There are various types of schools in the United States. A university is different from a college in that while a college is only for undergraduate education, a university usually comprises a college, a graduate school and maybe even a professional school. A university is also more involved in research.
When a student decides to venture out in a new country for his/her further education, it is important to understand the educational system of that place as well as that of the college/university which is to be joined.
Broadly, American universities confer Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees. Some colleges also offer Associate degrees or specialize in vocational/technical training. The Bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, which are referred to as the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years of Undergraduate study. Graduate study involves study for a Master's degree.
Types of School
Public Universities
Small Liberal Arts Colleges
The Ivy League
Technical Institutes
Types of Degrees
Bachelor
The Bachelor degree is the first degree towards one's vocational training after completion of 12th grade.
Associate
The Associate degree in the United States is similar to the diploma that is awarded at the end of two or two and a half year for technical oriented programs.
Master
Students who have completed their Bachelor's must consider graduate school very seriously. The master's degree in the United States is one and a half or two years program.
Doctorate
The PhD degree or the Doctor of philosophy or Doctoral degree, which ranges from 3 to 8 years, is the most advanced and research intensive course that is offered.
