Choosing a career path is challenging, especially right after high school. While many are familiar with the more common degree programs like social sciences, history, engineering, psychology, communications, and education, there are also some more unusual offerings out there. This article explores seven unique learning opportunities that have inspired students to approach their education in a whole new way.
1. Semester-A-Trail course at Emory & Henry
Take a class that teaches you to brave the elements on the Appalachian Trail.
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Emory & Henry College offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Along with learning important skills and facing the elements on this iconic trail, students are provided with a backpacking kit and must complete a wilderness first aid course. The trail offers two options: a section hike covering 470 miles from Springer Mountain to Damascus, or a thru-hike spanning the entire 2,190 miles. Find out more about the Semester-A-Trail program here.
2. Minor in fermentation sciences at Maryville College
Maryville College in East Tennessee offers a minor in fermentation sciences. This program requires 21 hours of study, covering chemistry and microbiology, fermentation classes, and hospitality. The focus is on brewing beer, but students also learn about distillation and food preservation concepts. Local craft breweries partner with the school to provide hands-on experience for students. Discover more about fermentation sciences here.
3. Student-led course on storytelling through Taylor Swift songs at Stanford

Learn about the power of Taylor Swift.
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Stanford University offers a student-led course on storytelling using Taylor Swift songs. The course, titled “The Last Great American Songwriter: Storytelling with Taylor Swift Through the Eras,” explores the narrative power of music and invites students to discuss songwriting and musical art forms. For more information about the Swift’s Storytelling course here.
4. Cow-to-Cone ice cream short course at Penn State

You’ll want to go back to college just to take this ice cream course.
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Penn State offers a short course on the production cycle of ice cream. This seven-day program includes workshops on ice cream production technology, flavoring science, and more. The course, now in its 128th year, has attracted over 4,400 participants from around the world. Learn more about the Cow-to-Cone Ice Cream Course here.
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5. Rockets and Instrumentation — University of Washington
The Rockets and Instrumentation course at the University of Washington is a hands-on class that guides students through the process of building a rocket, including its telemetry system and payload. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge to launch their own rockets. Find out more about Rockets and Instrumentation here.
6. Street-Fighting Mathematics
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers Street-Fighting Mathematics, a math course that teaches students how to guess results and solve problems using math. Techniques covered in the course include extreme-cases reasoning, dimensional analysis, and pictorial analysis. Discover more about Street-Fighting Mathematics here.
7. The Art of Walking
Centre College in Danville, Kentucky offers The Art of Walking course as part of their study abroad curriculum. This course allows students to earn credit while exploring interesting and historic places on foot. Lessons focus on the connection between a slower pace and the natural beauty and art around them. Learn more about The Art of Walking here.
Read the original article on Livability.