Is an Open Degree Worth It? (In-Depth Guide)

An open degree allows students to create their own program of study by combining courses from different disciplines.

As college costs continue rising, open degrees seem an affordable and flexible alternative to traditional degrees.

But are they worth it?

What is an Open Degree?

An open degree, sometimes called a self-designed, flexible, or multidisciplinary degree, allows students to design their own program of study from available courses rather than following a prescribed curriculum.

Students select courses from various departments to create a unique degree tailored to their interests and goals.

This freedom and flexibility distinguish open degrees from traditional majors with a fixed sequence of required classes.

Benefits

Open degrees offer several potential advantages:

• Affordability – Students only pay for the courses in their self-designed major, which may cost less than a traditional degree requiring extra, unrelated credits.
• Relevance – Students can choose courses directly applicable to their desired career instead of general education requirements.
• Flexibility – Self-designed degrees accommodate diverse interests and non-linear career paths. Students can also change their focus if interests evolve.
• Customization – Students craft a unique academic program matching their passions and goals.

Considerations

However, open degrees have some downsides to weigh:

• Most open degrees still require completing general education prerequisites in communications, math, sciences, etc. Students don’t bypass these fully.
• Designing your own coherent and rigorous curriculum requires considerable forethought and planning. Advisors can help, but the process remains challenging.
• Open degrees may not provide enough structure or guidance for some students.
• Custom degrees can pose issues with graduate school or employer recognition. Proper advising and planning help mitigate this concern.

So do the pros outweigh the cons? The answer depends on your personal factors.

Is an Open Degree Right for You? Key Questions to Ask

An open degree offers exceptional freedom but requires serious self-assessment. Before committing, ask yourself these key questions:

What Are My Career Goals?

Your career ambitions should drive your decision.

Determine your dream job or field first, then decide if an open degree supports this aim.

Can you still take necessary prerequisites for graduate school or professional certification? Will employers understand your custom degree? A clear career focus helps ensure your program meets external requirements.

What Are My Academic Strengths and Interests?

Maximize existing strengths instead of improving weaknesses. Play to your intellectual passions.

An open degree built around things you enjoy and excel at already is more engaging and meaningful.

How Self-Directed Am I?

Open degrees need discipline and organization. Review your time management and planning abilities honestly.

If you procrastinate or struggle with independent work, an open degree may prove frustrating.

Additional advising can help guide those needing more structure.

What Courses Are Actually Available?

Research course offerings across all departments related to your interests. Do enough relevant options exist to craft your ideal curriculum? Pay attention to prerequisites and enrollment limits too.

Does My School Offer an Open Degree?

While most schools have some process for student-designed majors, programs vary widely in flexibility and formality.

Study all policies and procedures to understand requirements and timelines before developing your plan.

With clear career ambitions, honest self-reflection, and informed planning, an open degree can prove rewarding for self-motivated students.

Still unsure? Consider exploring open degree options before fully committing.

The Exploratory Approach: Testing an Open Degree

If the full open degree seems daunting, start smaller to test the waters first.

Many schools now offer exploratory degrees with elements of customization.

What is an Exploratory Degree?

Exploratory programs feature curriculum flexibility focused on career experimentation rather than a single, student-designed major.

Students sample courses from multiple departments to clarify interests before selecting a major.Common examples include:

• Bachelor of General Studies
• Liberal Studies Degrees
• Interdisciplinary Degrees
• Multidisciplinary Studies Degrees
• Individualized Study Degrees

While details vary between schools, these programs share an emphasis on academic exploration.

Students complete some general education requirements and core courses in three or more disciplines of interest instead of following one set major.

Benefits of Exploratory Degrees

Ideal for undecided students, exploratory programs offer:

• Exposure to diverse subjects to help identify interests
• Flexibility to change focus without starting degree over
• Chance to clarify career goals before picking a major
• Customizable curriculum within the exploratory framework
• Frequently less intensive coursework than a full open degree

By trying different areas first, students can discover their passion before constructing a tailored degree plan.

Things to Consider

However, exploratory degrees have some limitations to consider as well:

• Typically need to choose a major eventually to graduate
• May need longer to graduate without a focused course sequence
• Limited flexibility compared to a full open degree
• Possibly less rigorous than a traditional major
• Customization only within 2-3 chosen disciplines

Getting stuck in academic limbo without picking a major is the biggest risk.

Make sure your school requires declaring a focus eventually.

With the right student, exploratory programs offer an intelligent first step towards an open degree.

The mix of flexibility and structure suits indecisive students wanting to test different fields.

Just beware academic paralysis without eventually picking a direction!

Designing Your Open Degree Curriculum

If an open degree still excites you after assessing your motivations and options, the real work begins: crafting your custom curriculum.Follow this step-by-step process to design a high-quality, coherent degree plan:

Step 1: Define Your Degree Goals and Outcomes

What skills should your classes teach? What concepts must students master? Outline the competencies and knowledge required for your ideal job. These goals guide course selection and identify gaps.

Step 2: Research Relevant Courses in Different Disciplines

Brainstorm topics and departments matching your objectives. Logically group related classes. Do they still advance your defined goals? Weed out interesting but distracting options.

Step 3: Map Out Potential Course Combinations and Sequences

Draft multiple degree plans from your pool of classes. Aim for depth in 1-2 related disciplines plus breadth from supporting fields. Make sure prerequisites and class availability allow your desired order.

Step 4: Ensure Overall Coherence and Rigor

Review drafts with faculty advisors to validate coherence, breadth, and academic rigor. Revise any disjointed or weak areas based on expert feedback.

Step 5: Finalize Your Curriculum

Choose your best degree plan meeting both your goals and advisor-recommended improvements. Submit final curriculum for required institutional approval.

Step 6: Enroll in Classes and Revisit Plans as Needed

Commence your studies! As you take classes, reevaluate interests and career plans each term.

Adjust degree plans if necessary to stay on track.With thoughtful construction and expert guidance, you can build an open degree offering exceptional personalization while still demonstrating academic rigor.

Graduation and Beyond: Ensuring Your Degree Succeeds

You designed a purposeful, customized curriculum and earned your unique diploma. Congratulations!

But an open degree only proves worthwhile if accepted by graduate programs and employers.Consider these strategies to boost external credibility:

Validate Skills and Knowledge Through Testing

Relevant certification exams, skill assessments, or subject area tests reinforce you still gained necessary competencies with a non-standard degree.

Highlight these measurable achievements.

Complete an Internship or Practical Project

Applied experience demonstrates you can perform essential job duties. Internships also expand professional networks.

Obtain Solid References From Faculty and Supervisors

Respected mentors advocating for your abilities helps convince skeptical graduate committees or employers.

Prepare a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio with writing samples, completed projects, certification scores, and other work products proves your capabilities.

Explain the Open Degree Clearly on Your Resume

Articulate your customized focus, applicable coursework, and career relevance in resumes and interviews. Confidently stand behind your choice!

While initially met with some doubt, a well-constructed open degree supported by proof of learning often wins over critics.

By aligning studies directly with your goals and validating skills in demonstrable ways, an open degree can prove more beneficial than a traditional education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still evaluating if an open degree fits your needs? Review these common questions for further insights.

Can I finish an open degree faster than a traditional degree?

Possibly, although most schools still require completing all general education courses plus minimum total credits for graduation.

But tailoring all upper division electives directly to your major without unrelated requirements may allow finishing more efficiently.

Is an open degree cheaper than a traditional degree?

Potentially yes, since you only pay for applicable classes instead of additional credits dictated by your major.

Just ensure you still meet minimum credit requirements for federal financial aid if needed.

Are open degrees considered real college degrees?

Absolutely – as long as properly accredited by recognized educational bodies. Employer acceptance depends more on the institution’s reputation than the degree type. Regional public schools generally prove most credible.

Can I still go to graduate school with an open degree?

Yes, with careful planning. Ensure undergrad courses meet all graduate admissions prerequisites in your field.

Your customized focus may require explaining but solid academics from an accredited school still carry weight in applications.

Don’t professors dislike teaching open degree students?

Quality faculty appreciate intellectual engagement and diverse perspectives.

Passionate self-directed learners choosing their own educational path based on genuine interest tend to excel academically, which most professors enjoy supporting.

Aren’t open degrees just an excuse for students to avoid hard classes?

While this stigma unfortunately persists in some academic circles, legitimate open degrees require equivalent academic rigor to traditional bachelor’s degrees, even if achieved through nontraditional combinations of credited coursework.

Serious students use open degrees to customize studies, not circumvent difficulty.

In Conclusion: An Open Degree Can Prove Worthwhile

The merits of pursuing an open undergraduate degree depend almost entirely on the student.

For intellectually curious, self-motivated learners with clear career ambitions, customizing their own rigorous course of study tailored precisely to personal and professional goals offers remarkable flexibility and value compared to traditional education.

However, for unfocused or externally-motivated students, the extreme freedom of an open degree may prove overwhelming.

As with most things, the key lies in understanding yourself first before deciding if an open degree meets your needs.

With the right mindset, motivations and institutional support, an open degree unlocks exceptional potential for enterprising students to chart their own academic journey.