Lana Oconnell
In the United States, the word school can be used to describe any place where learning takes place. Students in the US tend to use the word college when referring to four-year undergraduate programs and bachelor's degrees. They use phrases like going to college and a college degree when discussing undergraduate programs at colleges or universities. Most colleges are separate schools, but some are part of a university and are located on the university campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of educational institution | College or university |
| Level of education | Undergraduate or graduate |
| Preferred term for undergraduate programs | College |
| Preferred term for graduate programs | University |
| Location of colleges | Separate or part of a university campus |
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What You'll Learn
'College' vs. 'university'
In the United States, the term "college" refers to an institution where one receives an undergraduate degree (a Bachelor's degree or lower). Some colleges are stand-alone, not part of a university, and are referred to as "X College" rather than "X University". These stand-alone colleges do not offer graduate degrees. An institution can only legally call itself a university in the US if it offers significant graduate degrees in addition to undergraduate degrees.
Universities are generally larger in scope and funding than colleges. They offer more opportunities for research and often have larger student bodies. Universities can be public or private institutions, with private universities tending to have smaller enrollment numbers and higher tuition fees, which are offset by more expansive financial aid packages for those who qualify.
Colleges, on the other hand, are typically smaller and can offer a more specialized education in a few fields. They may appeal to a certain demographic, such as a specific career specialty or religious, gender, or ethnic group. For example, Meredith College is a women-only institution in Raleigh, North Carolina. There are also different types of colleges, such as trade schools, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and four-year colleges. Trade schools, also known as vocational colleges, offer certifications in fields like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. Community colleges are typically public two-year schools that offer an affordable option for students to take their general education credits before transferring to a four-year college or university. Liberal arts colleges focus on humanities and liberal arts majors, such as English, journalism, and graphic design, rather than STEM majors.
The terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably, especially when referring to general postsecondary education or degree programs. However, the distinction between the two becomes important when considering factors such as the size of the institution, the availability of specific programs or research opportunities, and the desired class size and extracurricular opportunities. Ultimately, both types of institutions can provide the education needed to advance one's career, and the choice between the two depends on individual career and educational goals, as well as lifestyle preferences.
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Undergraduate programs
Once students meet the core curriculum requirements, they choose a specific field of study, also known as a major. The final two years are spent taking courses more closely related to the major. Some four-year colleges and universities emphasize preparation for special professional areas, such as fine arts, pharmacy, engineering, business, agriculture, and other specialized fields like computer science.
There are also over 1,000 two-year colleges in the United States, known as junior or community colleges. Students in two-year programs earn an associate degree, which requires 60 semester credit hours and usually takes about two years to complete. Associate degrees are awarded by community, junior, or technical colleges, indicating completion of a program with a broad base in general education and a concentration in a specific area. For example, a student may earn an A.A. in Early Childhood Education and then transfer to a four-year university to become a teacher. Some community colleges have automatic enrollment agreements with local colleges, allowing for a seamless transition into the remaining years of study.
American University, a private institution founded in 1893, offers a variety of undergraduate programs. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 (as of fall 2023), the university provides a range of academic programs, including global studies, public health, and more. American University also offers special academic programs that include residential components, enabling students to live among peers with shared academic interests. These programs enhance the academic experience through learning communities, interdisciplinary coursework, and faculty support.
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Graduate programs
In the United States, students enrolled in graduate programs are typically referred to as "graduate students". This term encompasses those pursuing a wide range of advanced degrees, including master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees.
One of the distinctive features of graduate programs in American universities is the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and specialized fields of research. American universities often provide a broad selection of graduate programs that span multiple disciplines, allowing students to pursue their academic passions and conduct in-depth investigations within their chosen areas of interest.
The curriculum in graduate programs is typically tailored to foster advanced critical thinking, analytical skills, and independent research capabilities. Graduate students are expected to delve into complex theories, engage in scholarly debates, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective disciplines. The completion of a thesis or dissertation is often a significant component of graduate programs, providing students with the opportunity to make a unique contribution to their field of study.
Additionally, graduate programs in American universities frequently incorporate practical experiences such as internships, study abroad opportunities, and community-based research projects. These experiential learning components enhance the academic knowledge gained in the classroom and prepare students for real-world applications of their skills. The integration of practical experiences in graduate programs equips students with valuable skills that are sought after by employers, including problem-solving abilities, cultural competency, and collaborative teamwork.
The graduate programs offered by American universities are designed to cater to a diverse student body, including both domestic and international students. These programs often attract students from a variety of cultural and academic backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. The vibrant and collaborative environment in graduate programs encourages intellectual discourse, innovation, and a deep sense of scholarly engagement.
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Bachelor's degrees
In the US, a bachelor's degree is the most common undergraduate degree awarded by universities and colleges. Obtaining a bachelor's degree typically takes four to five years of full-time study, although the duration can vary depending on factors such as course load, academic schedule, and additional programs pursued. The degree consists of 120 to 130 semester credit hours, and students are expected to choose a major concentration (a specific area of study) while also taking additional required courses outside of their chosen major.
There are several types of bachelor's degrees offered by American universities, with the three most common being the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The BA degree is designed for students interested in liberal arts programs, while the BS degree is common for science-related courses. The BFA degree is tailored for students interested in visual or performing arts, with approximately two-thirds of the coursework dedicated to the study of visual or fine arts and one-third to liberal arts.
The undergraduate education system in China is modelled after the American system, offering similar degrees such as Bachelor of Philosophy, Economics, Laws, Education, Arts, History, Science, Engineering, and more. In Algeria, bachelor's degree programs cover most fields except Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, and the degree typically takes three years to complete. In Guyana, bachelor's degree programs are offered in various streams, including arts, nursing, psychology, medicine, and other health science programs. The duration of these programs ranges from four to five years, depending on the specific course.
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University campuses
In the United States, the word "school" can be used to describe any place of learning. This means that a college or university can be referred to as a school. Students in the USA tend to use the word "college" when talking about four-year undergraduate programs and bachelor's degrees, and "university" when talking about graduate study.
American University is a private institution founded in 1893 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 (as of fall 2023) and a campus size of 90 acres. The university consists of eight schools and colleges and offers over 160 academic programs, including 71 bachelor's degrees, 87 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees. The student body comprises over 13,000 students, representing all 50 U.S. states and 141 countries, with nearly a fifth of the students being international.
The American University Washington College of Law (WCL) is one of the eight schools and colleges that make up the university. The WCL offers a variety of programs, including JD, LLM, and SJD degrees. In 2018, Taylor Dumpson became AU's first Black female student body president.
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Frequently asked questions
American university students are most commonly referred to as "students".
In the United States, the word “school" can be used to describe any place where learning takes place. You can refer to a college or university as a "school". A college is a school that offers two-year or four-year programs. A two-year college offers an associate's degree and certificates, while a four-year college offers bachelor's degrees. A university is a group of schools for studies after secondary school, and at least one of these schools is a college.
Students in the USA tend to use the word “college" when referring to four-year undergraduate programs and bachelor's degrees. They use phrases like "going to college" and "a college degree". The word “university" is used when referring to graduate studies.
