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Education System in USA - Understand How it Works
Let’s find out how the American education system works
Home to the maximum number of international students, the US provides a diverse range of courses for all study levels. Here’s a rundown on the education system of the US.
Study levels in the US
- Elementary school
- Middle school/Junior high school
- High school
- Higher education
Here’s an overview of the qualifications available in the US:
Associate Degree
2 years
Job oriented programs that allow a graduate to launch a career, it is also equivalent to first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor's Degree
3 – 4 years
Undergraduate degree that includes core courses, major, minor and elective. The four years are known as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior.
Master's Degree Professional
1 – 3 years
Leads students from first degree to particular profession; duration depends on field of study
Master's Degree Academic
2 years
Generally awarded in traditional disciplines of humanities, arts, and science; may lead students to doctoral programs
Doctorate or PhD
5 to 8 years
Completed under the supervision of faculty advisor, PhD is awarded on completion of dissertation and successful defence before a panel of faculty members
Types of institutions
There are various types of institutions in the US that provide quality education. These can be categorized into:
Colleges
Smaller than the universities, colleges generally provide undergraduate degrees. Community colleges, an affordable study option in the US, offer two-year associate degrees after which you can continue your studies in the university for another two years to gain an undergraduate degree.
Universities
Offer research-based masters, doctoral and post-doctoral degrees. There are mainly two types of universities in the US:
Public Universities
Mostly state universities, established and run by the state government
Private Universities
A mix of profit and not-for-profit supported by tuition fee and donations; approximately 20% of students attend private universities
Universities may further be categorized into:
Ivy League
Ivy League, which is actually a sports conference of eight private colleges in the Northeast includes some of the oldest American institutions. These are perceived to be some of the most esteemed places to study and therefore extremely competitive for admissions.
Public Ivies
Group of over 30 state-funded or public universities in the US. Although this is not an official classification of universities, these universities have earned their reputation and are considered prestigious and academically rigorous. Education costs are slightly lower than the Ivy League universities.
Liberal Arts Philosophy
This philosophy promotes a well-rounded academic education that develops the overall thought process of students. The courses begin with a wide variety of courses in humanities, languages, arts and the social sciences before specializing in a particular field. The primary focus for faculty is on undergraduate teaching rather than research, with a small student population and high student to faculty ratio.
Specialist institutions
Universities and institutes that specialize in providing degrees in a certain field such a degrees in music, visual and applied arts, etc.
Land Grant Colleges and Universities
Large, publicly-funded universities
Research Intensive Institutions
Universities offering the highest level of research and are a good starting point for students seeking doctoral degree.
Fee structure
Tuition fee solely depends on the type of qualification and university or college you choose. Courses in medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The tuition fee spent annually can range anywhere between US$ 10,000 and US$55,000.
English language studies: $700 to $2000 a month
Community colleges: $6000 to $20,000 per year
Undergraduate bachelor degree: $20,000 to $40,000 per year
Graduate programs: $20,000 to $30,000 per year
(An MBA degree can cost significantly more, as can professional programs such as law, medicine, dentistry, some design programs, etc.)
Doctoral degree: $28,000 to $55,000 per year
(Most doctoral degrees are 100% funded through research/teaching assistantships, research aid and bursaries.)
You will need to pay tuition fees before you begin your studies. There could also be additional costs such as specific course materials and access to institution facilities.
Financial aid
You can fund your studies by availing various kinds of financial aids available. These can be classified into:
- Need-based aid
- Athletic Scholarships
- Scholarships / Tuition Waivers
- Fellowships / Grants
- Teaching Assistantships
- Research Assistantships
- Administrative / Residence Assistantships
These aids may be provided by the government, private organizations or educational institutions. Keep in mind that the competition for such aids is high and thus you must apply for them in advance.
Pedagogy in American classrooms
USA universities place great significance on diversity, meaning classes will consist of students of different ages, religions and ethnicities. This provides a stimulating and interesting learning atmosphere that motivates cross-cultural understanding and socializing.
Most classes will have no more than 20 students and the faculty member will take the time to get to know students and their strengths. Interactive and practical learning are the basis of American teaching. Professors are usually willing to spend time outside of class to offer further support. Campuses in the US also offer an active social life with many clubs and organizations for students to meet other students with similar interests and further career opportunities.
Academic year
Most American universities and colleges commence their classes in August/September usually known as the Fall session. A few others also provide a January/February intake, called as the Spring intake that goes on till April. In fact, a Summer intake is also available for limited programs and colleges between the months of May and August.
The duration of each course depends on the university and specialization. Most bachelor’s degrees take three to four years, master’s take one to two years and doctoral degrees may take four to seven years. The academic year at many colleges comprises of two terms called the semesters. Some may have a three-term calendar where it is referred to as the trimester system.