higher learning

endowment

account of donation funds invested in order to continuously generate income; the original endowment amount 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 license

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

professional certification

earned to verify qualification to perform a job; awarded by organizations or institutions; considered voluntary

dissertation

elaborate, comprehensive, independent research

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 four-point scale

master's degree

graduate degree requiring 30 to 72 credit hours after the bachelors degree is earned, as well as possibly requiring a written thesis or dissertation; typically takes two to three years of full-time study to cmplete

doctoral degree

graduate degree requiring 48 to 72 credit hours after the masters degree is earned, as well as a written thesis or dissertation; typically takes three to five years of full-time study to complete; also known as a 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; includes all education beyond the high school level, such as vocational training and college.

vocational, trade and technical schools

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

colleges and universities

post-secondary institutions providing traditional academic classes as well as any number of campus amenities; award bachelors degrees; may or may not offer graduate degrees; also known as four-year colleges

community and junior colleges

posy-secondary institutions providing traditional academic classes with flexible scheduling; award associates degrees, diplomas and/or certificates; also known as two- year colleges

networking

process of building and utilizing beneficial, professional relationships

dual enrollment

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

advanced placement

program created and 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

open 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 and 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 associates level and bachelor's level' may be used to describe the degrees, courses, students, etc.

international baccalaureate diploma program

two-year integrated program offering college-level courses; also known as the IB porgram

bachelor's degree

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

associate degree

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