General College Info

Familiar Terms

College

The general term for all higher education.

University

A four-year institution that has both undergraduate and graduate students. A university often includes many "colleges" or "schools" within it, such as the College of Engineering or the School of Law.

Branch Campus

Some universities have a main campus and multiple branch campuses located elsewhere around the state. They typically offer a limited number of programs compared to the main campus.

Community College (previously known as Junior College)

A two-year institution that offers only associate's degrees, which is typically the equivalent of the first two years of a four-year degree.

Technical College (or Vocational School)

A school that provides specialized training for a certain industry.

M.S.I. (minority-serving institution)

Institutions with more than 25% of their students from a particular minority student population. Examples: HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) & TCU (Tribal Colleges and Universities).

Major

Primary area of study at college, such as English, International Studies, or Civil Engineering.

Double Major

When a college student has two primary areas of study. This second focus typically requires extra coursework.

Minor (or emphasis)

Secondary area of study at college. This may or may not be related to your major. A.A. or A.S.

Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.

A two-year degree from a community college. Also referred to as an Associate’s Degree.

B.A. or B.S. (or undergraduate degree)

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. A four-year degree often referred to as a Bachelor’s Degree, undergraduate degree, or college degree.

Master's

Degree earned after completing graduate school. One to two years of extra schooling after B.A. or B.S.

Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy. Degree earned after completion of a doctoral program. Requires extra years of schooling after master's degree.

Professional Degree

Usually, the highest degree for a specific career, such as M.D., J.D., etc.

M.D. (doctor)

Medical Doctorate. A degree required to be a doctor of medicine. Three to four years of extra schooling after B.A. or B.S.

J.D. (lawyer)

Juris Doctorate. A law degree required to be a lawyer. Typically three years of extra schooling after B.A. or B.S.