Higher Education in the USA

There is no national system of higher education in the United States of America. One can get higher education in colleges and universities. There are over 2 100 different higher educational institutions in the USA. The course of study usually lasts 4 years. The academic year is usually 9 months or 2 terms. As a rule, classes begin in September and end in June. It is interesting that the first-year students are called freshmen.

Students choose a major subject and take many courses in this subject. After four years, they get a traditional Bachelor’s degree. Then the students may go on to graduate school (старшие курсы) and after a year or two get a Master’s degree.

The highest degree is usually Doctor of Philosophy. The student’s progress is evaluated by means of tests, term work and final examinations in each course. Teachers usually give marks on a five point scale, where letters indicate the level of achievement. “A” is the highest mark.

The methods of instructions in the universities are lectures, discussions, laboratory and course works or seminars.

Most cities have colleges or universities that hold classes at night as well as in daytime. In this way people may work for a degree or just take a course in the subject that interests them.

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