Undersatnding Higher Education in the USA
Higher education in USA lures students from all parts of the world. It takes a lot of preparation to get into any one of the American universities. Most of these schools or colleges have their own standards for testing the student's skills and knowledge.
A student aspiring to study in the USA can gain admission as an undergraduate, graduate or a post graduate student.
1.Undergraduate/Bachelors program: Generally, it takes four years of undergraduate study to earn a Bachelors degree.
The 4 year undergraduate program consists of:
Students in senior year are also called as "Upperclassmen".
There are various subjects you can choose to study in an undergraduate college. The first two years mostly cover general subjects. A junior year student must choose a "major" field of study. They must take a certain number of courses in their field. In some schools, students also choose a "minor" field. There is usually time for students to choose several other "elective" (extra) courses in other subjects. Each student is assigned a "faculty advisor", who teaches their major subjects, and also assists them to select a particular program of study.
General Education: academic disciplines, such as languages, literature, history, philosophy, mathematics, and science, that provide information of general cultural concern and are usually completed within the first two years of college.
Associate Degree: is an academic degree conferred by a two-year college after the prescribed course of study has been successfully completed.
Bachelor's Degree: is an academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete the 4 years or more undergraduate curriculum. Also called baccalaureate.
An international student will also have an "International Student Advisor" who helps them to adjust to U.S. life, handles visa and other paperwork problems. They also organize activities for them.
2. Graduate Study: It is what we in India call as postgraduate education. All master degrees are graduate degrees.
Masters Degree: This degree is usually required in fields such as Engineering, Library science, Business Administration or Social work.
Mostly masters degree is a 2 year program, but some subjects like journalism, may need just one year.
A Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) usually takes five to seven years to complete. Unlike undergraduates, graduate students begin specialized study from the first day.
3. Professional/Vocational Training Programs: These are many specific courses/training programs for professional subjects. Some of them include Printing technology, Orthoptics, fashion and textile technology.
Different types of education centers in USA:
1. State College or University: These schools are supported and run by the State Government. Each U.S. state operates at least one state university, and several state colleges.
2. Private College or Universities: These schools are privately owned/operated institutes. Tuition fee is usually higher than the state government schools. Normally these colleges and universities are smaller in size.
3. Community Colleges: Community colleges are local i.e. a city or county colleges. They also conduct evening classes for students who work during the day. Normally, community colleges welcome international students. But few countries do not recognize degrees from such community colleges.
4. Professional Schools: These are professional schools to train students in professional fields such as Art, Music, Engineering, Business, etc. They can be a part of a university or may be a separate school. Some offer graduate programs as well.
5. Institute of Technology: These are technical schools which conduct atleast four years of study in the science and technology fields. Some of them offer graduate programs too.
6. Schools run by Church: Many U.S. colleges and universities were founded by religious groups and are run by local religious organizations. Nearly all these schools welcome students of all religions and belief, but may give preference to members of their own religious group. Traditionally, many church related schools insist all the students to take Bible courses and attend chapel services.
Other College Terminology:
Registration: Every institution in the United States uses a registration process to enroll students into their academic courses. Registration procedures vary widely, so it is very important that to fully understand the institution's process before registering.
Orientation: A term used by U.S. institutions of higher learning to describe a formal program of introduction to the institution. The purpose of orientation is to help you become familiar with the institution's rules and regulations. Most international student offices offer some type of orientation for foreign students.
Agent: is an educational consulting person dedicated to helping students get into the right college, with the right funding, so that they can build the right future. There are hundreds of websites, DVD’s and books currently on the market to help with this very common process. Selecting a college, filling out the appropriate applications, writing the essays, and finding the most financial aid available shouldn’t be such a mysterious and time consuming undertaking. So be very careful to select the right agent to help you through this process.
Academic year: The school calendar usually begins in August or September and continues through May or June. Most new and international students join the colleges during the Fall session, so as to adjust to the weather.
The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms known as semesters. Some schools use a three term calendar known as the "trimester" system. Still others divide the year into four terms known as the "quarter" system, including a summer session which is optional.
Academic Advising: Academic advisers offer information, guidance, and advice throughout the academic program. They may provide this information in a group setting with other students, or in private sessions. Most graduate students are assigned, or can choose a faculty member as their academic adviser.
Credits: Each course is considered to be worth a number of "credits" or "credit hours". This number is roughly the same as the number of hours a student spends in a class for that course each week. A course is typically worth three to five credits. A full program at most schools is twelve or fifteen credit hours (four or five courses per term). International students are expected to enroll in a full program during each term.
Grade: The word "grade" conveys two meanings, viz. A year of education e.g. the first year of school is "first grade", or grade also means marks/rank, e.g. "grade A, B, C, D, or F".
Grade Point Average: is the average grade earned by a student, figured by dividing the grade points earned by the number of credits attempted.
So a student might say, "In 8th grade, my grades were average."
Course: "Course" is usually called a "subject", where as "course of study" is a full program consisting of several courses.
Transfers: After attending classes for a semester or two. the student can enroll in a new university, i.e. take a transfer to a different university. Usually most credits earned at the first school can be used to complete a degree at the new university.
Dormitory: is often shortened to dorm, in the United States is a residence hall consisting of sleeping quarters or entire buildings primarily providing sleeping and residential quarters for large numbers of people, often boarding schools, college or university students.
Also, if you have finished a certain undergraduate degree outside U.S.A, and are planning to continue your studies here, then you can apply as an transfer student.
Major: a student's chosen course of study; students usually focus heavily on their major during the final two years of study. The major field of study is the most prominent and significant structural element of the American baccalaureate degree.
Minor: is a declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate studies.
Marks: Students are evaluated on the basis of "Marks". Professors give each student marks/grades for each course. The marks are based upon all the following or combination of the following, depending on the school:
Community Colleges: Community colleges offer a wide range of vocational (job training) programs in hundreds of fields from Business Administration and Computer Programming to Nursing, Fashion Design, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Secretarial, Commercial Photography, Engineering or Advertising Art. Students who complete these courses get degrees or certificates.
International students can attend community colleges. Community college can be a starting point to earn a four year or graduate degree from a U.S. university. Community colleges are a popular alternative for the first two years of a bachelor's degree. These first two years are designed to provide a strong foundation of general knowledge, before a student begins concentrating on a major field of study.
What is the difference in Community College and regular four year College/University? Community colleges meet the educational and vocational needs of local communities. Usually they are run by a state government, by maintaining an "open door policy" with low tuition costs and few entrance requirements.
Universities on the other hand are bigger educational centers which offer wide range of courses, and caters to a larger area. But due to the competition and a complicated admission process, it is difficult to get an admission here.
Advantages of a Community College:
A student aspiring to study in the USA can gain admission as an undergraduate, graduate or a post graduate student.
1.Undergraduate/Bachelors program: Generally, it takes four years of undergraduate study to earn a Bachelors degree.
The 4 year undergraduate program consists of:
- 1st Year is called Freshman Year.
- 2nd Year is called Sophomore Year.
- 3rd Year is called Junior Year.
- 4th Year is called Senior Year.
Students in senior year are also called as "Upperclassmen".
There are various subjects you can choose to study in an undergraduate college. The first two years mostly cover general subjects. A junior year student must choose a "major" field of study. They must take a certain number of courses in their field. In some schools, students also choose a "minor" field. There is usually time for students to choose several other "elective" (extra) courses in other subjects. Each student is assigned a "faculty advisor", who teaches their major subjects, and also assists them to select a particular program of study.
General Education: academic disciplines, such as languages, literature, history, philosophy, mathematics, and science, that provide information of general cultural concern and are usually completed within the first two years of college.
Associate Degree: is an academic degree conferred by a two-year college after the prescribed course of study has been successfully completed.
Bachelor's Degree: is an academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete the 4 years or more undergraduate curriculum. Also called baccalaureate.
An international student will also have an "International Student Advisor" who helps them to adjust to U.S. life, handles visa and other paperwork problems. They also organize activities for them.
2. Graduate Study: It is what we in India call as postgraduate education. All master degrees are graduate degrees.
Masters Degree: This degree is usually required in fields such as Engineering, Library science, Business Administration or Social work.
Mostly masters degree is a 2 year program, but some subjects like journalism, may need just one year.
A Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) usually takes five to seven years to complete. Unlike undergraduates, graduate students begin specialized study from the first day.
3. Professional/Vocational Training Programs: These are many specific courses/training programs for professional subjects. Some of them include Printing technology, Orthoptics, fashion and textile technology.
Different types of education centers in USA:
1. State College or University: These schools are supported and run by the State Government. Each U.S. state operates at least one state university, and several state colleges.
2. Private College or Universities: These schools are privately owned/operated institutes. Tuition fee is usually higher than the state government schools. Normally these colleges and universities are smaller in size.
3. Community Colleges: Community colleges are local i.e. a city or county colleges. They also conduct evening classes for students who work during the day. Normally, community colleges welcome international students. But few countries do not recognize degrees from such community colleges.
4. Professional Schools: These are professional schools to train students in professional fields such as Art, Music, Engineering, Business, etc. They can be a part of a university or may be a separate school. Some offer graduate programs as well.
5. Institute of Technology: These are technical schools which conduct atleast four years of study in the science and technology fields. Some of them offer graduate programs too.
6. Schools run by Church: Many U.S. colleges and universities were founded by religious groups and are run by local religious organizations. Nearly all these schools welcome students of all religions and belief, but may give preference to members of their own religious group. Traditionally, many church related schools insist all the students to take Bible courses and attend chapel services.
Other College Terminology:
Registration: Every institution in the United States uses a registration process to enroll students into their academic courses. Registration procedures vary widely, so it is very important that to fully understand the institution's process before registering.
Orientation: A term used by U.S. institutions of higher learning to describe a formal program of introduction to the institution. The purpose of orientation is to help you become familiar with the institution's rules and regulations. Most international student offices offer some type of orientation for foreign students.
Agent: is an educational consulting person dedicated to helping students get into the right college, with the right funding, so that they can build the right future. There are hundreds of websites, DVD’s and books currently on the market to help with this very common process. Selecting a college, filling out the appropriate applications, writing the essays, and finding the most financial aid available shouldn’t be such a mysterious and time consuming undertaking. So be very careful to select the right agent to help you through this process.
Academic year: The school calendar usually begins in August or September and continues through May or June. Most new and international students join the colleges during the Fall session, so as to adjust to the weather.
The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms known as semesters. Some schools use a three term calendar known as the "trimester" system. Still others divide the year into four terms known as the "quarter" system, including a summer session which is optional.
Academic Advising: Academic advisers offer information, guidance, and advice throughout the academic program. They may provide this information in a group setting with other students, or in private sessions. Most graduate students are assigned, or can choose a faculty member as their academic adviser.
Credits: Each course is considered to be worth a number of "credits" or "credit hours". This number is roughly the same as the number of hours a student spends in a class for that course each week. A course is typically worth three to five credits. A full program at most schools is twelve or fifteen credit hours (four or five courses per term). International students are expected to enroll in a full program during each term.
Grade: The word "grade" conveys two meanings, viz. A year of education e.g. the first year of school is "first grade", or grade also means marks/rank, e.g. "grade A, B, C, D, or F".
Grade Point Average: is the average grade earned by a student, figured by dividing the grade points earned by the number of credits attempted.
So a student might say, "In 8th grade, my grades were average."
Course: "Course" is usually called a "subject", where as "course of study" is a full program consisting of several courses.
Transfers: After attending classes for a semester or two. the student can enroll in a new university, i.e. take a transfer to a different university. Usually most credits earned at the first school can be used to complete a degree at the new university.
Dormitory: is often shortened to dorm, in the United States is a residence hall consisting of sleeping quarters or entire buildings primarily providing sleeping and residential quarters for large numbers of people, often boarding schools, college or university students.
Also, if you have finished a certain undergraduate degree outside U.S.A, and are planning to continue your studies here, then you can apply as an transfer student.
Major: a student's chosen course of study; students usually focus heavily on their major during the final two years of study. The major field of study is the most prominent and significant structural element of the American baccalaureate degree.
Minor: is a declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate studies.
Marks: Students are evaluated on the basis of "Marks". Professors give each student marks/grades for each course. The marks are based upon all the following or combination of the following, depending on the school:
- Classroom participation: Discussion, questions, conversation. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, especially in seminar classes. This is often a very important factor in determining a student's grade.
- A midterm examination: Usually given during class time.
- One or more research or term papers, or laboratory reports.
- Short exams or "quizzes" intended to inspire students to keep up with their assignments and attendance.
- Final examination: These are the final examination after completion of the course.
Community Colleges: Community colleges offer a wide range of vocational (job training) programs in hundreds of fields from Business Administration and Computer Programming to Nursing, Fashion Design, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Secretarial, Commercial Photography, Engineering or Advertising Art. Students who complete these courses get degrees or certificates.
International students can attend community colleges. Community college can be a starting point to earn a four year or graduate degree from a U.S. university. Community colleges are a popular alternative for the first two years of a bachelor's degree. These first two years are designed to provide a strong foundation of general knowledge, before a student begins concentrating on a major field of study.
What is the difference in Community College and regular four year College/University? Community colleges meet the educational and vocational needs of local communities. Usually they are run by a state government, by maintaining an "open door policy" with low tuition costs and few entrance requirements.
Universities on the other hand are bigger educational centers which offer wide range of courses, and caters to a larger area. But due to the competition and a complicated admission process, it is difficult to get an admission here.
Advantages of a Community College:
- Admission is easily available.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or in few places 16 years of prior education in english medium is required other then academic record. Many community colleges also offer English as a second language program for students whose TOEFL scores were low. They can help an international student to improve language skills, and get accustomed to the U.S. educational system. - Less tuition fee.
Tuition fee at community colleges are much less than any regular four year college or university. - Smaller in size.
Community colleges are often smaller than the universities. Classes are smaller, too. Teachers and advisors are able to provide personal attention to the students. - Supporting environment.
Introductory classes in community colleges are supportive rather than competitive. They are good for International students to get the hang of US style of study, and environment. - Instructors.
Instructors are able to give personal attention to the students. These teachers work in community colleges because they choose to teach instead of conducting research and publishing articles. Some instructors at universities are mostly interested in research. - Student Counseling.
Student Counseling is available in all the colleges. Their main objective is to help and guide students in selecting the best course for them. They help students with their personal problems too.