College Information

Common College Vocabulary

Junior College - another term for Community College - some Community Colleges have sports and residential housing for students on campus

Early Decision Application - binding application- it is an earlier application deadline, usually between October 15 and November 15, so students find out earlier whether or not they are accepted

Early Action Application - non-binding application - it is an earlier application deadline, usually between October 15 and November 15, so students find out earlier whether or not they are accepted

Regular Decision Application - non-binding application - it is a later application deadline, usually between January 1 and February 1

Binding Application - if a student is accepted to the college, they must attend that college

Non-binding Application - if a student is accepted to the college, they do not have to attend that college

Associate's Degree - Requires two years of full-time classes. Usually requires about 60 credit hours of coursework.

Bachelor's Degree - Requires four years of full-time classes. Usually requires about 120 credit hours of coursework.

Master's Degree - An advanced degree that requires an additional year of full-time classes beyond a Bachelor's degree. Usually requires about 30 credits hours of advanced coursework.

Doctoral Degree - An advanced degree that requires an additional four years of full-time classes beyond a Bachelor's degree. Usually requires about 90-120 hours of advanced coursework.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - program includes liberal arts classes but more emphasis is placed on social sciences, humanities, world languages, reading, writing, and fine arts

Bachelor of Science (BS) - program includes liberal arts classes but science and math classes are a stronger emphasis

Associate of Arts & Science (AS&S) - program includes liberal arts classes such as social sciences, humanities, world languages, reading, writing, fine arts, math, and science

Associate of Science (AS) - program includes liberal arts classes but science and math classes are a stronger emphasis

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - program includes a minimal number of liberal arts classes because a large emphasis is placed on the career and technical skills for the program of study

Liberal Arts - a core foundation of education that includes math, science, social studies, world languages, humanities, reading, writing, and fine arts

Humanities - includes classes such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, politics, religion, etc

Credit Hour - the number of hours you are in class a week

Pre-Requisite - classes you must take prior to enrolling in another class

Distance Learning - classes in which 50% or more of the instruction occurs when students and professors are not in the same location

Virtual Class - classes that are delivered solely online by the professor

Hybrid Class - classes that are a combination of online and in-class instruction

Office Hours - Professors have posted times when they are available in their office to help you with any questions you have about class or assignments

Syllabus - outline of your class that includes a schedule of when your assignments are due, grading practices, and professor contact information