The EEIC also can point you to a suitable college or program of study. If you have been out of school for several years and are unsure of your goals, you may want to start with a noncredit, special interest course. Once you feel more comfortable in the classroom, you may register for credit courses. The length of a more formal college program depends on the degree you seek. A certificate degree program usually takes one year.
Many students choose one or two courses rather than a full program.
If you choose part-time study during the evenings, classes may be longer in length, but they usually meet only once a week, allowing you time for other courses or obligations. You are not required to work toward a degree. Noncredit, continuing education courses are usually taken one at a time and change each semester. The number of courses you take is a personal decision, depending on your time, finances and family responsibilities. School advisors can help you plan your course load.