Dictionary

accredited institution: A postsecondary educational institution that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency.

admission requirements: Standards established by a college that a student must meet in order to be accepted.

admissions office: The office in a university or college that handles admissions.

adult education: Organized public educational programs that provide opportunities for adults to further their educations.

advanced placement (AP): The process whereby students are excused from taking a particular course because they have already acquired the knowledge necessary to proceed to a more advanced course in the subject.

adviser: A person who gives advice. In higher education, an adviser helps students pick courses of study and guides them on their paths to graduation.

alumni: People who have graduated from an institution.

appeal: A student request for reconsideration of a decision made affecting disciplinary action, grade change, etc..

articulation agreement: Agreements between community and four-year colleges that indicate the acceptability of courses in transfer toward meeting specific degree requirements.

assessment: An evaluation of a person's academic record.

Associate's Degree: A degree traditionally awarded by community or junior colleges after two years of study.

Baccalaureate: An undergraduate degree awarded by a university or college upon the successful completion of an academic program. Also known as a Bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's Degree: An undergraduate degree awarded by a university or college upon the successful completion of an academic program. Also known as a Baccalaureate.

campus: The grounds on which a school is located.

campus-based degree: A degree that a person obtains after studying on campus rather than studying online or remotely.

community college: A two-year college established by the state government.

core subjects: Subjects that must be successfully completed in order for a student to graduate or progress in school.

course: A regularly scheduled class.

coursework: Work that must be completed in order to pass a course of study.

credential: A degree, certificate or award that recognizes a course of study taken in a certain area and that acknowledges the skills, knowledge and competencies acquired.

credit hour: The number of hours for which a student is given credit for completing a specific course. To earn one credit hour, students must attend one class for one hour per week for an entire semester.

curriculum: An integrated course of academic studies.

dissertation: Original research typically required to receive a Ph.D.

distance learning: Learning in which the professor and students are in different locations. Access to the professor and lessons is gained through technology such as the Internet.

Doctoral Degree: An award and formal recognition for advanced study beyond the Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree. The highest degree in a field of study. Also known as a Doctorate Degree or Ph.D.

Doctorate: An award and formal recognition for advanced study beyond the Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree. The highest degree in a field of study. Also known as a Doctoral Degree or Ph.D.

education: Knowledge acquired through learning and instruction.

e-learning: Learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communications technologies, such as the Internet.

electives: Courses that are not used to meet specific major, general education or graduation requirements but that can be used to complete the total units required for a degree.

English Proficiency Test: A test that is used to evaluate an individual's English language skills.

essay: A short written work on a specific topic.