Higher Education in the usa

Higher education in America is provided by colleges and universities. The main difference between a college and a university is that the latter is a collection of colleges each of which specializes in a different field.

American colleges and universities are either private or public. There are nearly 1900 institutes of higher learning in America. Roughly one-third are state institutions, 1,200 are private ones. Only about half of the school children graduate from the university in America and receive a university diploma. College is getting more expensive every year. Not all American families can afford universities education.

The American universities offers a wide variety of courses. In the same school a student can specialize in economics, chemistry and physics, Latin and humanities, or in automobile mechanics. During the four-year university program, the student studies four or five major subjects per year. In addition the students usually have classes in physical education, music and art. The first two years are a continuation of secondary education; then a student begins an intensive study of his special field. If a student fails a course, he repeats only that course and not the work of the entire year.

Students are classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. A freshman is a first year student; a sophomore – a second year student; a junior – a third year student and a senior – a fourth year student. All students who have graduated from the senior class and who continue studies at a university are classified as advanced students or graduate students.

At the conclusion of studies a college or university grants a Bachelor’s degree. After one or two additional years of studies — a Master’s degree. The highest academic degree is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It may take a number of years to complete the original research work necessary to obtain this degree.

College prepares the student for two things: either graduate studies, leading to a master’s or doctor’s degree, or a job immediately after graduation. The majority of college graduates have to apply to public and private employment agencies to get any job, which is not an easy thing.

Task 2. Answer the questions:

1. How many institutes of higher learning are there in America?

2. Are there private and state colleges in the USA?

3. Is education getting more expensive every year?

4. When does a student begin an intensive study of his special field?

5. The highest academic degree is Ph.D, isn’t it?

SECTION 7

Listening Comprehension

Task 1. Listen to Caroline’s talk about her reasons for applying to Surrey University. Complete the information below:

• the degree she wanted to do:

• the features of Surrey University valued very much by Caroline:

• on University open day applicant can:

• University interviews aim at:

Task 2. Listen to the speaker talking about the usual day.

1. What does the speaker do at these times: 8.30am, 12.30 pm, 6.00 pm, 10.30 pm?

2. What else does the speaker do during the day?

Make notes. Summarize the story.

? Check yourself.

By the end of this topic, a student should:

• know the history of Altai State University, the basis of its foundation, faculties, forms of education and main issues

• be ready to speak about your faculty pointing out your personal reasons for entering it

• know the types of educational establishment existing in Great Britain and the USA and be ready to point out their differentiating features

• be ready to speak about your working day