The US Education System

During the Freshman and Sophomore years (1 and 2) the curriculum of most undergraduate programs is based on a “liberal arts” philosophy.

This means all students follow a broad range of courses and subjects. It gives a broad foundation to their education.

These general education courses include English composition, social sciences, humanities, history, mathematics and natural or physical sciences.

After meeting core curriculum requirements, students choose a specific field of study by declaring their major. This is done before the start of the Junior Year (Year 3).

You should choose a Major in the subject area which interests you most, or in which you are academically strongest.

You should also think about how it will benefit the career you want after graduation.

Help with choosing your Major.

We can help you decide on your Major. Our advisors on campus can work directly with you. You can also have a look at our Guide to Majors.

You will spend your final two years (Junior and Senior) taking more courses that are related to your major.

You will also be preparing for your chosen specialized professional area – for example pharmacy, engineering, business or fine arts.

In the US, you cannot complete a stand-alone undergraduate degree in law or medicine.

Instead, these degrees are completed as professional study after completing a general bachelor’s degree.

Medical schools have set prerequisite courses that must be taken before enrollment.

Students on an undergraduate program who are preparing for medical school are known as pre-med.