Top-notch academics are a University trademark. Distinctive programs, rigorous course work, intellectually challenging subjects, hands-on experiential education opportunities, rewarding professional-preparation experiences, and research opportunities define academics at Michigan Tech. As your student transitions from high school to college, the academic adjustment is a major part of the new student experience. Many new students do not realize that college courses are much more demanding than high school classes, and often underestimate the time and effort needed to achieve the grades they want. For students who excelled academically in high school without studying, this change can be quite overwhelming.
Before the start of the semester, be sure to discuss with your student the adjustments they anticipate making to their academic habits for college. Suggest these tips on how to be successful at Michigan Tech. Some of the major differences between high school and college academics include the following:
- Less regular schedule, sometimes with long breaks between classes and varying commitments depending upon the day of the week
- Less frequent instructor-student contact and individualized attention, unless initiated by the student
- Few (if any) reminders about assignment due dates and upcoming exam dates; the student is responsible for using the class syllabus to keep track of important dates
- Faster pace at which material is covered
- Less review of material, unless student asks questions
- Increased amount of homework and class preparation, especially reading
- Students are required to study material on their own before it is covered in class
- Infrequent testing that covers large amounts of course material (e.g., in some courses there will only be one midterm exam and one final exam for the 14-week semester)
- More focus placed on conceptual comprehension, application of material, understanding relationships among material, and integration of previously learned material, not merely rote memorization of facts and formulas
- High level of critical thinking skills necessary to be successful
- It is the student’s responsibility to seek additional assistance if needed
Michigan Tech academics include two main components: the curriculum required for the major program of study and the general education curriculum. General education courses must be completed by all Michigan Tech students and include the following:
- Four core courses: Perspectives on Inquiry, World Cultures, Composition, and Institutions
- Humanities, Arts, and Social Science (HASS) courses
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses
- Cocurricular activities courses
In addition to their major course work, students may also pursue a variety of academic minors and certificates.