Fulbright-COLCIENCIAS Grantee Guide

"Higher education" in the United States refers to all formal education beyond the secondary level. Although the term "college" is often used to mean any institution of higher education, a college is actually a four-year undergraduate school that grants bachelor’s degrees. A college may or may not be part of a "university," which is composed of one or more graduate schools in addition to the undergraduate college. Graduate schools are divisions of universities that grant a wide variety of degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels.

The United States does not have a national university system but rather many private and public institutions, each with differing academic regulations, calendars, departmental structures, and course offerings. Regional and national associations establish standards for higher education and accredit schools that meet these standards. All of the universities where LASPAU-administered grantees are placed are accredited.

Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate study in the United States usually follows a broad-based undergraduate education, so master’s programs often begin by providing students with a thorough survey of a particular discipline before exploring one aspect of it in detail. Although you may wish to emphasize applied or practical work in your master’s program, be prepared to study the broad theoretical aspects of your discipline as well. Doctoral study generally requires two years of coursework, but students are expected to identify a specific area of interest for in-depth study and research.

Many master’s programs and almost all doctoral programs require comprehensive or qualifying exams in order to test the student’s knowledge of the field. These exams require extensive preparation over a significant period of time. Be sure to inquire about the nature of these exams and the most appropriate semester to take them.

Most universities require that each master’s candidate prepare or participate in some type of significant research project, the results of which are usually presented at the end of the degree program. Some master’s programs require a formal thesis, while others, called non-thesis programs, require that the students complete several smaller research projects during the course of their studies instead of one major paper. All doctoral students must prepare a dissertation as a degree requirement. At both degree levels, research can take up a significant portion of a student’s program.

Master’s degree candidates usually take three or sometimes four graded courses (either seminars or lectures) for credit each term. As doctoral students progress in their programs, they often take fewer and fewer courses, until they are working full-time on their dissertation. As graduate degree programs in the United States are generally oriented toward research and independent study rather than extensive structured course work, courses can appear fairly general in nature in the university catalogue. At the start of each course, professors give information about the content and requirements for the course and usually ask students to pursue more specific applications of the subject material in projects or papers. Scientific, technical, and language courses frequently require laboratory sessions in addition to lectures. Art courses and performance classes in dance, music, and theater usually require extra studio hours in addition to weekly lectures or formal class sessions.

In the Classroom

Graduate students in the United States are expected to work independently. A high value is placed on student initiative and resourcefulness in seeking out information to solve problems. Professors expect to meet with students taking their classes and with those students for whom they act as an academic advisor, but generally you must take the initiative to ask questions and address concerns. Therefore, you should feel comfortable making appointments to meet with professors and administrators and asking questions of those who might be able to assist you.

Most graduate classes, especially seminars or advanced specialized courses, are small, and it is usually expected that students will attend every class and actively participate by answering questions, commenting on reading assignments, or presenting the results of small research projects for further discussion by class members. Therefore, it is essential to keep up with reading assignments and to become accustomed to giving your opinion and speaking in front of others.

Classroom structure is usually fairly informal. Sometimes students and teachers call each other by their first names. A professor may not lecture formally, but instead may begin the class with a talk and then open up the topic for discussion by the class. An informed alternative or dissenting opinion is acceptable (and often encouraged) in U.S. higher education because of the value placed on creative problem solving and differing points of view. If you have questions about a course either before or after you enroll, do not hesitate to meet with the professor to have them answered.

For degree candidates, all coursework—which can include examinations, written assignments, and participation in class discussions—will be considered in determining the final grade. It is appropriate to ask your professor to explain the course's requirements at the beginning of the academic term, because each teacher usually establishes his or her own criteria for tests, papers, and grades.

Examinations in the United States are usually written, with one exam covering material studied up to the middle of the term and a final exam, often very rigorous and thorough, at the end of the course. Short tests or quizzes may be given any time during the term, and they may or may not be announced in advance. In addition, you may be asked to prepare a research paper or project, or to complete written work such as essays or problem sets during the term.

Exam and assignment grades, as well as final course grades, usually consist of letters: A = Excellent; B = Good; C = Satisfactory; D = Poor; and E or F = Failure. As universities expect graduate students to be advanced in their fields, the only acceptable grades for graduate work are A and B. During your studies, you may be allowed to take a course under a Pass/Fail grading option. Your final transcript would indicate that you took the course but your grade would be P (Pass) or F (Fail). Usually this option is allowed only for electives, thesis research, or courses that are not degree requirements.

The Academic Calendar

The academic year varies for each institution, but it usually begins in August or September and lasts until May or June. Depending on the university, the academic year is divided into two or three terms, followed by one or two shorter summer session that some universities consider optional. However, you will be expected to study or do research during the summer months even if you don’t formally enroll in classes.