Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I go to drop a class?
- What should I major in?
- How can I decide which transfer institution is best for my major or career?
- How can I best prepare for the career I’m considering?
- What are the best career options for me?
- What if my major is not offered at IWCC?
- Which careers go with my major?
- How do I change my major?
- Will the credits I earn at Iowa Western transfer?
What should I major in?
Selecting a major does not necessarily mean you will limit your career choices available to you after graduation. If you choose a major that you intrinsically enjoy, you are more likely to excel academically, you will be more motivated in the classes you take, and when its time to start looking for a job or applying to transfer schools you will be able to explain with enthusiasm why you chose your major and what you gained from doing so.
When choosing a major it is beneficial to understand your strengths and your interests. Use the tools from self-assessments and research found throughout the Career Planning website to help guide you through this process.
Ask yourself the following questions for each major you are considering:
- Does the required coursework in this major complement my interests and abilities?
- Are there required prerequisite courses that I really do not want to take?
- How much freedom will I have to take elective courses?
- Does this major require a lot of writing, a thesis, quantitative skills, or foreign language course?
- If I already have defined my career goal, does this major complement or prepare me for that career?
- Does this major allow me to pursue an area of emphasis?
- Are there other important considerations?
How can I decide which transfer institution is best for my major or career?
IHaveaPlanIowa has a fantastic tool called School Finder where you can research which institutions offer your major as well as the ability to do comparisons between institutions based on cost, size and many more. Also, visit the Iowa Western transfer website to learn more about agreements and articulations that we have with other transfer institutions. The earlier you research transfer schools the easier the transition will be!
How can I best prepare for the career I’m considering?
There is almost always more than on possible path to your career destination. If you asked five people in your targeted career field how they got there, chances are you would hear five different stories. Nevertheless, if you have a specific career goal it is a good idea to plan the steps you could take to get there.
Here are some important things you will need to know about your intended occupation:
- Required and recommended education, certification or licensure
- Required and recommended experience or training
- Skills needed for success in the occupation
- Opportunities for employment
- IHaveaPlanIowa is a great tool where you can research all of these things!
What are the best career options for me?
You might pursue a career based on your major, or you might pursue one based on passions or interests outside of your field of study. Whichever the case, making a good choice about a career essentially depends on three things:
- Improving your awareness and understanding of your interests, skills and motivations
- Learning what kinds of jobs, employers, and career fields exist that fit with your interests, abilities and values
- Making a decision that matches what you want and what opportunities are available to you.
Which careers go with my major?
A popular belief among college students is that your major is suited for one particular career or a very limited number of career options. In reality, the career you decide to pursue after graduation in not necessarily dictated by your undergraduate major.
It is true that some careers will require specific knowledge or skills that you will obtain by taking certain classes. For example, if you want to become a Certified Public Accountant, there are a number of accounting courses you will need to complete. However, with most majors or areas of study, you will learn a broad range of skills that can transfer to a wide variety of careers.
How do I change my major?
Your official major is what is on file in the Admissions Office. If you want to change your major you need to complete a Change of Major form and turn it in at the Admissions Office or Registration window. Your major will be changed and you will have a new assigned Academic Advisor within 2 weeks. Check SOS under my profile to see who your assigned advisor is! Be sure to view the additional admissions requirements that some majors have and make sure to meet with your new assigned advisor right away to stay on track for graduation.
What if my major is not offered at IWCC?
If Iowa Western does not offer your specific major your best option may be to pursue a General Studies major. This major is truly intended for students that may fall into this category or for those who are uncertain but know they want to transfer on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Where do I go to drop a class?
If you need to drop a class after the first week of classes, you will need to see your assigned advisor. You will need to talk with your advisor about what dropping a class can mean for your goals at the colleges as well as other repercussions. Be aware of the last day to drop classes and be sure to take an Add/Drop form (available at the registration window) when you go see your advisor.
Will the credits I earn at Iowa Western transfer?
The bottom line is that most college level classes you take at Iowa Western will transfer. But there is so much more to this question, beginning with how the credits will transfer. As a student who wants to transfer, it is important that you work with your four-year institution from the beginning and to know how your credits will transfer; you do not want to take classes that you will have to repeat later, even though credit will be awarded.