I'm a university student, but not in America, so I'm a bit confused by some of the info mentioned in questions at Advicenators. Also, if I ever study overseas, knowing this in detail will come in handy.
1) Is there a difference between 'college' and 'university' in an American context? (I'm presuming also that 'college' differs from 'vocational college', but is that correct?)
2) What are 'liberal arts' as studied in America? Do they play an important part in a standard university degree?
3) How many years does a general university degree (such as B. Arts) usually last, and in that length of time, how many majors are usually completed?
I already have some preconceptions of American tertiary education, but I expect they're wrong for the most part, so all clarification is appreciated. =)
People use the term college loosely. When someone is going to the University of "insert state" they usually say "I'm going to college"
A University is larger, and tends to offer more. Whereas a college is usually more specialized, such as the Maine college of art, which is full of art students, aside from the University of Maine, which has everything from art to marine biology.
Liberal arts are the extra classes that for some screwed up reason everyone who goes to a liberal arts college has to take. I'm a vet tech student, yet I have to take a computer class... please tell me how that makes sense. The argument is that taking a broad range of classes helps the student to get a job if their current major doesn't work out for them. I say it's just a ploy to get colleges more money.
How long as degree lasts depends on what kind. A bachelor is a four year degree, and an associates is a two year degree. After graduation, I'm not sure, I know a masters takes an extra 2, past a bachelors, and a doctorates takes an extra 4. I'm not sure what else.
In many four year colleges, people tend to take a bachelor as their major, and then their minor, which is an associates degree, that corresponds and helps out their major.
I'm going to get an associates degree in Veterinary Technology for now, with no other minor degree. Oddly though, the veterinary technology degree, which is consdiered an associates, is actually a three year degree... so there are exceptions to the rule.
So, the next time you hear someone say "I'm going to college" If they are from the United States, that most likely means that they're studying at a University of some sort. It's just more likely labeled as college....
ok, now I'm late for work, so I must stop typing, hope I could clear some things up for you.
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Thanks for your explanation, in particular the personal example -- it makes things clearer. =) The liberal arts does sound a bit strange in practice.
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