Career Planning: Choose Your Path

Explore Majors and How They Align With Careers

Picking a major is a big decision—and it should be more than just a guess based on what sounds cool or familiar. The right major sets you up for the career you want, while the wrong one can lead you down a path that doesn’t match your goals.

Here’s why it matters:
Imagine you’re obsessed with crime shows and decide to become a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). You might think Criminal Justice is the right major—but CSIs are scientists, not detectives. They study biology, chemistry, and physics—not law enforcement. The correct major? Forensic Science.
It’s a common mistake, and it shows why doing your research is so important.

Tips for Researching Majors

🔍 Start with your career goal.
Think about the job you want, then work backward to find out what degree employers expect for that role.

📚 Look at course requirements.
Check the curriculum for each major. Does it include the skills and knowledge your future career demands?

💼 Use career exploration tools.
Websites like “What Can I Do With a Major In…?” help you see how different majors connect to real jobs.

👥 Talk to advisors and professionals.
Academic advisors, career counselors, and people working in your field can offer valuable insights.

🎯 Don’t rely on assumptions.
TV shows, pop culture, friends, and family often misrepresent careers. Always verify with reliable sources.

Helpful Resources

• DSC Career Pathways Guide – See how Daytona State College majors lead to careers.
• DSC Career Services - Career Exploration - Majors  – Get personalized guidance and tools.
• How to Match Your Career Choice with a College Degree– Learn how to align your interests with the right major.
• University of California - Berkeley - What Can I Do With A Major In...? – Explore career options by major.
• University of North Carolina - Charlotte - WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN? (WCIDWAMI) – Discover what each major can lead to.

Discover Colleges with Confidence

Researching colleges can feel overwhelming—but you’ve got powerful tools at your fingertips. One of the best? The College Blue Books, available at both the Daytona and DeLand DSC Library campuses. These reference guides are packed with detailed info to help you explore thousands of colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada.

Whether you're comparing tuition costs, checking out degree programs, or looking into scholarships, the Blue Books give you the full picture. And if you’re not sure where to start, our friendly librarians are always here to help!

What’s Inside the Blue Books?

Each volume focuses on a different aspect of college research:

• Volumes 1–2: Narrative Descriptions & Tabular Data -Profiles of over 4,100 institutions with info on admissions, tuition, enrollment, facilities, and more.
• Volume 3: Degrees Offered by College and Subject - Find out which schools offer the programs you're interested in—sorted by institution and subject.
• Volume 4: Occupational Education - Explore nearly 6,400 schools offering career-focused training, including costs, faculty, and curriculum.
• Volume 5: Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants & Loans - Search over 6,000 financial aid sources with details on eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
• Volume 6: Distance Learning - Learn about nearly 1,000 institutions offering online and hybrid programs

Research Smarter: Tips for Exploring Colleges

🔍 Use multiple sources.
Don’t rely on one website—compare info across tools like the Blue Books and Florida Shines.

📊 Focus on what matters to you.
Look at majors offered, campus life, cost, location, and career outcomes.

📚 Ask for help.
Librarians and career advisors can guide you to the right resources and help interpret the data.

🧭 Think long-term.
Choose schools that align with your academic interests and your career goals.

🎓 Navigating College Catalogs 

Choosing a college major is a big decision—and your college’s course catalog is one of the most powerful tools to help you make it. Whether you're exploring majors or planning your academic path, understanding how to use course catalogs can set you up for success.

📘 What Is a College Course Catalog?

A college course catalog is your academic guidebook and roadmap It typically includes:

• ✅ Course descriptions and prerequisites
• ✅ Degree and graduation requirements
• ✅ Academic policies and procedures
• ✅ Campus life and student support services
• ✅ Tuition and fee information
• ✅ Housing, dining, and extracurricular offerings
• ✅ Faculty qualifications

Think of it as your guide to everything your college offers academically.

❓ Tips for Comparing Course Catalogs

Here’s how to make the most of your catalog research:

1. Focus on Major Requirements
   Compare the number of credits, types of courses, and capstone or internship requirements for the same major at different schools.

2. Look at Elective Options
   Some schools offer more flexibility or unique electives that align with your interests.

3. Check for Career-Ready Features
   Look for programs with built-in certifications, hands-on labs, or industry partnerships.

4. Review Faculty Bios
   Faculty expertise can shape your learning experience—check their backgrounds and research areas.

5. Compare Support Services
   See what each college offers in terms of tutoring, advising, mental health, and career development.

6. Understand Financial Details
   Review tuition, fees, and any special program costs (e.g., lab fees, study abroad).

7. Explore Campus Life
   Catalogs often include info on housing, dining, clubs, and student organizations.

📚 Tips for Finding College Course Catalogs

1. Start with the College Website

• Go to the official website of the college you're interested in.
• Look for sections labeled “Academics,” “Registrar,” “Course Catalog,” or “Bulletin.”
• Use the search bar on the site with keywords like “course catalog” or “academic programs.”

2. Use College Search Platforms

• Websites like College Board or Peterson’s often link directly to course catalogs or academic program pages.

3. Contact Admissions Representatives

• Check for campus visits to your school and ask for help locating the catalog. They often have handouts with the information.

4. Explore Academic Advising Pages

• Many colleges have advising centers that link to catalogs and planning tools.
• These pages may also include sample degree plans and course sequences.

7. Search for “College Name + Course Catalog” on Google

• A quick search, such as “University of Florida course catalog,” can lead you directly to the right page.

8. Compare Multiple Catalogs

• Review catalogs from various colleges to compare the range of majors offered.
• Pay attention to course offerings, required credits, and unique program features.

9. Look for More Than Just Courses

Catalogs often include:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing and dining options
• Student services (e.g., counseling, tutoring)
• Campus policies and academic calendars

10. Bookmark or Download for Easy Access

• Save the catalog for future reference as you plan your academic journey.

🔮 How Course Catalogs Support Your Career Development

Using course catalogs can help you:

• Align your academic choices with career goals
• Identify internship and research opportunities
• Prepare for graduate school or professional certifications
• Explore study abroad and transfer credit options
• Understand how your chosen major fits into the job market, including how majors align with specific careers

Your Education, Your Way: Degrees & Certificates Explained

Whether you're planning to transfer to a university, launch a career, or level up your skills, there’s a credential that fits your goals. From short-term certificates to advanced degrees, here’s a breakdown of your options—and what each one can do for you. Degrees are more than just titles—they’re stepping stones to your future. Whether you're just starting out or planning to specialize, understanding the levels of academic degrees can help you choose the right path for your goals.

Let’s break it down:

🛠️ Vocational Certificates

Duration: A few months to 1 year
Perfect for: Quick entry into the workforce or upgrading specific job skills
Focus: Hands-on training in fields like healthcare, IT, automotive, culinary arts, and more
Bonus: Many programs lead to industry certifications and are stackable toward a degree!

🎓 Associate Degree

Duration: ~2 years
Perfect for: Getting started! Whether you're aiming for a career or planning to transfer to a 4-year college, this degree builds foundational skills.
Types:

• AA (Associate of Arts): Great for liberal arts and transfer programs
• AS (Associate of Science): Focused on technical or scientific fields

🎓 Bachelor’s Degree

Duration: ~4 years
Perfect for: A deeper dive into your chosen field, with broad knowledge and career flexibility.
Types:

• BA (Bachelor of Arts): Humanities, social sciences, arts
• BS (Bachelor of Science): STEM fields like engineering, biology, and computer science

🎓 Master’s Degree

Duration: 1–2 years after a bachelor’s
Perfect for: Specializing in your field or advancing your career. Often includes a thesis or capstone project.
Types:

• MA (Master of Arts)
• MS (Master of Science)
• MBA (Master of Business Administration)

🎓 Doctoral Degree

Duration: 3–6+ years after a bachelor’s or master’s
Perfect for: Becoming an expert, conducting original research, or entering high-level professional roles.
Types:

• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Research-focused, ideal for academia or advanced research
• Professional Doctorates:
  • MD (Doctor of Medicine) for physicians
  • JD (Juris Doctor) for lawyers

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Degree Path

✅ Know your career goals. Some jobs require specific degrees—do your research early.
✅ Think long-term. Will you need a graduate degree later? Start planning now.
✅ Talk to advisors. They can help you map out your academic journey.
✅ Explore programs. Look at course offerings, internships, and career outcomes.

Need Further Assistance Selecting a Major?

Daytona State College Academic Advising Department

Daytona State College Career Services 

🚀 What Is Entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is all about turning ideas into action. Entrepreneurs are the creators, builders, and risk-takers who launch businesses, develop products, and offer services that solve problems or meet needs. Whether it’s a tech startup, a local bakery, a YouTube channel, or a freelance hustle—entrepreneurs make things happen.

They don’t just dream big—they do big.

👤 Who Can Be an Entrepreneur?

Anyone with drive, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Entrepreneurs come in all forms:

• Small business owners
• Content creators
• Innovators and inventors
• Freelancers and consultants
• Startup founders

If you’ve ever had an idea and thought, “I could build something from this,” you’re already thinking like an entrepreneur.

💡 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs often share a few key qualities:

• 🔓 Love freedom & flexibility
• 🧠 Think creatively
• 🎯 Set ambitious goals
• 💪 Take initiative
• 🛠️ Solve problems
• 💼 Understand basic finance
• 🚫 Aren’t afraid to fail—they learn from it

Ready to Explore Entrepreneurship?

Whether you're curious about starting your own business or just want to build entrepreneurial skills, there are plenty of ways to get started. Want help finding courses, programs, or resources to support your journey?

Resources To Learn More About Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur: What It Means to Be One and How to Get Started 

What is entrepreneurship? Stanford Online

What is Entrepreneurship? Center for American Entrepreneurship

U.S. Small Business Administration

Florida Shines - Search Institutional Profiles

This site offers a comprehensive set of tools and information for students, educators, and advisors across Florida. Here's an overview of the types of information you can find there:

🔍 Institution Profiles

Each public college and university in Florida has a detailed profile that includes:

• Campus locations (including branch campuses)
• Institution type (e.g., public college, university)
• Degrees offered (Associate, Bachelor's, Certificates)
• Enrollment numbers
• Estimated annual costs
• Campus setting (city, town, rural)
• Housing options
• Academic pathways and program highlights 1

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📚 Course and Program Catalog

Managed by the Distance Learning & Student Services (DLSS) division, the catalog includes:

• All programs and certificates offered by Florida’s public colleges and universities
• Career and technical education options
• Online courses with filters for delivery method, cost, and availability
• Transient Student Admissions Application (TSAA) for students taking courses at other institutions
• Common Prerequisites Manual outlining required courses for degree programs 2

🧭 Advising and Planning Tools

Through FloridaShines, students can:

• Explore career objectives
• Track high school and college progress
• Access transcripts and grades
• Apply to colleges online
• Choose majors and plan for graduation
• Complete transient forms for cross-institutional enrollment 3

📱 Additional Features

• Mobile access via the FloridaShines app
• College 101 webinars for students and parents
• Instructional Designer Network for professional development
• Textbook affordability initiatives 2

Sources-Citations:

1 Search Institution Profiles - FloridaShines - FLVC 

2  We Are IT | FLVC Distance Learning & Student Services

3  FloridaShines | Advising Services | Valencia College