Not everyone knows what courses he or she wants to take in college. Some people end up changing their program of study while in college; some return to college at a later date to explore a new program of study.
Choosing a program takes thought and sometimes research.
- Think about what you like to do and learn about
- Think about how you like to learn: hands on, listening, reading, repetition, research, following directions, following someone’s example
- Think about what careers or further education you want to pursue
- Think about what is important to you: money, security, creativity, working with people, working with numbers, problem solving, working outside, working inside, good benefits like health insurance, working with spatial concepts, creating, building and making things
- Talk with an academic advisor
Now that you’ve taken time to get to know yourself, take time to do the research that will help you choose a program.
- Read about the various programs in our catalog
- Use O*Net Online to find out about various careers and their required education
- Use Montana Career Planning System
- Talk with a Career Services advisor
If you choose a career path that requires more than two years of higher education, then you will most likely choose to pursue an Associate of Arts (A.A. ) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree here at Helena College. Our transfer advisor can help you explore the next step in your education.
- An A.A. degree at Helena College offers students general requirements (Writing, Math, Science, Social and Psychological Sciences, Oral Communication, Humanities and Fine Arts, Foreign language) as well as a program of study.
- Within the A.A. degree, Helena College offers students these programs of study: Mental Health Direct Care; Accounting; Business; Humanities/Fine Arts; General Science; Social and Psychological Science; Math, combined with either General Science or Social and Psychological Science and Humanities/Fine Arts.
- An A.S. degree at Helena College offers students general requirements (Writing, Math, Science, Social and Psychological Sciences, Oral Communication, Humanities and Fine Arts,) as well as a program of study.
- Within the A.S. degree, Helena College Offers these programs of study: Computer Technology; Environmental Science; Accounting; Business.
- Thinking about the nursing programs? Choose the A.S. if you want to apply to the practical nursing program. If you are an LPN, check with the nursing program to see what pre-requisites you might need. Click here to go to the Nursing program page.
- Choose an Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) if you know your particular career path and want to pursue that career right after your two-year degree. The programs within this degree are listed here (link to catalog page with programs listed for AAS). You may also pursue a 4-year degree in Business or Business Technology with Montana Tech, if you have an A.A.S from Helena College. Learn More.
You may want to explore the Certificates of Applied Science programs. These certificates give you a very specialized group of skills and knowledge and may fit your goals and lifestyle well. Learn More.
