Unit 1: Types of Schools and Degrees

Private Institution

This is a college or university funded by private sources without any control by a government agency. The cost of attending is generally higher than the cost at a public institution.

University

A "post-secondary institution" that consists of a liberal arts college, a diverse graduate program, and usually two or more professional schools or faculties, and that is empowered to confer degrees in various fields of study.

Public Institution

A college or university that receives public funding, primarily from a local, state, or national government that oversees and regulates the school's operations is considered a public institution.

Liberal Arts College

A degree-granting institution where the academic focus is on developing the intellect and instruction in the humanities and sciences, rather than on training for a particular vocational, technical, or professional pursuit.

College

An institution of higher learning, often referred to as a "four-year" institution, which grants the bachelor's degree in liberal arts or science or both.

Art School (Arts College, Art Institute, Conservatory)

An institution specializing in the visual, performing, and/or creative arts.

B.A. or B.S.

B.A. stands for "bachelor of arts," and B.S. stands for "bachelor of science." Both degrees can be earned at four-year colleges.

Certificates

In an economy that increasingly rewards specialization, more and more institutions are offering certification programs, typically a package of five or six courses, for credit or not, taken over three to 18 months. Some cost a few thousand dollars, others much more.

Community College

Sometimes called junior colleges, technical colleges, or city colleges, these are primarily two-year public institutions providing higher education and lower-level courses, granting certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees. Many also offer continuing and adult education. After graduating, some students transfer to a four-year liberal arts college or university for two to three years to complete a bachelor's degree.

Religion-Based Institution

These are colleges and universities established by and currently operating under the sponsorship of a church, synagogue, or mosque; a denomination; or a particular religion.

Graduate Degrees

These degrees are earned beyond the bachelor's degree when the student completes graduate school curriculum requirements. Common examples include the MA (master's degree), PhD (doctoral degree) MBA (master's degree in business administration), MD (medical doctor).

Single-Sex (or Single-Gender) College

This is a college that accepts either women only or men only.

Proprietary Institution

This is a term used to describe postsecondary schools that are private and are legally permitted to make a profit. Most offer technical and vocational courses.

A.A.S.

This refers to an "associate of applied science" degree, which can be earned at some two-year colleges.

A.A.

This stands for an "associate of arts" degree, which can be earned at most two-year colleges.

Vocational/Technical School

This type of institution is similar to a community college in that it offers specific career-oriented programs that last from a few months to a couple of years. Most are specialized and offer intense training in one specific skill area.

Graduate School

Usually within universities, these schools offer degree programs beyond the bachelor's degree.