Higher Education in the United States 15 December

Higher Education in the United States 15 December 2011 Danielle Marie Montagne

Objective: During today’s lecture, we will discuss: The Higher Education System in America Fast Facts about Higher Education in American The Structure of American Higher Education Getting into College: Applications, Interviews & Exams The Cost of College in the U.S.A. Professor/Student Life Case Studies Contemporary Issues of Higher Education Resources for study opportunities in the U.S.A. and Abroad. Follow up Discussion Questions & Student Questions

Warm Up Questions… Higher Education in the U.S.A. What do you know about the higher education in America? Are there any stereotypes about American universities or “college life” in the U.S.A.? How/where have you learned information about the American higher education? How many universities are there in the United States?

The Higher Education System in America Fast Facts about the American Education System The US has 5,758 accredited colleges and universities [115 per state]. More than 30 of the 45 highest-ranked institutions are in the United States Religious denominations established most early colleges in order to train ministers and other religious figures. Harvard College in Massachusetts was America’s first College founded in 1636. The average tuition of a public college in 2010 was $8,000 annually for a four-year college. The average cost of a private school was $22,000 annually. In the USA, 27% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher.

American Terminology: University versus College In the United States, the terms “University” and “College” are often used interchangeably to refer to an institute of higher education. Stand-alone institutions that call themselves colleges are universities in the international sense of the term. Typically in the United States, a University is composed of an academically diverse set of units called schools or colleges. The University of Maryland will contain (1) The College of English, (2) The College of Mathematics, (3) The College of Medicine, Etc. A College—whether it is a stand-alone institution of higher learning or a component within a university—typically focuses on one academic sector that is self-chosen by that institution. (1) The Albany College of Pharmacy, (2) State University of New York College at Brockport.

Higher Education Structures in the U.S.A. Most Typical Path for an Academic: Undergraduate Program  Master’s Degree Program  Doctoral Program Most Typical Path for a Doctor/Lawyer: Undergraduate  Professional School  Doctoral Studies

The Structure of the American Higher Education System Vocational/Technical Institution (1-2 years): Some students choose to attend a vocational school where they are taught the skills needed to perform a particular job. Students complete the school with a certification for their particular skill or trade (Mechanics, Plumbing, Electrical) Junior or Community College (2 years): Some students choose to attend a community college for two years prior to further study at another college or university. Community colleges are usually operated by a division of a State University. Community colleges may award Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree after two years. Those seeking to continue their education may transfer to a four-year college or university

The Structure of the American Higher Education System Undergraduate Studies (4 years): In an undergraduate program, students work to satisfy university and class requirements to achieve a bachelors degree in a field on concentration known as a major. Some students might complete a “double-major” or have a “minor” in a second area of study. The most common method consists of four years of study leading to a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelors of Art (B.A.). Key terms: Undergrad, Undergraduate Student, major, minor Master’s Degree Program (2 years): A Masters Degree Program is conducted after obtaining an initial degree and sometimes after several years of professional work. Leads to a more advanced degree such as a Master’s Degree: MA, MS, MBA, MSED, MFA. Key terms: Grad, Graduate Student

The Structure of the American Higher Education System Professional Schools [Medicine, Theology, Law] (3-4 years): Professional degrees such as law, medicine and dentistry are generally offered as graduate study after earning at least three years of undergraduate schooling or after earning a bachelor's degree depending on the program. These professional fields do not require a specific undergraduate major, though medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry have set prerequisite courses that must be taken before enrollment Doctoral Studies (4-6 years): After additional years of study and sometimes in conjunction with the completion of a master’s degree, students may earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) Other Doctorate degrees include Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, etc.

Public versus Private Universities/Colleges The way the university or college is funded decides if it is public or private. Public schools are supported and subsidized by state and federal grants. Public schools also rely on tuition, charitable contributions and educational grants to some degree. Private schools depend solely on tuition, charitable contributions and educational grants to support it’s educational programs. Generally, private universities charge much higher tuition than their public counterparts, which rely on state funds to make up the difference. Because each state supports its own university system with state taxes, most public universities charge much higher rates for out-of-state students

Applying for a College or University The university application process is long, expensive and sometimes complicated to figure out. Many American students rely on high school guidance counselors to help prepare them for the college process. For an American Student, the prospective college candidate will need to complete: SAT/ACT exams [Pay Test fees] College Application [Pay Application fees] Résumé/CV Personal Essay/Statement of Educational Purpose Interviews with prospective schools Letters of Recommendation from teachers or community leaders For an International Student, the prospective college candidate will need to complete: All of the above, plus the TOEFL exam

Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities: Taking Elective Courses & Declaring a Major Most students enter a college or university without knowing their area of specialization. During the first two years of study, students take “prerequisite courses”, which must be taken by all students. Students chose from a long list of “elective” prerequisite courses that interest them. After two years of study, students are generally expected to “declare a major”—or decide what area of specialization they will focus on. A student who declares a major of “History” will take the majority of her classes in the history department during the final two years. A History major might have a concentration: Eastern European History Major. A student might take on a second major—Dual Major. Dual Major in Eastern European History and Sociology of Ed.

Student Exchange Programs Student Exchange programs are becoming very popular among American students. International exchange is viewed as positive attribute to educational experience. Many programs allow American students to easily “transfer” credits earned abroad to their home university. From 2007-2008, more than 262,400 American students studied outside of the United States . More than 140,000 of these are studying in Europe. American universities also find foreign exchange students as an asset to their schools. From 2008-2009, more than 671,600 foreign students enrolled in American colleges. This figure rose to 723,277 in 2010-2011. The largest number—157,558—came from China.

The Cost of Attending an American University Admission rates at American Universities can be incredibly high. Up to 70 percent of students lack the financial resources to pay tuition up front. Most rely on students loans and/or scholarships to finance their college education. Annual undergraduate tuition varies widely from state to state, and many additional fees apply. In 2009, average annual tuition at a public university (for residents of the state) was $7,000. Tuition for public school students from outside the state is generally comparable to private school prices. Private schools are typically much higher depending upon the type of school and program Annual private school tuition can vary from $15,000 to as high as $60,000..

Additional Cost of Attending an American University Graduate and Doctoral Programs can cost between $20,000 to $60,000 annually. However, Masters and Doctoral students are often offered much higher scholarships or teaching assistantships. More Bad News: These prices do not include living expenses (rent, room/board, etc.) or additional fees that schools add on such as "activities fees" or health insurance. These fees, especially room and board, can range from $6,000 to $12,000 per academic year for a single person. Students will also require additional funds for personal items, including clothing, travel costs and entertainment.

Taking out Student Loans and Receiving Scholarships to fund University Education Student Loans Students and their families can take out different types of loans to finance their education. The average student leaves school with about $50,000 in loans to be paid back over 10-20 years. Scholarships Students can apply for scholarships to help pay for their university education. Scholarships are offered by community groups, some government agencies, educational foundations and the University itself. The application process for a scholarship can be lengthy and can involve applications, essays and interviews. Many Scholarships have high student expectations: Students must keep a 3.5 GPA, for example.

Social Life and School Related Activities University students generally spend all of their free time at the university and with their university peers. A major characteristic of American universities are the high priority given to sports teams and student clubs. These activities are open for anyone at the university to join and include: Intramural Sports Clubs—Football, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Rowing, Dance (For Fun) Performing Arts—orchestra bands, jazz bands, marching bands, choirs, school plays/drama clubs/musicals Clubs: Human Rights Clubs, GLBT Clubs, Debate teams, Student Government, Public Awareness Organizations, Department Clubs (English Club, History Club, Philosophy Club, etc) and other various Clubs (Poetry Club, Photography Club, etc.)

Sports Teams at American Universities At many large schools, sports teams have a very prestigious reputation and generate great revenue for the university. Example: The Syracuse Orangemen Basketball Team Syracuse University; Syracuse, NY (my hometown!) Syracuse College Basketball…. Had it’s own sport arena downtown: “The Dome” Generates crowds of over 50,000 people for popular matches. Many college athletes go on to professional athletic programs.

Case Study: Typical Experience of an Undergraduate University Student in America… Student will study for 4 years to earn a Bachelors Degree. The student will spend at least 2 years living in a College Dormitory. The Student will likely have a “meal plan” that allows them to eat at various cafeterias and cafes all over campus. The student will attend two semesters during the academic year Fall Semester— 25 August - 20 December Winter Break! –- 20 December – 20 January Spring Semester— 20 January – 15 May The student will likely take part in some extracurricular activities. The student will likely go to “house parties,” bars or clubs on the weekend The student might have a part-time job—especially in the summer.

Images of an College Life…

Modern Social Issues in American Higher Education Access to Higher Education in America Funding- decrease in state and federal funding. High cost of university education Socio-Economic Status Race Dropout rates highest among Native American and African Americans Illegal Immigrants Rights to Higher Education Availability Current Controversial Issues in Higher Education Students going into debt for low-paying degrees “For-Profit” Schools University of Phoenix Political Views in College Classrooms

Study In the U.S.A. or Europe There are many programs established for Belorussian students to study in the United States or other parts of Europe. U.S. Embassy Sponsored University Study Programs High School: Youth Cultural Opportunity Undergraduate Study: The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Eurasia and Central Asia (Global UGRAD) Master’s Study: Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Scholar Programs: Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Website: http://minsk.usembassy.gov/study.html Other Educational Opportunities in Europe Erasmus, Erasmus Masters Programs, University Specific Programs (MIT, Cambridge University and more) Contact: Kevin Reiling Facebook Group: “Education Opportunities for Belarusians” http://www.facebook.com/groups/belarus.eac/

Questions or Comments? Please ask me any questions about today’s lecture topic, my personal background or any other question you might have. Contact Information Danielle Marie Montagne Email: [email protected] Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions, assistance or guidance you need in any class.