Question - College/University?

[Jia]

Ok this is going to sound very stupid to some people - (I will point out now it's not for homework) so here goes my question -

But in the American education system what is the differences between a college and a university?


^ Reason why I ask is because I'm trying to do a transfer but don't know what my current education studying whatever it's called comes under. And don't know what school I should be applying for university or college wise.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

College is where you go for a two-four year degree.
University is where you go for your six year degree.

If I recall right

[Jia]

Thanks...only one thing that is a bit confusing. Over here we just have the universities. And we get varying years for the degrees (e.g medicine is usually 6-7 and something like a BA is usually 3) - so does that mean I have to choose one or the other and hope I picked the right one?

[The Million Dollar Prons]

If I remember right, you'll start out at a college if you get accepted\pass the test\give the headmaster a blowjob or whatever, and then when you get your degree or enough credits there you can transfer to a university.

I think that's how it works, I myself did not go to college so I am not CERTAIN.

[Jia]

^ Lol....I'm not giving anyone sexual favours for credits.

[CrossboneGundam]

Community Colleges are the ones with two year degrees.

At four year schools it's just semantics.

[Jia]

Ok so I won't need a C.C - Thanks :)

[The Million Dollar Prons]

This thread is impressive because as of now it has 8 views and 7 replies. That's like a 90% ratio.

[throughhim413]

By definition, a university is a scholastic entity composed of several "colleges". A college is basically a focused educational program. Think of it like this - if a school has a college of liberal arts and sciences, a college of engineering, and a college of education, that school is considered a university. If that makes sense...

[CrossboneGundam]

By definition, a university is a scholastic entity composed of several "colleges". A college is basically a focused educational program. Think of it like this - if a school has a college of liberal arts and sciences, a college of engineering, and a college of education, that school is considered a university. If that makes sense...

I do believe we've got a bona-fide bureaucrat here, gentlemen!

[Shiroiyuki]

If you have to spend more than you earn in a single year just to go to ONE semester of classes -- sans books, course materials, living expenses, food, etc. -- then you are going to a university.


If you see old people walking around and they aren't your professors, it is a college. Probably a community college. Feel sad.

[throughhim413]

I do believe we've got a bona-fide bureaucrat here, gentlemen!I'm opposed to providing practical information where minutia will do the trick.

[Midoriko87]

A community college or junior college is a two-year school. A bachelor's is something like 120 credits whereas an associate's (the degree awarded at a community college) is 60 credit hours. Basically, it's your freshman and sophomore university work, pretty much non-Major courses. Some students like to start off at community colleges to perhaps raise their GPA's, and it's cheaper than starting off at an actual university, like, half the cost of most public institutions.

However, when most people hear "community college," they're thinking technical school, trade school, or some kind of program in which a certificate or diploma (as opposed to a degree) is awarded upon successful completion. That's true, too.

If someone receives a certificate, diploma, or "associate's of applied [whatever]," that usually means they're entering the workforce after graduation.

Associate's of Art or Associate's of Science Degrees or etc., that's freshman/sophomore coursework, and they're more than likely planning on continuing their education at a university, somewhere.

[Haro!]

I'm at a four year university, going into my fifth year. Hey don't laugh.

[Midoriko87]

I'm at a four year university, going into my fifth year. Hey don't laugh.

:rolleyes: What with my many breaks, I'll be 29 or 30 when I receive my degree. Mind you, that's 7 to 8 years of schooling and two degrees. Then again, knowing how lazy I am, I'll probably just give up and change Majors. Something like Women's Studies or something. I figure it'll involve watching lots of Oprah and Ellen and perhaps cussing at Mens. *Nods*

[Haruhi]

A college becomes a university when they stop caring about its students.

[Old Ape Face]

I'm graduating this year and then I can say good buy and good riddance to education, and just work for about a few years in a Distribution Warehouse.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Ok this is going to sound very stupid to some people - (I will point out now it's not for homework) so here goes my question -

But in the American education system what is the differences between a college and a university?


^ Reason why I ask is because I'm trying to do a transfer but don't know what my current education studying whatever it's called comes under. And don't know what school I should be applying for university or college wise.
Stupid question? Not likely from you. :P

Studying abroad sounds very exciting and I would like to do that one day. There are times when both the terms college and university are used interchangeably, even though there is a seemingly technical difference between the two.

"University" would be the proper, technical name for a facility devoted to higher education. Usually, "college: is the term that people use even though they are attending a university. As mentioned, two year schools are usually called colleges. I wouldn't worry too much at this point.

Within a university, there are smaller schools referred to as "colleges" for specialized study (college of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering...etc but each school has their own special names).
Thanks...only one thing that is a bit confusing. Over here we just have the universities. And we get varying years for the degrees (e.g medicine is usually 6-7 and something like a BA is usually 3) - so does that mean I have to choose one or the other and hope I picked the right one?
It's similar over here. The higher tuition schools are considered universities but it's common for people to say something like "I go to college" or to be very proper, "I attend university." I wouldn't get too hung up about the differences at this point in time. The important thing is that you know what you want to pursue. Or if you don't you can get all the pre-requisites out of the way in order to focus on what you really want to study (by that time you should know what that is).

The you have the specialized trade/vocational schools that teach a specific skill. I wouldn't necessary call them a "community college" but that's another alternative/compliment to a college education.
A community college or junior college is a two-year school. A bachelor's is something like 120 credits whereas an associate's (the degree awarded at a community college) is 60 credit hours. Basically, it's your freshman and sophomore university work, pretty much non-Major courses. Some students like to start off at community colleges to perhaps raise their GPA's, and it's cheaper than starting off at an actual university, like, half the cost of most public institutions.



Associate's of Art or Associate's of Science Degrees or etc., that's freshman/sophomore coursework, and they're more than likely planning on continuing their education at a university, somewhere.
Not a bad explanation.
A college becomes a university when they stop caring about its students.
Even with that definition, the distinction is often times difficult to make.
I'm graduating this year and then I can say good buy and good riddance to education, and just work for about a few years in a Distribution Warehouse.
Congrats Yukimura. Distribution is decent money but always remember to keep your mind sharp and pursue other things. Complacency can be very detrimental...unless you happen to hit the Mega Million Jack pot.

[Jia]

:rolleyes: What with my many breaks, I'll be 29 or 30 when I receive my degree. Mind you, that's 7 to 8 years of schooling and two degrees. Then again, knowing how lazy I am, I'll probably just give up and change Majors. Something like Women's Studies or something. I figure it'll involve watching lots of Oprah and Ellen and perhaps cussing at Mens. *Nods*

With me wanting to go for Honours and my PH.D that sounds about the same for me. :( It's not cool but at the end of the day I suppose it's worth it.

And we already have to watch Oprah as it is......*shudder* where the world is coming down to.

I'm graduating this year and then I can say good buy and good riddance to education, and just work for about a few years in a Distribution Warehouse.

Yeah I was going to see if I could work but it seems unlikely that I could do so on an American Visa. But I don't really see myself doing any labour.....just not me whatsoever.




"University" would be the proper, technical name for a facility devoted to higher education. Usually, "college: is the term that people use even though they are attending a university. As mentioned, two year schools are usually called colleges. I wouldn't worry too much at this point.

Within a university, there are smaller schools referred to as "colleges" for specialized study (college of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering...etc but each school has their own special names).

[color="blue"]It's similar over here. The higher tuition schools are considered universities but it's common for people to say something like "I go to college" or to be very proper, "I attend university." I wouldn't get too hung up about the differences at this point in time. The important thing is that you know what you want to pursue. Or if you don't you can get all the pre-requisites out of the way in order to focus on what you really want to study (by that time you should know what that is).


So it's universities......that narrows it down a bit :D

My grade average right now is about 75% and I needed at least 60% to qualify to go study abroad. Oh I already know that since I'll be under as a transfer or an exchange student I'm most likely needing to be doing the same units as I do over here - so something on the lines of Journalism/Broadcasting, Art History or Art Studio. It's already sucky enough as it is not many universities/colleges in the states (or anywhere really) don't offer my degree.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

By definition, a university is a scholastic entity composed of several "colleges". A college is basically a focused educational program. Think of it like this - if a school has a college of liberal arts and sciences, a college of engineering, and a college of education, that school is considered a university. If that makes sense...

That's how it works in Britain too, except no-one refers to it as "going to college" and we usually refer to the "colleges" as schools. Like the School of Law and Social Sciences or the School of Mathematics and Engineering.

I'll probably just give up and change Majors. Something like Women's Studies or something. I figure it'll involve watching lots of Oprah and Ellen and perhaps cussing at Mens. *Nods*

Women's studies? Aren't you already a woman? You should be an expert.

[superplough]

I'm pretty sure Midoriko is a guy. I was shocked too.

Uh, I always get confused when I hear the word "college". In New Zealand it's used to refer to some high schools. But then everywhere else seems to use it for uni.

[Meson]

By definition, a university is a scholastic entity composed of several "colleges". A college is basically a focused educational program. Think of it like this - if a school has a college of liberal arts and sciences, a college of engineering, and a college of education, that school is considered a university. If that makes sense...

This is closer to the truth.

A college is a school. A university is a colection of colleges. Functionally, at the undergraduate level ( associates and bachelors), there isn't much difference between the two. The main difference is that since universities are collections of schools, they can offer a larger array of courses, activities, etc. In return, [stand alone] colleges are more close knit communities with generally smaller class sizes.

[Rain]

Before you get your hopes up, if you're planning on going to a university in America and you're not an American citizen or Permanent Resident expect to pay at least double or triple the tuition amount. Unless you're on an academic scholarship or rich I would advise against going to America - student loans will kill you (you want to pursue a Ph.D, no less). Is it really worth it in the end? Seriously, if you're not going to an Ivy League then ditch the plan; they have universities wherever you live, too.

Good riddance.

[Jia]

^ Yeah I'm fully aware of the costs (and I was under the impression I could get free accommodation) and Yeah I'm doing my research before I commit - which kinda was obvious to me..but maybe not to you:/

And also @ Rain:
I am glad you responded and you are entitled to your opinions but being sarcastic/rude to me isn't exactly useful.

I don't really appreciate people trying to tell me what I can/can't afford money wise.

(Sorry if it seems to come across rude but I find it offensive people telling me what I can and can not do especially when I don't talk about my finances online or plan to.)

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

^ Yeah I'm fully aware of the costs (and I was under the impression I could get free accommodation) and Yeah I'm doing my research before I commit - which kinda was obvious to me..but maybe not to you:/

And also @ Rain:
I am glad you responded and you are entitled to your opinions but being sarcastic/rude to me isn't exactly useful.

I don't really appreciate people trying to tell me what I can/can't afford money wise.

(Sorry if it seems to come across rude but I find it offensive people telling me what I can and can not do especially when I don't talk about my finances online or plan to.)
Jia, you come across as rude bugga in all of your posts...I've just become accustomed to it. :P jk

You are not entirely surprised are you? You've been with us long enough to know that you cannot make a thread without someone eventually saying something that would be offensive to you.

Rain's opinions on subjects come off as crude but she gets to the heart of things most of the time (in her own special way). I agree that some refinement is needed but I'm sure you are aware of the finances and possible pitfalls that she so elegantly outlined for you.

OF course...you don't need to talk about your finances online. Don't people just throw money in your direction? haha

I don't believe that accommodation would be free unless you have a scholarship that pays for it all. Most likely a loan, tuition assistance and financial aid would be one of your choices. But being international, I'm not exactly sure how it works or what you are entitled to. You at least know what you want to do...it's just finding the right place to nurture and develop your interest.

Commit? You sound as if you are in a relationship. Lol! :P
Before you get your hopes up, if you're planning on going to a university in America and you're not an American citizen or Permanent Resident expect to pay at least double or triple the tuition amount. Unless you're on an academic scholarship or rich I would advise against going to America - student loans will kill you (you want to pursue a Ph.D, no less). Is it really worth it in the end? Seriously, if you're not going to an Ivy League then ditch the plan; they have universities wherever you live, too.

Good riddance.
The opportunity to study abroad is a chance that most people would accept. It doesn't necessarily have to be an Ivy League school that one goes to. That's one standard of judgment that is subjective. Yes Ivy Leagues are the most expensive and prestigious but they are not the end all be all in higher education.

There have been TA's and the like who have visited state schools for semesters or years and they were able to make the most of their time. If it is something she wants to do, then it is worth it for her. I don't think that she has visited the US as of yet and this is one of the better ways to get to experience it while continuing her education. The much sought after American degree could be one draw but that's up to her.

"They have universities wherever you live" is a true but general statement and her being a resident, she is well aware of it. The experience is different and travelling can be very enjoyable. I speak from personal experience but sometimes getting out of your town/state/country is very therapeutic and a much needed break from all the normal things that you are used.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

And also @ Rain:
I am glad you responded and you are entitled to your opinions but being sarcastic/rude to me isn't exactly useful.

I don't really appreciate people trying to tell me what I can/can't afford money wise.

(Sorry if it seems to come across rude but I find it offensive people telling me what I can and can not do especially when I don't talk about my finances online or plan to.)


MEOWWW CAT FIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Aw man white vs chinese cat fight that's hella sexy like when my white ex-girlfriend asked me if I'd have stayed with her if she was asian and I said YES.

[Jia]

Cat fight? Don't be silly Prons....lol......oh that was quite funny making such a silly suggestion. Lol....still......there's no fight going on or will be.

But I am appreciative of the helpful suggestions I am getting regarding this it's been quite interesting considering the information I was given is so much better compared to the general vagueness of what I was aware of.



@ Kabu: Thanks :) I'm happily accepting any advice so I'd rather know what could happen rather than shock horror awaiting later.