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Higher Education in USA Higher Education in the United States of America Higher education: Higher education in the U.S. is also called postsecondary education. It is not divided into different sectors (university, non-university, etc.) as are some other national systems and it is a diverse and autonomous community of publicly and privately supported institutions. Current data indicate that there are some 2,819 institutions offering a Bachelor's or higher degree; 2,657 institutions offering at least an associate's degree but less than a bachelor's degree; and 4,927 institutions offering shorter non-degree programmes of less than two years duration. Institutions are classified in the following categories:
1) RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES (I and II): Comprehensive doctorate-granting institutions that operate extensive theoretical and applied research programmes in a wide variety of disciplines; 2) DOCTORATE-GRANTING UNIVERSITIES (I and II): Institutions offering comprehensive studies in a wide variety of disciplines but which do not award the Doctorate in as many fields as do research universities; 3) MASTER'S (COMPREHENSIVE) UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (I and II): Institutions offering academic and professional programmes at the Bachelor's and Master's degree levels, and first-professional degrees, but which do not award the research Doctorate; 4) BACCALAUREATE (LIBERAL ARTS) COLLEGES (I and II): Institutions offering academic and professional programmes at the Bachelor's degree level, but not higher degrees; 5) ASSOCIATE OF ARTS COLLEGES: Institutions offering academic and professional or occupational studies at the Associate Degree level, including public community colleges and public and private junior colleges; 6) PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS AND OTHER SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS: Institutions that offer instruction in only one or a few related subjects, either professional or academic, and thus are not comprehensive enough to fit into other classifications. The degree level ranges from the associate degree through the research Doctorate (eg. Independent schools of medicine, engineering, dentistry, and law; schools for the visual and performing arts; theological seminaries, etc.) 7) POSTSECONDARY VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS: Institutions offering short, non-degree training programmes of less than two years duration, leading to Certificates or Diplomas in occupational specialities. (The classification of these institutions by I or II refers, for the research universities, to the amount of research funding the institution obtains from the Federal Government. For all the others, it refers to the size of the institution and to the number or types of programmes offered. None of the classifications is meant to be used as an indicator of quality or status - these are determined by other means). T he higher education system is characterized by accessibility, diversity, and autonomy and is known for both its size and quality. The federal government has no jurisdiction or authority over the recognition of educational institutions, members of the academic professions, programmes or curricula, or degrees or other qualifications. Nearly all U.S. postsecondary institutions are licensed, or chartered, by a state or municipal government to operate under the ownership of either a government (if public) or a private corporation (if independent), and may be for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises. Religious institutions are considered independent, or private. Quality assurance is achieved via state requirements, voluntary accreditation, and the reputation of institutions and among their academic peers and employers of graduates. Accreditation is a self-regulating process of quality control engaged in by the U.S. postsecondary education community to ensure minimum standards of academic capability, administrative competence, and to promote mutual recognition of qualifications within the system. Six (6) regional accreditation associations set minimum standards for institutions chartered in the states of their respective jurisdictions. In addition, other recognized accrediting associations set and regulate minimum standards for individual subjects or related subjects, particularly in professional fields, and for specialized institutions. Academic year: Classes from: Sep to: Jun Languages of instruction: English Stages of studies: Post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type): Non-university level:
There is no distinction between "university level" and "non-university level" higher education. The level of studies is delineated by the level of qualification offered in a specific programme rather than by type of institution offering it. Educational programmes corresponding to "non-university level technical/vocational post-secondary studies" would include all technical & occupational programs that lead to a degree, diploma or certificate below the bachelor's degree. Education at this approximate level would include (1) all institutions that only award qualifications less than the bachelor's degree, (2) programs leading to awards less than the bachelor's degree offered at other institutions. Institutions in the first category may be classified under the Carnegie Classification headings of "Two-Year Community, Junior, and Technical Colleges" and "Professional Schools and Other Specialized Institutions" (in the latter category, only those institutions awarding less than the bachelor's degree). They would also fit the NCES classifications of "Institutions Awarding Certificates or Diplomas of at Least 2 but Less Than 4 Years", "Associate Degree Institutions", "Institutions Awarding Certificates or Diplomas of at Least One but Less Than 2 years", and "Institutions Awarding Certificates or Diplomas of Less Than One Year". Institutions in the second category may include universities and other institutions that award short course and Associate Degree qualifications in addition to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. University level studies:
University level first stage: Associate Degree, Bachelor degree, Advanced Certificate, 1st professional degree: The Associate Degree is the first academic or professional degree that can be awarded in U.S. postsecondary education. Holders of this Degree may apply to enter other first degree programmes (such as those leading to the Bachelor's Degree), but are not qualified to apply directly for advanced (graduate) studies programmes. Programmes of study for this degree are usually designed to take 2 years of full-time study, but some programmes take longer to complete. Persons who pursue this degree on a part-time basis also take longer than 2 years to finish. The Associate Degree may be awarded in the liberal arts and general studies as an academic qualification or it may be awarded in a professional occupational field. Associate Degree programmes generally fulfil 2 years of the course requirements needed for a Bachelor's degree. Credit for Associate Degree studies is usually transferable to Bachelor's degree programmes, especially where transfer agreements have been established between or among institutions. The Bachelor's Degree is the second academic degree that can be awarded in U.S. postsecondary education, and is one of two such undergraduate (first) degrees that qualifies a student to apply to programmes of advanced (graduate) study (the other such degree is the first-professional degree). Programmes of study for this degree are designed to take between 4 and 5 years of study, depending on the field of study and whether the degree is pursued on a full- or part-time basis. Honours programmes are offered by many institutions that award the Bachelor's degrees. These generally require the completion of additional requirements such as preparation of an undergraduate thesis, honours paper or project, advanced coursework, or special examinations. Advanced certificates requiring a year or less of study following (and sometimes accompanying) completion of a Bachelor's are sometimes awarded to signify a concentration in a sub-specialization or completion of a related set of competences.First professional degrees comprise a limited number of second first degrees. Students are only admitted to first professional degree programmes after completing most, or all, of a Bachelor's degree programme in another subject. The study content of the first professional degree programmes is undergraduate in nature and the degrees are prerequisites for entry-level access to certain regulated professions. Confusion sometimes arises because several first professional degrees use the term 'doctor' in the title even though they are not advanced research degrees. First professional degrees are awarded in Medicine (MD), Dentistry (DDS/DMD), Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Optometry (OD), Podiatry (DPM), Chiropractic (DC), Pharmacy (D.Pharm), Divinity (M.Div), Rabbinics (MHL/Rav), and Law (JD).
University level second stage: Master's Degree, Post-Master's Degree, Diploma or Certificate: The Master's Degree represents the second stage of higher education and is the first advanced (graduate) degree awarded. U.S. master's degrees may be taught (without thesis) or research (with thesis) and may be awarded in academic or professional fields. Most master's degrees are designed to take 2 years of fulltime study, although the time may vary depending upon the subject, the preparation achieved by the student at the undergraduate level, the structure of the program, and whether the degree is pursued on a full- or part-time basis. Master's degrees generally require completion of a series of course requirements and may, depending on the type of Master's program, require completion of a research thesis, special project, examinations in one or more subfields, satisfaction of special requirements (such as linguistic or quantitative skill), or a combination. U.S. awards that fall between the master's and the research doctorate may be of several types, but all of them fall within the second stage of U.S. higher education. Examples of awards given at this level include the degree of Education Specialist (E.Sp. or Ed.S.) and Certificates and Diplomas of Advanced Study (C.A.E., D.A.E.).
University level third stage: Research Doctorate: The research doctorate represents the third and highest stage of higher education in the United States and may be awarded in academic disciplines and some professional fields. This degree is not awarded by examination or coursework only, but requires demonstrated mastery of the chosen subject and the ability to conduct independent, original research. Doctoral programmes require intensive study and research in at least one subfield and professional level competence in several others. Following a series of research seminars and comprehensive examinations, the student must prove his or her capability in original research or independent practice through the preparation and defence of a published dissertation or project thesis and the passage of a battery of oral and written examinations before a committee of senior faculty, including both the examining committee and invited guests. Most doctoral degrees take at least 4 or 5 years of full-time study and research after the award of a Bachelor's degree or at least 2 to 3 years following a Master's degree. The actual time to degree varies depending upon the subject and the structure of the programme. Research Doctorates are awarded in the academic disciplines and for theoretical research in some professional fields, with the most common such degree being that of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). There are a variety of equivalent degree titles used in some institutions and disciplines. The focus of professional doctoral studies is usually on applied rather than theoretical research, and there is a wide variety of degree titles in use.
Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers Requirements for education and certification (licensure) of early childhood (kindergarten) and elementary (primary) teachers are set by state governments which require multiple exams (subject matter, etc.) prior to entering teacher education and again following completion of teacher education but prior to certification. Four States (Alaska, Idaho, Vermont and Wyoming) require no examinations and 8 states require only minimal skills assessment. Thirty-eight (38) states require completion of a prescribed program of studies at the undergraduate level in order to qualify for certification and satisfactory completion of a supervised practicum. Undergraduate studies must be completed at an accredited institution in 47 states and in a state-approved institution in the other three states. The initial teaching qualification is a bachelor's degree plus certification. Most states offer higher levels of certification based on experience and additional education, and many teachers at this level earn a master's degree. Continuing professional education is required in 42 states in order to maintain certification.
Training of secondary school teachers The basic pre-certification requirements for secondary teachers are the same as for elementary school teachers. A major difference is that secondary school teachers are certified as competent in one or more academic or vocational subjects and spend their careers concentrating on these subjects, whereas elementary school teachers - especially for the lower grades - may be comprehensively certified to teach the full primary course or may specialize, particularly if teaching in the more differentiated upper elementary/middle school grades. All States certify teachers according to subject specializations as well as grade levels/ranges.Special education teachers are trained in most states in specialized programmes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and are also separately certified. Forty-seven (47) states certify such teachers according to the particular specialization that they practice, e.g. education of the deaf, education of the visually impaired, etc. as well as the degree of severity of the handicap with which they are trained to work. While the minimum academic requirement is a Bachelor's degree in special education or a related field (such as developmental psychology), most teachers possess a Master's degree. Specialized non-instructional personnel must also be certified in most U.S. States; these individuals include school administrators, school counsellors, school health personnel (psychologists, nurses), school librarians, supervisory teachers and curriculum specialists.
Training of higher education teachers State law varies regarding the requirements for faculty in postsecondary education. The responsibility for determining the standards and requirements for faculty positions and for hiring and promoting faculty rests with the individual institution and the faculty, department, or school within an institution. Requirements that institutions set may vary depending on level at which the faculty are expected to teach, the subject or field to be taught, whether research is to be conducted, whether a professional license or qualification is required, and whether the position is full- or part-time and tenure-track or not. Accredited institutions also follow any faculty standards set by the regional accrediting association to which they belong and any standards set by the association that accredits programs in a particular field. Higher education faculty are universally expected to possess the necessary expertise and qualifications to teach and, where applicable, to conduct research and consult in the discipline or professional field of their specialization.
Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education Distance education is considered to be a vehicle for delivering education to persons whose location, circumstances or work make remote links necessary or convenient. It is not considered to be a separate type of education altogether. Rather, distance education is considered to be a modality of instruction that differs from traditional campus-based instruction but is no less legitimate. There is rapid growth in educational programmes at all levels delivered via radio, television, satellite downlink stations, videos, computer terminals and other means. Many programmes are offered for credit and lead to Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees; others are designed for leisure studies, personal enrichment or specific work-related education and training. Distance education programmes are accredited by recognized associations and the good programmes benefit from significant recent advances in designing, implementing and monitoring these learning environments and their support tools.
Lifelong higher education Frequently called continuing education. Institutions operate specific continuing education programmes, some very extensive and parallel to regular institutional degree offerings, whilst others are short or specialized programmes. Continuing education may be structured to lead to Certificates, Diplomas or Degrees, or unstructured and used to provide general and leisure study opportunities. Some continuing education is offered through distance learning methods while other programmes are offered at an institution or provided at a branch site. When offered in order to provide further education and training for professionals who already hold basic qualifications, it is usually called continuing professional education. Credit for work completed in such programmes may be recognized and accepted by regular higher education authorities through policies developed by institutions, and it is also recognized and accepted by state licensing authorities and professional associations.
Higher education training in industry This is considered a specific form of continuing professional education and is referred to as employer-sponsored training. Programs are offered by employers or through contract by postsecondary institution, professional association, union or consulting organization. Education or training may be provided at work site or elsewhere. Continuing professional education or training ranges in length and depth from short courses intended to refresh or introduce new skills up to full degree programs. Credit for work completed in such programs may be recognized and accepted by regular higher education authorities through policies developed by institutions. A specific form of employer-sponsored training of major interest to many U.S. postsecondary institutions, especially at the sub-bachelor's degree level, is training received in the U.S. armed forces and how to award credit for it when personnel re-enter civilian life. Detailed guidelines exist for this process that have been developed by U.S. institutions and the armed forces in cooperation.
Other forms of non-formal higher education Many varieties of education and training opportunities exist that are not formally structured, do not result in recognized awards and are not intended to result in transferable credit or professional recognition. They include courses and programs provided by libraries, museums, parks and recreation authorities, clubs and others that are intended for members or the public. Some programs provided by employers are not intended to result in formal recognition, such as informal seminars and presentations on topics related to work issues and products.
NATIONAL BODIES Administration & co-ordination: Responsible authorities: United States Department of Education Secretary of Education: Roderick Paige
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Tel: +1(202) 401-2000 Fax: +1(202) 401-3130 EMail: customerservice@inet.ed.gov WWW: http://www.ed.gov Role of governing body: The Executive Branch agency responsible for federal education programmes of all types & levels & headed by the Secretary of Education, a Presidential Cabinet appointment. The federal role in education is strictly limited by the US Constitution and by federal statutes. The Department of Education does not function as a governing body but operates in cooperation with state and local authorities. Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) President: Richard T. Ingram
One Dupont Circle, Suite 400 Tel: +1(202) 296-8400 Fax: +1(202) 223-7053 WWW: http://www.agb.org Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)
1740 N Street, NW Tel: +1(202) 775-4667 Fax: +1(202) 223-1297 WWW: http://www.acct.org Education Commission of the States (ECS)
707 17th Street, Suite 2700 Tel: +1(303) 299-3600 Fax: +1(303) 296-8332 EMail: ecs@ecs.org WWW: http://www.ecs.org Role of governing body: Coordinates State government authorities in each State National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)
277 South Washington Street, Suite 100 Tel: +1(703) 684-4000 Fax: +1(703) 836-2313 EMail: boards@nasbe.org WWW: http://www.nasbe.org Role of governing body: Coordinates State Boards of Education National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)
39 Nathan Ellis Highway, PMB 134 Tel: +1(508) 539-8844 Fax: +1(508) 539-8868 EMail: nasdtec@mediaone.net WWW: http://www.nasdtec.org National Association of State Directors of Vocational and Technical Education (NASDVTEC)
444 North Capitol Street, NW Tel: +1(202) 737-0303 Fax: +1(202) 737-1106 EMail: kgreen@nasdvtec.org WWW: http://www.nasdvtec.org State Higher Education Executive Officers Network (SHEEO)
707 17th Street, Suite 2700 Tel: +1(303) 299-3685 Fax: +1(303) 296-8332 EMail: sheeo@sheeo.org WWW: http://www.sheeo.org United States Network for Education Information (USNEI) - National Library of Educationn (NLE) Executive Director, National Library of Education: Sheila McGarr Manager, USNEI: Stephen Hunt
National Library of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue NW Tel: +1(202) 205-5015 Fax: +1(202) 205-6688 EMail: usnei@ed.gov WWW: http://www.ed.gov/NLE/USNEI American Council on Education (ACE) President: Stanley Ikenberry Vice-President: Madeleine F. Green Director, International Education: Barbara Turlington
One Dupont Circle, Suite 800 Tel: +1(202) 939-9300 Fax: +1(202) 659-2212 EMail: stanley_ikenberry@ace.nche.edu WWW: http://www.acenet.edu American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Executive Director: Jerry Sullivan Director, Professional Development and International Programmes: Dale Edward Gough
1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 520 Tel: +1(202) 293-9161 Fax: +1(202) 872-8857 EMail: info@aacrao.org WWW: http://www.aacrao.org American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) President: David Pierce Coordinator of international services: Audree M. Chase
One Dupont Circle NW; Suite 410 Tel: +1(202) 728-0200 Fax: +1(202) 833-2467 WWW: www.aacc.nche.eduhttp://www.aacc.nche.edu American Association for Higher Education President: Margaret A. Miller
One Dupont Circle, Suite 360 Tel: +1(202) 293-6440 Fax: +1(202) 293-0073 WWW: http://www.aahe.org American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President: Constantine W. Curris Director of Public Information: Gay Clyburn
1307 New York Avenue NW, Fifth Floor Tel: +1(202) 293-7070 Fax: +1(202) 296-5819 WWW: http://www.aascu.org Association of American Universities (AAU) President: Neils Hasselmo
1200 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 550 Tel: +1(202) 408-7500 Fax: +1(202) 408-8184 Association of International Educators (NAFSA) Executive Director: Marlene Johnson
1307 New York Avenue NW, 8th floor Tel: +1(202) 737-3699 Fax: +1(202) 737-3657 EMail: inbox@nafsa.org WWW: http://www.nafsa.org The Center for Quality Assurance in International Education Executive Director: Marjorie Peace Lenn
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 515 Tel: +1(202) 293-6104 Fax: +1(202) 293-9177 EMail: cqaie@aacrao.nche.edu WWW: http://www.cqaie.org The College Board President: Gaston Caperton Director, International education: John Deupree
45 Columbus Avenue Tel: +1(212) 713-8000 Fax: +1(212) 713-8282 EMail: internatl@collegeboard.org Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
One Dupont Circle, NW Tel: 1(202) 955-6126 Fax: 1(202) 955-6129 WWW: http://www.chea.org Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) President: Stevan Trooboff
205 East 42nd Street Tel: +1(212) 822-2600 Fax: +1(212) 822-2649 EMail: info@councilexchanges.org Institute of International Education President and CEO: Allan Goodman
809 United Nations Plaza Tel: +1(212) 984-5452 Fax: +1(212) 984-5566 WWW: http://www.iie.org National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) President: Peter Magrath Assistant Director, International Affairs: Suzy Glucksman
1307 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400 Tel: +1(202) 478-6040 Fax: +1(202) 478-6046 WWW: http://www.nasulgc.org National Education Association (NEA) President: Christine Maitland
1201 16th Street NW Tel: +1(202) 822-7110 Fax: +1(202) 822-7478 ( Source: http://www.globaled.us/wwcu/background/United-States.htm ) Admissions to Higher Education Educational System in the United States of America ( USA ) List of Universities in America
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