College and University Programs by Type of Degree Key Terms

Enhance your understanding of college and university programs by learning some essential terms

Most undergraduate and graduate students would agree they'd like to get the most out of their college and university programs. But how many realize the value of learning key terms related to these programs? For example, the term accreditation may not mean much to you as a college student, but it may make a world of difference to a future employer who frowns upon the degree you obtained from an unaccredited school. This scenario describes just one situation in which knowing college and university programs by type of degree key terms can come in handy.

 

Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies

There are six agencies that the federal department of education considers authoritative when it comes to public college and university programs in certain fields.
Try: Go to the U.S. Department of Education to see a list of the specialized accrediting agencies. You'll also get links to regional accrediting agencies.

Interactive online technology

Interactive online technology refers to the e-learning software mostly used by graduate students who are enrolled in distance education classes.
Try: At University Alliance, you'll find out which universities and colleges offer interactive online classes and how it benefits students. You'll also learn which programs are best suited to the e-learning method and how this state-of-the-art educational system is rated.

Accreditation

Colleges and universities in the United States receive accreditation after they have been evaluated by recognized accrediting agencies.
Try: Back2College explains the process of college and university accreditation and why it's so important when considering which program of study to pursue. You'll also learn what academic standards accreditation is based on and how accreditation helps institutions of higher learning to compete for federal and state financial aid.

Post-baccalaureate certificate

A post-baccalaureate certificate is given to any graduate student who has successfully passed college-level or graduate-level classes.
Try: Cal State Long Beach explains what defines a post baccalaureate certificate. Find out who qualifies for these certificates and what most post-baccalaureate classes focus on.

Associate degrees

Associate degrees are undergraduate degrees, usually given by two-year community or county colleges.
Try: WorldWideLearn explains how an associate degree differs from a bachelor's degree. Find out the added benefits of an associate degree as compared to a high school diploma. You'll also learn how many additional years of study you'll need to complete after receiving an associate degree before you can get a bachelor's degree.

Graduate degree

Students who pursue advanced level programs of study after they have graduated from college are said to be pursuing a graduate degree.
Try: Grad Schools answers your questions about the benefits of a graduate degree and also details the difference between undergraduate and graduate programs.

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