Studying abroad in the USA has its advantages. The United States is home to universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which offer programs across a wide range of fields. Eligible F-1 students may have limited work options while studying. With authorization from their designated school official, F-1 students may generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Off-campus employment usually requires separate authorization, so students should not rely on employment to cover all their living expenses.
If you are considering studying in the USA, you are in the right place. This article explains the U.S. higher education system and provides prospective international students with useful information about studying in the country.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the USA
1. Public Universities
Public universities are controlled by state or local governments and receive public funding, although tuition and other revenue sources also support them. Their campus sizes, student populations, degree offerings, and admissions policies vary widely. Many public universities award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, while some also offer associate degrees.
Academic offerings vary by institution, with common fields including the arts, sciences, engineering, and business. Grading policies are also determined by each institution, although letter grades converted to a 4.0 GPA scale are common. The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Purdue University, and the University of Washington are examples of public universities in the USA.
2. Private Universities
Unlike public universities, private universities are controlled by private entities rather than state or local governments. Private nonprofit universities typically receive revenue from tuition, donations, endowment income, grants, and other sources. Academic offerings, admissions selectivity, tuition, and institutional size vary considerably.
Many private universities award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields ranging from the liberal arts and sciences to engineering and professional studies. Their grading policies are institution-specific, although the 4.0 GPA scale is common. Examples include Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
3. Community Colleges
Community colleges commonly offer two-year Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees. They may also offer certificates and technical or vocational programs that prepare students for employment. After earning an associate degree, students may enter the workforce or seek admission to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Tuition at community colleges tends to be lower than at four-year institutions. Many community colleges have articulation or transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities, but the acceptance of credits is not automatic and depends on the receiving institution and program. Some community colleges also award bachelor’s degrees.
4. Liberal Arts Colleges
Liberal arts colleges emphasize broad undergraduate education across the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. They are often characterized by relatively small classes, close interaction with faculty, and an emphasis on communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. Students generally complete breadth or general education requirements and a major, but curriculum structures and major-declaration timelines vary by college.
These colleges typically award four-year bachelor’s degrees, often a Bachelor of Arts (BA), although some also award a Bachelor of Science (BS) or offer a limited number of graduate programs. Examples include Amherst College, Williams College, Smith College, and Carleton College. Smith College offers several master’s programs, while Carleton College focuses on undergraduate liberal arts education.
5. For-profit Institutes
For-profit institutions, also called proprietary institutions, are privately controlled schools whose owners may receive profits from their operations. They often emphasize career-oriented education, but their degree levels, tuition, student outcomes, accreditation, and transfer policies vary. Prospective students should examine each institution and program carefully before enrolling.
Depending on the institution, these schools may offer certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Berkeley College, Monroe University, and Plaza College are listed as proprietary institutions by the Association of Private Colleges.
6. Technical Institutes
In the United States, the term “technical institute” can refer to a career or technical school offering certificates and other sub-baccalaureate credentials or to an institute of technology that also awards bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Programs commonly emphasize technical fields, engineering, computing, applied science, and hands-on learning.
Available credentials vary by institution and may include certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees. One example of a degree-granting institute of technology is the Georgia Institute of Technology, a public research university that offers bachelor’s programs in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.
Types of Degree Levels in the USA
1. Bachelor’s Degree (B.A or B.Sc.)
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that usually takes four years of full-time study, although the actual completion time varies by student, institution, and program. Graduation requirements are set by each institution. A minimum of 120 semester credits is common, while some programs require more.
A credit hour represents an institutionally defined amount of academic work. Under federal guidance, one semester credit hour generally approximates at least one hour of instruction and two hours of out-of-class work each week over a semester, or an equivalent amount of work completed through laboratories, internships, studios, online instruction, or other academic activities.
U.S. universities generally require prospective bachelor’s students to have completed secondary school and to submit academic records. However, admissions requirements vary by institution. For example, Missouri Southern State University requires incoming freshmen under the age of 21 to meet at least one of several criteria: a high school GPA of 2.25 or higher, an ACT composite score of 21 or higher, or graduation in the top 50% of their class. The university states that the ACT is not required for admission, although it may be requested for course placement. International applicants may also need to provide credential documentation and proof of English language proficiency. Other institutions may require or consider a standardized test score.
2. Master’s Degree (M.A, M.S., MBA)
A master’s degree is a graduate credential generally pursued after a bachelor’s degree. It provides advanced education and specialization in an academic or professional field. Programs may offer thesis and non-thesis options and may combine coursework with research, capstone projects, practica, or other professional experiences.
EducationUSA states that U.S. master’s programs generally require one to three years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Credit requirements and completion times vary by program and institution.
More than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities offer graduate degree programs. Institutions offering master’s degrees include the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and Yale University. Graduate study is generally more specialized and self-directed than undergraduate study.
3. Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
A doctoral degree is among the highest academic credentials awarded by universities. Research doctorates, such as the Ph.D., generally require original research and a dissertation that contributes to knowledge in a field. Professional doctorates, such as some Ed.D. programs, may have different research, coursework, and applied-practice requirements.
EducationUSA describes doctoral programs in the United States as typically lasting five to eight years, although duration and credit requirements vary considerably by program and by whether the student enters with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For example, the Ph.D. in Engineering at Wright State University requires at least 90 graduate semester credits beyond a bachelor’s degree or 60 graduate semester credits beyond a relevant master’s degree. The total includes both graduate coursework and research or dissertation credits.
Understanding the U.S. higher education system is an important first step in beginning your academic journey abroad. It can help you determine whether studying in the United States matches your career goals and academic objectives.
We hope this article on higher education in the USA was informative and helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, see our Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Programs for International Students.
