Higher Learning

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

2 year integrated program offering college level courses also known as the IB program.

Endowment

account of donation funds invested in order to continuously generate income ; the original endowment amount is left alone, while the income it generates is available for spending.

Earning Potential

amount of money an individual should be able to earn in his or her career.

Professional Certification

earned to verify qualification to perform a job ; government institutions; considered voluntary.

Professional License

earned to verify qualifications to perform a job; awarded by government agencies; required by law for some careers.

Dissertation

elaborate ,comprehensive , independent research project contributing to the field of study.

GED

general equivalency diploma; certificate considered equivalent to a high school diploma , earned by passing a test.

GPA

grade point average ; average grade earned by a student, converted to a 4 point scale.

Master's Degree

graduate degree requiring 30 to 72 credit hours after the bachelor's degree is earned, as well as possibly requiring a written thesis or dissertation ; typically takes 2 or 3 years of full- time to study to complete.

Doctoral Degree

graduate degree requiring 48 to 72 credit hours after the master's degree is earned , as well as a written thesis or dissertation ; typically takes 3 to 5 years of full-time study to complete ; also known as doctorate.

Professional Degree

graduate degree which focuses on skills and practical analysis over theory or research ; degree required to work in a certain profession or intended to prepare the student for an exam required to work in a certain profession.

Post - secondary Education

optional level of schooling beyond what is required by law; also known as higher education or tertiary education; includes all education beyond the high school level, such as vocational training & college.

Vocational, Trade & Technical Schools

post - secondary institutions providing job - specific training through formal classes & hands- on training directly related to a student's career of interest ; award diplomas or certificates , & may also prepare students for a licensing exam.

Community & Junior Colleges

post - secondary institutions providing traditional academic classes with flexible scheduling; award associates degrees; diplomas & or certificates ; also known as 2 year college.

Colleges & Universities

post- secondary institutions providing traditional academic classes as well as any number of campus amenities ; award bachelor's degree's , may or may not offer graduate degree's ; also known as 4 year colleges.

Networking

process of building & utilizing beneficial, professional relationships.

Dual Enrollment

program allowing students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school.

Advanced Program

program created & controlled by the college board in which introductory college level courses are taught in high schools also known as AP.

Amenity

something which makes life easier or more enjoyable

Admissions

term meaning anyone with a high school diploma or GED is admitted

Graduate

term used to describe the advanced level of academic post-secondary education, includes master's level & doctoral level ; may be used to describe the degrees, courses , students , etc.

Undergraduate

term used to describe the fundamental level of academic post-secondary education; includes associate level & bachelor's level; may be used to describe the degrees,courses, students,etc.

Bachelor's Degree

undergraduate degree requiring 120 to 140 credit hours & typically taking 4 years of full-time study to complete ; also known as baccalaureate degree

Associate Degree

undergraduate degree requiring 60 to 80 credit hours & typically taking two years of full-time study to complete.