie Lane.
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