College Terms

Degrees

Rewards for the successful completion of a program of study. There are three basic types: Associate - obtainable at a two-year community or junior college, Baccalaureate or Bachelor's - offered by four-year colleges and universities, and Graduate - Obtained after the bachelor's degree, i.e., Masters or Doctorate.

Transfer of Credits

Some students attend more than one institution during their college career. When they move from one college to another, they also transfer accumulated credit hours from the former institution to the new one. The new institution determines which courses will apply toward graduation requirements.

Minor

A secondary field of study that a student chooses to focus on. To have it recognized on a transcript, a specified number of credit hours must be satisfied. Depending in the area of interest, the number of credit hours varies

Prerequisite Courses

A course taken in preparation for another course. For example, Accounting 1 is a prerequisite for Accounting 2.

Graduate Student

A student who already holds an undergraduate degree and is pursuing advanced studies at a graduate school, leading to a master's, doctorate, or graduate certificate.

Undergraduate

A student who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree; also refers to the courses and instructional programs such a student enrolls in.

Full-Time Enrollment

A student who is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in a semester (full-time status for a Summer term is usually 6 credit hours).

Part-Time Enrollment

A student who is enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in a semester (less than 6 in a Summer term).

Commuter

A student who lives off-campus and drives to class.

Junior/Community College

A two-year institution of higher education. Course offerings generally include a transfer curriculum with credits transferable toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college, and an occupational or technical curriculum with courses of study designed to prepare students for employment in two years.

Fees

Additional charges not included in the tuition. They may be charged to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed in certain courses, and they may be assessed for student events, programs, and publications.

Financial Aid

Aid is made available from grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional, and private sources. The types and amounts of aid awarded are determined by financial need, available funds, student classification, and academic performance.

College

An institution of higher education that grants degrees and certificates. The term is also used to designate the organizational units of a university such as the College of Education or the College of Engineering.

General Education Classes

Classes that give students basic knowledge of a variety of topics. Students often must take these in order to graduate. This set of classes includes different courses and is called by different names at various colleges and universities.

Room and Board

Cost for living arrangements. Some universities include meal-plan expenses in this category too.

Electives

Courses that students can choose to take for credit toward a degree, but are not required.

Credit Hour(s)

Each course has a certain number of credit hours. Classes can be anywhere from 1-6 credit hours depending on the college.

Tuition

The amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment. It does not include the cost of books, fees, or room and board. Charges vary from college to college and are dependent on such factors as resident or out-of-state status, and level of classes enrolled in (lower, upper or graduate division).

Graduate School

The division of a college or university which administers graduate studies and awards master's degrees, doctorates, or graduate certificates.

Major

The field in which a student chooses to study. Requires that you complete a specified number of credit hours in that area.

Application

The process by which a prospective student submits the required forms and credentials to his/her chosen institution. Criteria may include previous academic records, test scores, interviews, recommendations, and other information provided by the applicant.

Admission

The status granted to an applicant who meets the entrance requirements of the institution.

Associate's Degree

This degree traditionally involves 2 years of full-time study. Usually, 60-65 credit hours are completed before receiving this degree.

Bachelor's Degree

This degree traditionally involves 4 years of full-time study. Colleges, although each varies depending on the program, require the student to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.

Concentration

This term relates to major or minor. It is an area of interest that a student may decide to take additional courses in.

Degree Requirements

Those requirements set by institutions for completion of a program of study. Requirements may include a minimum number of hours, required GPA, prerequisite and elective courses within the specified major, and/or minor areas of study.