Universities in the USA
The United States of America (USA) hosts the greatest number of international students in the world. Quality education, unique curriculum, multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many international students want to study in the US. Many international students are drawn to U.S. schools for their high academic standards and training they provide, which can be advantageous for employment opportunities anywhere in the world. American institutions are known to have high academic standards, follow rigorous practices to maintain quality and are well-supported to be able to offer excellent education to its students. Another big reason for international students to study in the U.S. is the large variety of courses and programs and the flexibility offered.
Education System in the USA
If you want to study abroad in America, understanding the US higher education system is vital. Whether you plan to get a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from one of the many universities in the USA, it is important to learn how it works. Below are listed the main educational programs in the USA:
Community Colleges: Associate Degree
Community colleges provide two-year Associate Degree programs to prepare students to continue studies for an undergraduate degree in universities or help them gain occupational skills for immediate employment. Community college graduates most commonly transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete their Bachelor’s Degree. Because they can transfer the credits they earned while attending community college, they can complete their Bachelor’s Degree program in two or more additional years, which saves a lot of money for tuition. Many community colleges also offer ESL or intensive English language programs, which will prepare students for university-level courses.
Undergraduate Program: Bachelor’s Degree
After high school, students can choose to study a four-year Bachelor’s Degree at a college or university. Students choose a focus for their academic studies called a major and also take core curriculum or general education classes. Students can change university after 1 or 2 years of undergraduate study in the USA, or to transfer into a US university after studying in another country. It’s not necessary to complete all 4 years at the same university in order to get a degree from there. This means students can improve their grades for transfer to a more prestigious college or university. As the world changes, the job market changes with it. Technology, education, and health are three of the most rapidly growing fields for a good reason; they evolve so often that only the most accomplished individuals can do the work. Getting a bachelor’s degree will help you learn the specific skills and habits needed to make a living in these areas.
Graduate Program: Master’s Degree
Students with Bachelors’ Degree may want to continue their education in graduate Master’s Degree programs. Graduate-level education lets students to study a subject in greater depth, and can either be academic or more career-focused. Master’s degrees can require one to two years of study. In the final term of most master’s programs, students must complete a thesis or a project before they will be awarded the master’s degree. Earning a master’s degree helps you gain specialized knowledge to advance in your field. As the workforce evolves, a graduate degree shows you’re dedicated to enhancing your industry expertise and credibility. You can focus on a particular field of study, which helps you become more competitive in your field.
Graduate Program: Doctoral Degree (PhD)
PhD scholars are considered to be the most favored candidates in their relevant job departments. Not only because they have a higher degree of education, but also because their experience and research precede other candidates and makes them appear as a brighter potential candidate for any organization. And if this isn’t obvious, research is one of the most ‘favorite’ fields in the USA. For this reason, PH.D. scholars tend to have an upper hand in landing themselves bright and well-paying jobs. US doctorates begin with of taught classes and assessments, culminating in a comprehensive exam. It’s only after passing this stage that a student confirms their final dissertation topic and gets to work researching it. In total the length of a PhD in the USA is usually 4-6 years (full time). Students spend 1-4 years on the coursework stage of their program and 2-4 years working on their dissertation. Regarding jobs too, there are various ‘gold mines’ for PhD scholars. They can be either appointed as a teaching faculty or professor in a university, or can also pursue a research-related job in their field of study.
Ready to start your study adventure in the American universities or colleges? Or have questions about your university application? We will be glad to help you!
Sign up here for Initial Counselling Meeting with our experienced admissions consultants!
