Getting higher education in the USA means obtaining a diploma, which is recognized all over the world and opens to its owner the doors to the most prestigious companies. But equally important is the experience, the way of action, the skills to gather and analyze information, form an opinion, and work independently and in teams. And, of course, connections and acquaintances, which are acquired during the studies.

A person with a bachelor’s degree from an American university is not only a professional in demand in every country in the world, but also a person with all the tools necessary to build a successful career.

The bachelor’s degree (undergraduate education) is the first step in the U.S. system of higher education. You can enroll in an undergraduate program at a U.S. or foreign school immediately after graduation or after preparatory studies at a community college. International students can learn the language and adjust in advance in language courses offered by universities.

Pre-university education

These are programs that prepare you for an undergraduate degree or teach you a specific major. Undergraduate degrees usually offer the same knowledge as the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program, and you can apply for a third year of higher education. Study centers, colleges, and universities offer such programs. You may have heard the term Associate Degree (undergraduate candidate), which is the same intermediate degree that corresponds to a two-year college education.

Length of Study

An undergraduate degree takes four years to complete, and with an internship it takes five. The time frame can vary (give or take six months) depending on the major and the number of courses the student has taken. An academic year lasts about nine months and usually includes two semesters of 18 weeks each, or, less frequently, three 12-week terms. Many universities have optional summer courses (six to eight weeks).

Specialization

It is possible to obtain degrees in science, art, engineering, philosophy, etc. Each of them provides the opportunity in the future to work in a variety of specialties. Specialization is quite different from the Ukrainian one, as within one specialty there are also so called concentrations, which are determined by the studied subjects, but they are not mentioned in the diploma.