USA Education System
This section will provide you with background information on the U.S. education system:
Schools, Colleges, Universities, Institutes
Types of Postsecondary Education
Associate & Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree
Courses, Credits, Grades
Glossary of Education Terms
U.S. Education System
US higher education starts with undergraduate courses – a variety of certificates and diplomas, a two year degree, known as an associate degree, and a four year degree known as a bachelor degree. It is possible (and often happens) that a student may study for an associate degree, and then study two more years to gain a bachelor (or baccalaureate) degree – usually a bachelor degree will be awarded by a university, whereas an associate degree may be situated either in a community college, or a university.
Undergraduate education (and some masters degrees) are based on an accumulation of courses (units of study) which are assigned a number of credits. A student is awarded credits for the courses they take, and the degree is complete when the student has a certain level of credits. This means that although most bachelor degrees take four years, it is possible to take a degree over a longer period, maybe part time or with some time away from study.
Graduate (known in some countries as post graduate) degrees include masters degrees, taking two years at a University. These are often termed advanced professional degrees, as they tend to be aimed at specific professions and are career-advancing degrees in subjects such as medicine, law and management e.g. Master in Business Administration (MBA). Doctorates (PhDs) are usually four years, and are research based.
The US education system has the reputation of being the world leader in graduate education, , and conversely, of being the most accessible and least selective for undergraduate education and certain graduate programs such as teacher education and business and management education, giving chances of higher education to people who would not be able to have this chance in other countries.
Benefits of studying in the U.S.
Quality: U.S. colleges are known worldwide for the quality of their facilities, resources, and faculty. Accreditation systems ensure that institutions continue to maintain these standards.
Choice: The U.S. education system is unrivalled worldwide in the choice it offers of types of institutions, academic and social environments, entry requirements, degree programs, and subjects in which you can specialize.
Value: As an investment in your future, a U.S. degree offers excellent value for the money. A wide range of tuition fees and living costs, plus some financial help from colleges, have made study in the United States affordable for thousands of students before you.
Flexibility: One of the most distinctive features of U.S. universities and colleges is the flexibility in choice of courses within a college or university, but more importantly there is also the option for students to move between one institution and another. Completing the first two years of a degree at one institution, usually a community college, and then moving to another, is very common.
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