Do you have your high school diploma in your hand? Are you now anxious to get the next step in your educational plan started? Have you been a life-long resident of Connecticut, but you aren’t totally sure if you want to stay in this state to complete your post-secondary degree program? Don’t worry; weighing out your educational options is a good thing. This planning phase helps to ensure that you won’t make poor decisions that do not allow you to work towards your goals. As with most states, Connecticut has schools that will allow you to complete a formal degree program, schools that are more technically focused, and schools that offer a hybrid based approach that includes online options.
Connecticut, which is considered to be one of the New England states, is bordered with Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. As you make your educational decisions you will want to think about the fact that Connecticut has one school that is ranked among the top three universities and three schools that have been recognized among the top 50 liberal arts colleges. Although Connecticut is home to the famous Ivy League school Yale, there are also many other options that you can choose to use as a means of obtaining a formal degree. However, if Yale is on your to-do list then you have made quite a choice! This university allows students to choose from over 100 different academic departments in order to pursue the exact degree program that fits their needs. At the graduate level, Yale students can study subject areas such as medicine, law, architecture, drama, and art. Another viable option would be to attend Wesleyan University, which is categorized as a private liberal arts college. At this institution you can choose to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in about 40 different academic departments. Furthermore, this institution is connected to eleven other colleges who participate in a college exchange program, including Wellesley College and Dartmouth College. Keep in mind, this notable university has been ranked as number thirteen among the nation’s colleges of liberal arts.
Or, you may decide to pursue your education in an area of liberal arts at Trinity College. This private college boasts 38 different majors and numerous interdisciplinary minors. In addition, this learning institution is well known for its wide variety of evening classes, which helps to address non-traditional students and students who must maintain daytime employment. Connecticut College, which originally started as an all-female college, offers pre-professional programs in areas like medicine, law, and business, along with a wide number of certificate based programs. Of course, as with most any state, Connecticut offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery that you can enjoy while you work on your educational degree program. Regardless of which college or university that you choose to attend, there is sure to be a wealth of attractions that will help give you a break between your studies.
When it comes to selecting which college to go to, the first thing you should consider is the state. The location of a college is a hugely important factor to take into account, and needs to be given a lot of thought.
There are numerous colleges scattered throughout all the states, with each offering different programs and having different program lengths and tuition costs. Sorting through all of these universities is practically impossible. Instead, you can simply settle on a single state and choose a college situated there.
One such state is Connecticut. It has 89 different colleges and universities, with many of them located in the densely populated south-western region of the state. There are several famous Ivy League programs available, many of which are world-famous. In addition, several four-year universities of liberal arts identify as Ivy League, not only because of their history and stance in higher education, but also because they are competitive and academically elite. There are many four-year institutions in Connecticut which were founded before the 19th century, which gives this state historical significance as well.
Completing a four-year degree in Connecticut has another added benefit – it is valued highly in the job market. Students graduating from leading four-year colleges in Connecticut have an average earning potential of as much as 88% more than high school graduates, with salaries also being above the national average. Moreover, the Hartford Consortium of Higher Education has a partnership in place with the Connecticut branch of Jobs for America’s Graduates, which supports high school students making the transition to higher education.
To help you know more, we have made a list of the top colleges situated in Connecticut:
1. Yale University
The most popular university in Connecticut, and one of the most renowned worldwide, is Yale University. It was founded in 1701, which makes it the oldest university in Connecticut. It is home to more than 5,000 undergraduate students, who represent not only the 50 states, but also 118 different countries.
Yale follows the motto “Lux et veritas”, which translates to “Light and truth”. Students get instilled into them the practice of questioning, challenging, and discovering, which sees them spend hundreds of hours in the Yale University Library, which contains over 15 million volumes across 15 buildings, placing it third in the list of the largest academic libraries in North America.
Undergraduate students can choose from almost 75 majors, which offer roughly 2,000 courses. Degree programs include astronomy, medicine, public health, and history of science, in addition to the likes of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
Some other degree options include:
Astronomy
Based on quantitative physical science, this course teaches students to observe, describe, and model the universe by applying knowledge of mathematics, physics, and statistical analysis. The courses offered under this program train the students to practice research techniques and quantitative reasoning to solve problems. Graduates of this program go on to study the highest graduate programs in astronomy, astrophysics, or other related fields, before being offered jobs in a range of fields including health care management and the banking and investment industry.
Electrical Engineering
Encompassing disciplines such as signal processing, microelectronics, control systems, photonics, communications, and computer science, this program is one of the most demanding yet popular degree programs offered by Yale. Graduates go on to enter top-notch graduate programs conducting research with broad applications, teach at academic or research institutions, start their own startup company, or complete a professional program of an outside field which can use the engineering knowledge.
Notable alumni of Yale include five U.S. presidents, 19 Supreme Court Justices, 20 Nobel laureates, and 32 Pulitzer Prize winners.
2. Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is one of the most notable liberal colleges in Connecticut. It is located in Middletown, and offers students an open curriculum which gives them time to explore their scholarly passions. It offers students 45 major degree programs and 12 minor degree programs.
The academic exploration at Wesleyan sees minors be part of either a combined, cohesive concentration, or venture into new fields completely unrelated to their majors. This falls in line with Wesleyan’s belief that every student should possess the knowledge and skills needed to inspire, lead, and succeed. First year seminars introduce a wide range of topics, including the likes of Kafka and neuroscience.
Apart from the academics, this Little Ivy campus offers students the chance to join several student-run groups, covering everything from sports to politics to social issues. Wesleyan always encouraged students to think outside the box – it already had a vegetarian club back in the 1830s.
Physics
Wesleyan’s flexible physics program helps students develop competency in topics like quantum theory, classical dynamics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetism and optics, and condensed-matter physics. They do extensive laboratory work in order to observe the physical phenomena discussed in the lectures. Graduates of this degree go on to pursue careers in engineering, research, medicine, law, and education.
Philosophy
Students of this degree program explore the fundamental questions of philosophy – questions like “What is reality?” and “What should we believe?” They study historical courses which focus on philosophical texts, issues related to the mind, knowledge, reasoning and reality, and ethical, cultural, and religious practices and norms. Graduates of this degree go on to pursue careers in philosophy and other related fields.
3. Connecticut College
A private four-year liberal arts college located in New Haven, Connecticut College provides students with real-world experience through undergraduate research work by implementing an open curriculum. It offers 41 major degree programs and 42 minor degree programs, with more than 1,000 courses available across 29 departments. Every class has 18 students on average.
Connecticut College has a student body of 1,900, the majority of whom live on campus. All the students are encouraged to get involved, both in and out of the classroom. Students work with faculty, staff, and administrators to address a variety of issues, including everything from curriculum changes to budget concerns to sustainability efforts. All students sign and follow an honor code which fosters trust, openness, and sets the tone for campus life.
Connecticut College offers every student a funded internship the summer before their senior year, making it one of a select few colleges in the country to do so.
Anthropology
Courses under this degree helps students explore the human condition by examining an astounding range of human experience across time and space. The curriculum incorporates varieties of themes in not only cultural anthropology, but archaeology as well. Graduates go on to enroll in graduate school for anthropology and other related disciplines, as well as pursue careers in human rights, law, business, education, and many other fields.
Chemistry
Students under this degree program enjoy plentiful interactions with their faculty and enjoy research opportunities which are only offered to graduate students elsewhere. In addition, all the faculty members conduct their own research, and allow students to contribute with meaningful participations. Graduates of this degree program go on to study graduate programs in the science disciplines, or professional programs in the health-related fields.
4. Trinity College
Trinity College is the second-oldest college in Connecticut. It is a private liberal arts institution which emphasizes on independent thinking. The college allows around 2,200 students to get enrolled each year, which fills the 100-acre campus with different varieties of culture and community.
Students are offered 39 major degree programs, 27 interdisciplinary minors, and more than 900 courses. Undergraduate students are encouraged to study subjects which truly interest them, and get the most out of them by crafting a personalized degree program. Over 60% of Trinity’s undergraduate students study outside the college campus, pursuing programs available as far away as Barcelona. Around 25% students major in an interdisciplinary field, while 15% undergraduates pursue double majors.
Environmental Science
Perfect for students who are interested in the earth’s environment and our contributions to it, this program enables students to get a firm grasp on the basics needed to describe and understand the behavior of nature and its different systems. Students get a thorough review in subjects like environmental science, geology, biology, and chemistry, followed by a solid background in the relevant nature sciences.
In addition to all the rigorous coursework, students also partake in their own research, and go on fieldtrips to exciting locations in order to learn about different landscapes, new environments, and, more importantly, have fun while doing it.
Neuroscience
This program deals with the nervous system, its components, and functional activities, such as behavior and consciousness. It teaches students to explore questions like “How do nerve cells function?”, “How do they communicate?”, “How do brains work, and how did they evolve?”
This program gives students strong fundamentals in the sciences, and prepares them to direct their studies towards different aspects of neuroscience, such as cellular, molecular, behavioral etc.
5. University of Connecticut (UConn)
A public research university, the University of Connecticut is the flagship university in the UConn system. It started as an agricultural school back in 1881, and consists of 17 schools and colleges today. More than 30,000 students enroll in UConn every year, representing more than 100 countries worldwide.
UConn is located in the rural village of Storrs, and is a vital part of its surrounding community, both demographically and economically. It offers students more than 100 undergraduate majors, which ensure that every student find their desired academic path. Moreover, students can form their own customized study plan, with the only requirement being a number of core courses selected by UConn, which provides “intellectual breadth”.
In addition to its academics, UConn excels in athletics as well. It regularly brings home national titles, attention, and recognition, particularly in Division I basketball.
Civil Engineering
The courses under this degree focuses on preparing students with all the knowledge and skills needed to make significant contributions to the advancement practice, and engineering practice in both the public and private sectors. Graduates go on to work on and improve the technical areas such as infrastructure, transportation and environment.
Journalism
This degree provides professional preparation to students who are looking forward to pursuing careers in journalism. It allows students to improve their writing, interviewing, and research skills. Journalism students regularly produce works of professional quality.
Courses included in this program include history, economics, political science and other liberal arts disciplines. Students are encouraged to gain professional experience before graduation, either through the Co-Operative Education Program, the department’s internship program, or part-time jobs.
In addition to world-class education and facilities, all these universities offer students various scholarships based on their performances in academic, athletic, or other aspects. Some such scholarships include:
Yale Scholarship (Yale University) -
This is a need-based scholarship offered to undergraduate students. It can vary from a few hundred to more than $50,000 per year.
Freeman Asian Scholarship (Wesleyan University) -
This annual scholarship program provides expenses for a four-year bachelor’s degree program for up to eleven exceptionally able Asian students from the following countries and regions:
Japan, the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
The Beinecke Scholarship -
This scholarship program seeks to encourage and enable students to make the most of the opportunities available to them. It awards $4,000 to each scholar immediately prior to joining graduate school, and a further $30,000 while attending graduate school.
Fulbright Scholarship -
One of the most famous scholarship programs in the world, the Fulbright Scholarship provides grants for customized study and research projects, or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. Candidates spend one academic year outside the United States in order to be eligible for this scholarship. It provides grants on the following:
• Round-trip transportation to the host country
• Coverage of room, board, and incidental costs, based on the host country’s cost of living
• Accident and Sickness Health Benefits
The scholarship may also provide grants for the following in some countries:
• Full or partial tuition
• Book and research allowances
• Mid-term enrichment activities
• Language study programs
• Pre-departure and in-country orientations
Marshall Scholarship -
This scholarship program selects up to forty students who have shown excellent academic performances, and grants them the finances to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. It is open only to United States citizens, and requires applicants to meet the following criteria in order to qualify:
• Hold a first degree from an accredited four-year institution in the United States
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.7
This scholarship covers university fees, living expenses, annual book and thesis grant, research grant, travel grant, and transportation costs to and from the United States.
Not only does Connecticut have several world-class institutions, but there are also lots of career opportunities available in the state, making it possible for students to get into the job market right after – and sometimes in the middle of – completing graduation. This gives you yet another reason to go to college in Connecticut.
Some potential career choices available in Connecticut include:
Nursing
This option requires graduation from the medical sciences program. This job is perfect for those who find joy in helping the suffering members of a community get back to full health. The primary duties for Registered Nurses include:
• Coaching and developing effective care coordination for those looking to recover their health
• Promoting self-care
• Assisting patients in identifying risk factors, and advising on ways to change lifestyle to reduce risk
The following background and/or experience need to be met:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program
• 3 – 5 years of clinical experience
• Strong knowledge of major health behavior
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
Systems Engineer
Requiring a degree from an engineering program, this option has the following duties:
• Provide technical support of commercial marketing, business development efforts, and sales
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and internal departments in order to meet customer configuration requirements
• Participate in activities including competitive analysis, technical documents and preparation presentation etc.
The basic qualifications for this position include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
• 3 – 5 years of design experience
• Experience with customers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills
Manufacturing Engineer
Another career option if you have an engineering background, this position requires the following duties:
• Provide technical support, and ensure the completion of components according to blueprint requirements
• Delivery of components to customers in a timely manner
• Ensure thorough and accurate communications with key employees and internal customers
• Create and maintain work instructions
• Adhere to safety, quality, schedule, and cost requirements
Basic qualifications for this career option include:
• Bachelor’s degree in related Engineering field
• Ability to work in fast-paced and changing environments with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Strong knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications
Business Operations Analyst
This career option is a key position among business firms and industries, and requires expertise in business degrees. The basic duties include:
• Utilizing data generated from programs, operations, supply chain, and engineering to improve cost and schedule
• Coordinating with multiple teams
• Meeting business objective achievements
The basic qualifications for this career option are:
• Knowledge of financial management, business planning, applied analytics, and manufacturing operations
• Strong background in business fields
• Strong grasp on operating Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with data mining, analysis tools, and programming languages
• High levels of interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with customers
• Strong decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to operate independently
Environmental Scientist
This career is perfect for those who love nature and look forward to protect and preserve it. It requires education in the environmental sciences background. The basic duties of an Environmental Scientist include:
• Writing and preparing reports, letters, work plans, and memoranda
• Preparing cost estimates
• Managing data (compilation, manipulation, evaluation etc.)
• Conducting alternatives analysis
• Preparing periodic status and program reports
• Installing soil borings and groundwater monitoring wells
• Surveying elevation
• Inspecting sites
• Sampling soil and groundwater
• Characterizing soil
The required qualifications for this career option include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Geology, or any other related field
• 2 years of experience
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent written communication skills for technical writing responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal skills for cohesion with staff
Marketing Analyst
This career option requires you to work with sales and marketing in order to plan, develop and implement strategic and tactical sales initiatives. Basic duties include:
• Determine sales potentials by conducting analysis based on opportunities within the market place
• Assess new markets and identify the potential to keep the company at the top of the market
• Develop and maintain industry overviews for strategic and tactical direction
• Review customer contracts to ensure that contractual terms are being met
• Provide suggestions for developing the marketing policies and procedures
• Monitor sales and market plans
• Represent the company on industry and local marketing committees
Requirements for this option are:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or other related fields
• Five years of related experience
• Expertise in sales and marketing knowledge as well as in analysis methods and project management
• Ability to work in a team-environment
• Decision-making abilities
• Working knowledge of business concepts
• Strong communication, presentation, and computer skills
All in all, Connecticut is a great place to go to college to. You can get education of the highest quality from the many top-class institutions located here. Moreover, there are plenty of scholarships on offer to help you get through your education. Furthermore, lots of career opportunities are here at your disposal. All these factors combined makes choosing Connecticut to go to college a no-brainer.