Tweet

Why did you go to college? The answer to this question varies from person to person.

Some see college as a way to continue competing in a sport; others wish to extend their knowledge and broaden their horizons.

In the end, however, the main reason people go to college is to get a degree in a field of study that will eventually lead them to a better job.

When working toward a degree, class work typically revolves around the subject the student is studying.

Business majors take classes in management, accounting, marketing, economics, etc. Art majors will take different types of classes that involve various ways of creating art.

What happens when students get bored with their typical classes or decide they want to broaden their horizons? For some the answer is when a student may elect to take a class outside of their field of study.

Danika Ruggieri, a senior art major, decided this semester that she was growing bored of her coursework and decided to take a foods and nutrition class.

“Last year I was diagnosed with celiac disease, and this past semester I started working out more,” Ruggieri said. “These changes made me want to take a nutrition class. I wanted to learn more about eating and living a healthier life.”

To her, the class is not of extreme importance. The class ranks at the bottom of her priority list, but she has enjoyed what she has learned thus far.

“I have learned some tips about living a healthier lifestyle and have already started to use them in my daily life.” Ruggieri said.

Sarah Winslow, a sophomore pre-nursing major, took the opportunity to explore her faith this semester with a faith and theology class.

“I became involved in campus fellowship,” Winslow said. “I am kind of at the point in my life where I believe that it is interesting to have a different perspective on (faith).”

When it comes to the amount of effort she puts into the class compared to her major classes, she said she puts about the same effort into the theology course.

Keaton Schlatter, a senior double-majoring in marketing and sport management, is taking guitar lessons.

Schlatter said that as a kid he had always wanted to play guitar. However, it wasn’t until his last semester of college that he got the opportunity to learn.

“It kind of worked out that I needed one credit this semester to be full-time and guitar was one credit, so I thought might as well,” Schlatter said.

To anyone thinking of taking a class outside of his or her major, the overwhelming answer is to go right ahead and sign up.

“Yeah, go for it,” Ruggieri said. “What is the worse that could happen? You might not get the best grade, but you’ll most likely learn things you may never get the chance to learn again.”

Winslow agreed this new experience can be beneficial for students. Taking a course outside of your major could even reduce pressure from your normal work.

“Personally, yes I think that being able to take a class outside of your scope especially if it is something you enjoy it is really interesting to get engaged and not stress about your major,” Winslow said. “I really recommend it.”

Schlatter also had some words of encouragement for someone interested in an extra course outside of your comfort zone. This experience could introduce you to new people.

“Go for it, it makes you a well-rounded person and allows you to connect to a lot of different people,” Schlatter said. “Music is something you can do the rest of your life, especially if you want to do something like that. So it’s really a good idea if you’re thinking music.”