The US higher education system is considered one of the most developed in the world. Every year American colleges and universities take in millions of students, including a great many from abroad. The system itself differs considerably from the one familiar in many CIS countries: there is more flexibility, a wide choice of programmes and the chance to build your own path through your studies.
That is exactly why people who are only beginning to look at American education find it hard to make sense of the differences between colleges, universities, degrees and programmes. This article will help you understand how the US higher education system is arranged and what it offers students.
How higher education in the United States is arranged
Higher education in the United States is built on several levels. After leaving school, graduates can enter a college or a university, take a bachelor's degree, and then go on to a master's degree or doctoral study.
The main feature of the American system is its flexibility. Students can change the direction of their studies, choose extra subjects, combine different specialities and gradually settle on their future profession.
Unlike many countries where the curriculum is almost entirely fixed, in the United States a substantial part of the subjects is chosen by the student.
How a college differs from a university
Many people think a college and a university are the same thing. In fact there are differences. Colleges most often offer bachelor's programmes and concentrate on preparing students in particular fields. Teaching is usually in small groups, and the teaching staff can give each student more attention.
Universities are larger institutions. As well as bachelor's programmes they offer master's degrees, doctoral study, research and a wide choice of faculties.
That said, the quality of the education depends less on what the institution is called than on the particular programme, the teaching staff and the opportunities open to students.
Community College — a popular route to university Community Colleges have a place of their own in the education system. These are two-year colleges where you can take an Associate Degree, or complete the first two years of study and then transfer to a four-year university. This route is very popular, for several reasons:
- more affordable tuition;
- small teaching groups;
- the chance to improve your academic preparation;
- a simpler admission process;
- the chance to transfer to a university after finishing the programme.
For many foreign students it is the Community College that becomes the first stage of an American education.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree programme usually lasts four years. The first years are given over to general education subjects. Students take courses in the humanities, mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages and other fields. Only later does the deeper study of the main subject (the Major) begin.
This system lets students settle on their future profession while they are already studying. Besides the main subject, you can choose a secondary one (a Minor), which broadens your professional skills.
Master's degree
After a bachelor's degree many go on to a Master's Degree. The programme usually lasts from one to two years. A master's degree lets you:
- deepen your knowledge of your chosen subject;
- gain a new professional qualification;
- prepare for research work;
- become more competitive in the job market.
In many fields a master's degree increases career opportunities considerably.
Doctoral study and research
The next level is the Doctoral Degree (PhD). These programmes are aimed at carrying out research, teaching and building an academic career. Study can take several years and includes:
- research work;
- publishing research;
- taking part in conferences;
- defending a dissertation.
The large American universities are world leaders in research.
Academic freedom
One of the strongest features of American education is the chance to shape your own curriculum. Students can choose:
- optional subjects;
- the direction of their specialisation;
- a second subject;
- research projects;
- exchange programmes;
- internships.
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This means everyone can fit their studies to their own interests and career plans.
The credit system
American universities use a system of academic Credits. Every subject carries a certain number of credits, and to receive a diploma you have to accumulate the set number. This makes the system more flexible. Students can distribute the workload between semesters themselves, take more or fewer subjects, and carry some of their credits with them when transferring between universities.
Semesters and the academic year
Most universities work on a semester system. As a rule the academic year consists of:
- the autumn semester;
- the spring semester;
- a summer session (where needed).
Some universities use a quarter system, but it is considerably less common.
Life outside the classroom
American universities are known for more than the quality of their teaching. Almost every campus is a complete student town. Besides studying, students take part in:
- sporting competitions;
- academic societies;
- student clubs;
- volunteering projects;
- cultural events;
- business ventures.
In many cases it is this activity that brings useful acquaintances and a first set of professional contacts.
The cost of study
The cost of study depends on a great many things. It is affected by:
- the type of institution;
- the state;
- the subject chosen;
- whether there is student accommodation;
- additional expenses.
At the same time many universities offer:
- grants;
- academic scholarships;
- sports scholarships;
- financial aid;
- instalment payment plans.
So a high tuition fee by no means always makes an education impossible.
How to choose a university
The choice of university should not rest on the fame of its name alone. It matters far more to weigh:
- the quality of the particular programme;
- the career prospects of its graduates;
- the chances of an internship;
- the location of the campus;
- the cost of study;
- whether financial aid is available;
- the facilities;
- student life.
Sometimes a less famous university turns out to suit the subject you have chosen far better.
What opens up after you graduate
A diploma from an American college or university opens wide prospects. Graduates are able to:
- carry on studying;
- work in research;
- work for international companies;
- build a business of their own;
- build a career in almost any country in the world.
That is exactly why an American education remains one of the most sought-after among foreign students.
The US higher education system stands out for its flexibility, the variety of its programmes and the number of opportunities it offers for professional development. Colleges and universities offer different formats of study, letting every student choose the path that best matches their aims.
The main advantage of the American model lies not only in the quality of the education but in the freedom of choice. Being able to build your own path through your studies, combine different fields and gain practical experience while still studying makes the US higher education system one of the most attractive in the world.
End of the article.
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