Questions on US University System & Working/Studying at Night

[toxique]

Hi there brothers. Got two questions

1) How does the university system in the USA work? I've read some terms: GPA, grad, undergrad, bachelor, masters and so on, I am getting some little idea. Also, how much time does any stage takes (theoretically) to complete every stage? Is it full day classes? Are the subjects equivalent in every US university? differences between state and privated ones? Any explanation is really welcome

2) I am am starting a short technical career (3 yr. and a lower degree than university) in electronics at night. I work all the day and my wife is unemployed. No kids yet. Did anyone go through similar situation? I'd like to hear your experiences, on how to cope with family and study
(already read https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=63732)

All the best

 

[Moonbear]

Some quick answers:
GPA = grade point average. Generally, on a scale of 0 to 4, where a 4.0 would represent straight A's (highest marks) and a 0 complete failure. Not all schools are completely equivalent about how they assign GPA. For example, in some schools, if you take honors level classes, they might weight an A as higher than a 4.0 to reflect the increased difficulty of the classes.

Undergrad is short for undergraduate, which refers to students in a university working on their bachelor's degree (we use college and university interchangeably for the most part when referring to educational levels, although there are distinctions based on the size, focus on research vs teaching, and higher degrees offered). We use the designations B.A. or B.S. for this degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences, respectively). This is usually a 4 year program, though a few degrees require 5 years.

Graduate degrees or graduate schools refer to programs for obtaining one's Master's (M.S.) or doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees. The master's degree can take between 1 and 3 years depending on whether a thesis is required (some are just advanced classes, and some are research oriented). The Ph.D. is on average about 5 to 6 years of education (you're done whenever you're done; this is research based, so depending on success on your project, can take more or less time).

The degrees can be obtained in order of B.S. (or B.A.), M.S., Ph.D, or you can skip the M.S. and go directly to the Ph.D.

Not all universities offer all subjects of study. Different universities also have different strengths and weaknesses based on the qualifications of their faculty and areas their faculty focus on for their research. However, there isn't all that much variation in introductory level classes. Rather, the differences become more apparent in the advanced level courses. State vs private school simply refers to the source of funding. State schools are partially funded by the government, so tuition is usually lower. Private schools are privately funded, and are usually more expensive to attend. As for quality, the source of funding really doesn't impact that much, although the handful of the most prestigious universities are privately funded. But, it's variable. There are excellent state-funded schools, and not-so-excellent private schools, and vice versa.

 

[hhegab]

to everyone!

Hi there! I'm happy to help answer your questions about the US university system and studying/working at night.

1) The university system in the US is quite complex, as there are many different types of universities and programs. Generally, there are two main types of universities: public (state-funded) and private. Public universities are typically larger and have lower tuition costs for in-state residents, while private universities tend to be smaller and have higher tuition costs.

As for the different terms you mentioned, here is a brief explanation:

- GPA (Grade Point Average): This is a numerical representation of a student's overall academic performance. It is calculated by averaging the grades received in all classes. The scale is typically from 0.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest.
- Undergraduate: This refers to a student who is pursuing a bachelor's degree, which is typically a 4-year program.
- Graduate: This refers to a student who has already completed a bachelor's degree and is now pursuing a higher level degree, such as a master's or doctorate.
- Bachelor's degree: This is an undergraduate degree that typically takes 4 years to complete.
- Master's degree: This is a graduate level degree that typically takes 1-2 years to complete after a bachelor's degree.
- Doctorate: This is the highest level of academic degree and typically takes 3-7 years to complete after a bachelor's degree.

The time it takes to complete each stage can vary depending on the individual's course load and program requirements. Generally, a bachelor's degree takes 4 years, a master's degree takes 1-2 years, and a doctorate takes 3-7 years.

Classes are typically held during the day, but there are also evening and weekend classes available for those who work or have other commitments during the day. The subjects covered in each university may vary, as different universities have different specialties and strengths.

2) I have not personally gone through a similar situation, but I have friends and colleagues who have. From their experiences, it is important to have a good support system in place. This could be your spouse, family, or friends who can help with household tasks or provide emotional support while you are studying. It is also important to communicate with your employer and make sure they understand your academic commitments. Time management and prioritization are key in