Higher Education

Monday, September 21, 2009

Higher Education

Vocabulary in Conversation

Fill in all the gaps using the new vocabulary, then click the "Check" button to check your answers.

apprenticeships are funded B.A. B.S. degree facilities majored master's minor Ph.D. stands for terminology transfer

Lars: Tina, I'm trying to fill out this job application, and they want to know about my educational history. It's a little confusing because I don't understand the they are using. I don't really know much about the American educational system.
Tina: In America, all students basically study the same thing until they are around 18. After high school, students have the choice to start working or to go to college.
Lars: What is the difference between a college and a university?
Tina: In the U.S., there isn't a big difference between the two. Colleges tend to be smaller schools, and universities are usually larger schools with more ; however, we often use these words interchangeably.
Lars: Can Americans do to prepare themselves for their future careers? Many people do that kind of job training in my country.
Tina: That's not very common in the United States. Americans usually learn on the job; however, some junior colleges offer shorter, more practical career training programs.
Lars: What are junior colleges?
Tina: Colleges and universities in the United States are extremely expensive. Even schools which by the government can cost thousands of dollars a year. Most states have created junior colleges, which are inexpensive schools where students can complete the first two years of their education. Afterwards, students can to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor's . And, as I mentioned, they also provide career training and continuing education courses.
Lars: What does mean? Is that the same thing as a bachelor's?
Tina: That Bachelor of Science. You also often hear the abbreviation , which is short for Bachelor of Arts. For example, I in chemistry, so I have a Bachelor of Science; but, my brother studied philosophy, so he has a Bachelor of Arts.
Lars: I thought you studied German literature.
Tina: That was my - my secondary field of study.
Lars: What about after you finish your bachelor's?
Tina: Students can continue studying and receive a , which usually requires an additional two years of study. And of course, the highest degree is called a , which is another word for doctorate.