Non-traditional approaches to higher education are becoming more popular among college students. 

N.C. State has not been a stranger to this phenomenon. Among these alternative college pathways is the Cooperative Extension Program, which typically elongates a student’s college career by two or three semesters. It’s purpose is to provide students with valuable job experience before graduation since the 1960s, according to Susan Matney, associate director of the Career Development Center. 

Traditionally, college has been presented as an option for the four years immediately following high school. However, more students are now attending universities later in life, attending several institutions, signing up for online courses through Coursera or edX or simply taking a year off in between semesters, according to an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Despite prolonging graduation, Trey Moore, a sophomore in computer science, said co-op was something he was interested in. Moore recently accepted a position at PerkinElmer, a biotechnology company that specializes in areas of human and environmental health, including environmental analysis, food and consumer product safety.

“Why not delay graduation to get that extra experience in?” Moore said.

Matney said that although the program doesn’t fit into the traditional four-year plan, students who participated in co-ops tend to have an advantage compared to other graduates.

“It’s part of the mission of the University to provide students with the skills they need after graduation,” Matney said.

Other students have found themselves veering from the four-year track for various reasons.

For Cameron Jetton, a senior in economics, the decision to take time off from his undergraduate degree stemmed from financial reasons. After landing a job at Pergo Factory Outlet, a hardwood flooring manufacturer, Jetton sought to gain financial independence before returning to his college career.

Jetton said he opted to attend N.C. State when the time came to return to his education. He started as a transfer student and attended orientation with other future transfer students.

“Orientation was pretty helpful,” Jetton said. “It’s kind of nice because you’re hanging out with people who are in the same boat as you.”

After some setbacks during the move-in process, Jetton said his transition back into college life was pretty smooth.  He said he’s happy with his decision to pursue higher education atypically. 

Emily Stover DeRocco, who was the assistant secretary of labor for employment and training during the George W. Bush administration, told The Chronicle of Higher Education that the large amount of choices students have in higher education are like an “educational buffet.” 

According to the article, some students can benefit from the non-standard pathway through college. For example, students could take a Massive Open Online Course, study abroad or take an apprenticeship or internship, all while collecting the results of their learning into an electronic portfolio. Students could then show this portfolio to employers at the end of their higher education journeys. 

“There are a huge number of options now for learning.” DeRocco told The Chronicle of Higher Education. “The nature of the workplace and occupations is changing so dramatically that thinking of college as one place, one time, is quickly becoming outdated.”