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Surfing College Websites for Academic Info

College websites provide a wealth of academic information—if you know how to use them. When you land on a college Home page, there may be a link designed especially for you, the prospective student. While this link can lead to useful information, it's not the best route to take if you want details about a specific major.

Instead, look for a link called Academics, Degree Programs, Courses of Study, or something similar. Hint: if you don't see any of these links on the Home page, try clicking on Current Students.

From there, you should be able to travel in at least two directions. You can browse the catalog or visit departments online.

Academic Catalogs

If you follow a link to the school's academic catalog, you will probably be taken to a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Academic catalogs lay down the law when it comes to earning a degree. They spell out the course requirements for each major and include short descriptions of required courses, as well as frequently offered electives.

Department Web Pages

In addition to reading the college catalog, you can visit the Web pages of departments offering academic degree programs of interest to you. Sneak a peek at your college workload. Departments often include degree requirements online, as well, but they also offer much more.

Here's the place to read about faculty members, their teaching and research interests, and their academic and professional backgrounds. Some departments even give profs their own Web pages where they can post everything from course syllabi to pictures of their dogs. If you like what you see, consider sending an email with questions, especially if the professor is also a department head or advisor. Remember, though, that she may not have time to respond quickly

Like academic catalogs, department Web pages usually list the courses they offer. Their descriptions are often much more detailed, however. Some even post up-to-date syllabi and student projects. A course syllabus outlines course objectives, as well as the professor's expectations of her students. You'll also find a schedule of tests, reading assignments, and paper due dates. There's no better way to sneak a peek at your college workload.

The Social Scene

Another browsing bonus: if the department's Web pages are well done, you'll be able to form a clear picture of the department's culture. Look for a schedule of special events, such as poetry readings, scientific lectures, political debates, and language discussion groups. If the department sponsors a club or honor society for majors, this group may have its own Web page.

Getting There

Taking a virtual tour of college academic life is easy.