US Qualifications
Highschool Qualificaitons
Highschool Diploma
In the United States, most states require students to take and pass a standardized test before graduation. The curriculum and implementation has varied depending upon the state. Florida uses the British A-level program for advanced students while a number of schools in Virginia use the IGCSE. General education students who pass the twelfth grade in the US by completing enough classes, but do not meet all of the standard graduation requirements, will not receive a high school diploma, but will instead receive a certificate of attendance.
International Baccalaureate (or IB)
IB is a two-year educational program for students aged 16–19 that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. Administered by the International Baccalaureate (IB), the IBDP is currently taught in English, French or Spanish. In order to participate in the IBDP, students must attend an IB school. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects from the six different subject groups, and complete three core requirements. Subjects are assessed using both internal and external assessments, and courses finish with an externally assessed series of examinations, usually consisting of two or three timed written examinations.
General Educational Development (or GED)The GED tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. The GED is also referred to as a General Education Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma, Graduate Equivalency Degree.The American Council on Education is the sole developer for the GED test. The test is in person. Jurisdictions award a "Certificate of General Educational Development" or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements.Only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED tests.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Associate’s Degree
You can earn an associate’s degree after two years at a US community college.
Many students who earn an associate’s degree continue their schooling at another US college or university in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Jefferson Education can advise you if you want to transfer to another college or university.
Types of associate’s degrees:
Bachelor’s Degree
Students at four-year undergraduate colleges and universities in the USA earn bachelor’s degrees.
Most students earn one of two types of bachelor’s degrees:
Colleges and universities in America have their own list of majors in which you can earn a bachelor’s degree. Some even will let you create your own college major!
Graduate Qualifications
Master’s DegreeYou can earn a master’s degree at a US graduate school in nearly any field. Programs are typically between 1-2 years.
The subject you study will determine the type of master’s degree you will earn, such as a:
Before you are accepted into a master’s degree program, you probably will need to take the GRE or GMAT.
Doctoral Degree
A doctoral degree is the highest type of US university degree. Programs are usually 3+ years.
A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is the most common type of doctoral degree. Some fields, however, require a doctoral degree before you can obtain a job, including:
Highschool Diploma
In the United States, most states require students to take and pass a standardized test before graduation. The curriculum and implementation has varied depending upon the state. Florida uses the British A-level program for advanced students while a number of schools in Virginia use the IGCSE. General education students who pass the twelfth grade in the US by completing enough classes, but do not meet all of the standard graduation requirements, will not receive a high school diploma, but will instead receive a certificate of attendance.
International Baccalaureate (or IB)
IB is a two-year educational program for students aged 16–19 that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. Administered by the International Baccalaureate (IB), the IBDP is currently taught in English, French or Spanish. In order to participate in the IBDP, students must attend an IB school. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects from the six different subject groups, and complete three core requirements. Subjects are assessed using both internal and external assessments, and courses finish with an externally assessed series of examinations, usually consisting of two or three timed written examinations.
General Educational Development (or GED)The GED tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. The GED is also referred to as a General Education Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma, Graduate Equivalency Degree.The American Council on Education is the sole developer for the GED test. The test is in person. Jurisdictions award a "Certificate of General Educational Development" or similarly titled credential to persons who meet the passing score requirements.Only individuals who have not earned a high school diploma may take the GED tests.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Associate’s Degree
You can earn an associate’s degree after two years at a US community college.
Many students who earn an associate’s degree continue their schooling at another US college or university in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Jefferson Education can advise you if you want to transfer to another college or university.
Types of associate’s degrees:
- associate of arts
- associate of science
- associate of applied science
- associate of occupational studies
Bachelor’s Degree
Students at four-year undergraduate colleges and universities in the USA earn bachelor’s degrees.
Most students earn one of two types of bachelor’s degrees:
- bachelor of arts
- bachelor of science
Colleges and universities in America have their own list of majors in which you can earn a bachelor’s degree. Some even will let you create your own college major!
Graduate Qualifications
Master’s DegreeYou can earn a master’s degree at a US graduate school in nearly any field. Programs are typically between 1-2 years.
The subject you study will determine the type of master’s degree you will earn, such as a:
- master of arts
- master of science
- master of business administration
Before you are accepted into a master’s degree program, you probably will need to take the GRE or GMAT.
Doctoral Degree
A doctoral degree is the highest type of US university degree. Programs are usually 3+ years.
A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is the most common type of doctoral degree. Some fields, however, require a doctoral degree before you can obtain a job, including:
- doctors
- lawyers
- dentists
- veterinarians
