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About Graduate Education in the U.S.

Graduate education in the United States will almost certainly be different from the system offered in your country. This section gives you an introduction to the graduate degrees available in the United States, the different types of institutions that exist, and some key terms and ideas you will come across if you want to study at a U.S. university.

Graduate Degrees

There are two major types of graduate degrees - the master’s degree and the doctoral degree. This section explains the difference between the two and the requirements for each.

Academic Calendar

Different schools use different calendars, and sometimes the differences become confusing. This section explains the different calendars used.

Course Load and Grading Systems

The U.S. system of grading is rather consistent between schools, as is the system of determining what courses and how many a student enrolls in.

Types of Institutions

Colleges, Universities, and Institutes: There are definite differences between the three, but none is inferior to the others.

Distance Education

Highly disciplined students who desire a United States degree without leaving their home country for long periods of time are not disqualified from a U.S. education. This section explains the new trend of distance education.

Non-Degree Study at a U.S. University

It is possible to experience life on a U.S. campus without the time commitment of a full degree.

The academic year in
the United States generally lasts nine months, from late August or
early September until the middle or end of May, and it may be divided
into two, three, or four academic terms depending on the institution.
If the year is divided into two terms, these are called the fall and
spring terms, or “semesters.” Short breaks occur during both fall and
spring terms, between terms, and on public holidays. An optional summer
term is often available and provides the opportunity to continue
courses if you wish to accelerate your program.

It is best to start a
program in the fall term (beginning in August/September). Many courses
must be taken in sequence, and time may be lost in completing the
degree if you start in another term. It is also easier to become
accustomed to studying in the United States and to meet other students
in the department if you start at the beginning of the academic year.
Lastly, scholarship opportunities may be more readily available to
students starting in the fall rather than midyear.