<p>I’ve heard that civil engineering, physics, chemistry, english and biology are basically the same no matter where you go. Is that true? Are there any others like that?</p>
<p>absolutly not. You think physics at MIT is gonna be the same as physics at old miss? Not that old miss is a bad school, it’s just no MIT. </p>
<p>Schools have reps for a reason.</p>
<p>In very general terms, most programs are similar at most colleges and universities. If they weren’t you wouldn’t be able to transfer credits from one place to another. Another factor, is that certain programs are designed to prepare students for state or national licensing exams. If too many graduates would fail these exams, the faculty would have to redesign their program - and no one wants to have to do that! Not to mention that in some fields of study, there is a generally accepted “canon” or set of literature/knowledge that students are expected to manage in order to claim that they know the subject.</p>
<p>Now, all of that said, there are differences between institutions. Some have worked for generations to create reputations in specific fields, and thus can draw the very best students and faculty members. Others are open enrollment (like your local community college) and exist to give everyone who wants to try college, the change to do just that. Some specialize in the sciences, others in liberal arts, others in performing/creative arts. Some do their best to offer pretty much everything (like a state flagship U). </p>
<p>You can get a great education at just about any college/university in the country because most of what you get out of your classes is up to you.</p>
<p>happymomof1 is right that in a lot of schools the same courses will be required because they are requisite for a professional career in that field. However, the difference between a biology class in one school as compared to another can be immense. Not just in the depth and but also the breadth of topics explored. The differences become even more profound when you get to the advanced coursework which often depends on the specific areas of expertise of the faculty at that school.</p>