Overview

Estimated Time: 2 Class Periods
Unit: College In Focus
Lesson: 2.3
Theme: Programs of Study

Students explore how college and university programs of study connect to future careers. Using online college search tools, students identify Indiana institutions that offer programs related to their career interests, then compare those institutions based on location, cost of attendance, and personal preference. Through research and comparison, students begin identifying colleges that may be a good fit for their future educational and career goals.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Identify colleges and universities that offer programs related to their career interests.
Compare postsecondary institutions based on distance, cost of attendance, and program availability.
Evaluate how different colleges align with their educational and career goals.
Select a college that best fits their career interests using multiple comparison factors.

Indiana Standards

PCC-1.3 – Explore personal interests, strengths, skills, and values that influence career choices.

PCC-2.1 – Identify and describe personal skills and employability skills that contribute to workplace success.

PCC-2.3 – Investigate how workplace skills apply across different careers and industries.

PCC-2.4 – Explain the relationship between education, training, and career opportunities.

PCC-3.1 – Explore a variety of postsecondary education and training opportunities.

PCC-3.2 – Identify factors to consider when selecting a postsecondary institution or training program.

PCC-3.3 – Compare postsecondary education and training options based on career goals.

PCC-3.4 – Evaluate postsecondary options using personal interests, career goals, and financial considerations.

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.2 – Develop and maintain a personal career portfolio.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
"Three Types of Institutions" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "College Comparisons" sheet.
Prepare the Whole Picture introductory activity.
Verify student access to the Learn More Indiana College Finder, Indiana College Map, and college websites.
Review how students can search for college programs of study, determine cost of attendance, and compare institutions by distance and affordability.
Be prepared to assist students in identifying college majors that align with their career interests.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Whole Picture Activity)
Mini Lesson: Finding Programs of Study
College Research and Comparisons
Ranking Colleges by Distance and Cost of Attendance
Reflection and Class Discussion

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"College Comparisons" sheet
Ranked list of colleges based on career interest, distance, and cost of attendance
Identification of a top college choice

These artifacts become part of each student's Portfolio in Unit 3.

External Resources

Learn More Indiana – College Finder
Learn More Indiana – Indiana College Map
Official college and university websites

Teacher Tips

Encourage students to keep an open mind as they research colleges and universities. A student's first-choice school may not offer the program they need or may not be the best fit when factors such as distance and cost of attendance are considered. Help students understand that selecting a college involves balancing multiple considerations, including academic programs, affordability, location, and personal goals. Reinforce that this activity is about making informed comparisons rather than finding one universally "best" college.

Portfolio Connection

At the conclusion of this lesson, students should have:

Completed the "College Comparisons" sheet.
Identified colleges and universities that offer programs related to their career interests.
Compared institutions based on program availability, distance, and cost of attendance.
Selected a college that best aligns with their educational and career goals using multiple comparison factors.

Lesson 2.3 - Programs of Study Snapshot & Resources